The plan notes that according to the most recent census, 8.1% of the region’s population belongs to ethnic minority communities, yet just 0.66% of PSNI officers and 0.75% of staff do
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a plan aimed at addressing concerns within ethnic minority communities.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said he wants to ensure everyone in the region feels safe, supported and respected as he launched the PSNI ’s Race and Ethnicity Action Plan.
It outlines goals and steps to eradicate racial and ethnic disparities in policing, and include enhanced training programmes, oversight mechanisms, community engagement and policy reforms.
The plan has been in development since 2024 following disorder associated with anti-immigration protests in Belfast as well as cities across the UK following the killing of three children in Southport.
Businesses belonging those from minority communities were destroyed in the Donegall Road area during the disorder. Similar tension was also seen earlier in 2025 in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
The PSNI’s Race and Ethnicity Action Plan says that those events underline the need for policing to be visibly anti-racist and make it clear there is no place for hatred and discrimination in Northern Ireland
It includes five commitments to being an anti-racist police service, ensuring people from an ethnic minority background feel safe, valued by and engaged in policing and that police respect and are trusted by people from ethnic minority communities.
Police have also committed to “excellence in diversity, equality, representation and inclusivity”. The plan notes that according to the most recent census, 8.1% of the region’s population belongs to ethnic minority communities, yet just 0.66% of PSNI officers and 0.75% of staff do.
In his foreword to the report, Mr Boutcher acknowledged public confidence in police, “especially among these communities has been impacted by historical injustices, disparities in policing outcomes and a perception of bias within the system”.
“It is our responsibility to not only recognise these concerns, but to actively address them,” he said.
Speaking at the launch event on Thursday evening, Mr Boutcher said the plan represents a commitment to ethnic minority communities ensuring that everyone in Northern Ireland feels safe, supported and respected.
“We recognise the importance of listening to all communities and working together to build a policing service that truly reflects the diversity of the society we serve,” he said.
“Recent events have demonstrated the need for decisive action and clear leadership to stamp out racism which clearly exists in communities in Northern Ireland.
“We are confident this action plan will drive the work of the police service and help us to work more effectively with ethnic minority communities and partners.
“The Race and Ethnicity Action Plan aligns with PSNI’s broader equality, diversity and inclusivity and our work through our Policing with the Community vision, ensuring that tangible actions to address race and ethnicity are embedded across all areas of policing.
“PSNI is committed to regular updates on the progress of the plan and to continuing open dialogue with ethnic minority communities to ensure it meets their needs.”
Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board Mukesh Sharma welcomed the publication of the plan.
“This action plan clearly sets out PSNI’s commitment to tackling racist hate crime in all its forms,” he said.
“There is much work to do in tackling hate crime. Its eradication requires a wider societal response in parallel with a policing one and publication of this action plan is an important step.
“The board will monitor and oversee progress in its delivery with the chief constable.”
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