Thousands of PSNI officers had their personal details released in a Freedom of Information request
A law firm representing thousands of PSNI officers has expressed “extreme disappointment” as the force rules out compensation for those impacted by a large data breach.
In August 2023, the personal details of all 9,483 PSNI officers and staff were released in a spreadsheet as part of a Freedom of Information request response which included surnames, initials, ranks and roles.
The force was fined £750,000 by the Information Commissioners Office as a result of the breach, with officers leaving and having to spend thousands enhancing their personal security due to fearing for their own safety.
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Edwards Solicitors has since commenced legal action against the PSNI on behalf of thousands of officers who were impacted by the data breach.
At a hearing in the High Court on September 10, the force said that despite a business case for a universal offer of compensation to officers being approved by the Departments of Justice and Finance, the PSNI couldn’t make such an offer as the total figure was not affordable within its current funding.
The law firm has said that today’s statement from the PSNI has caused “extreme disappointment and frustration” that it has taken so long for the force to say this, as legal proceedings began in October 2023.
Partner and Head of Litigation at Edwards Solicitors, Philip Gordon, said: “Our firm represents the majority of claimants in this high-profile case.
“We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that it has taken until now for the PSNI to raise such a crucial issue.
“The data breach took place just over two years ago and proceedings were issued in October 2023. On numerous occasions, the Court was told that a “universal offer” was pending, subject to approval, without any mention of funding issues.
“To learn only now that funding to allow a resolution remains in dispute is not acceptable for those affected by the data breach. Our clients, who had their personal details published online, are left in limbo by this failure to offer to them what has been approved.
“We will now be focusing our efforts on the test cases which are listed for hearing for four days in November and will continue to press for resolution to funding issues so that a universal offer can be made without further delay.”
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has said the failure to make compensation payments over the PSNI data breach will be greeted with dismay and anger by officers.
PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said: “All sides agree the business case for what’s called a ‘universal offer’ but the PSNI is unable to make the offer as the total figure is not affordable within current funding. This is a total mess.
“The cupboard is bare and without direct intervention from Government, the thousands of officers who were victims in this case are being left high and dry.
“A mechanism must be found to pay what is approved. Our officers will see this latest development as a serious setback and will feel dismayed and angry. They are being treated shoddily and that is something that has to change.
“Both Departments of Justice and Finance, and the PSNI, are in agreement but the Service, in a late admission in the High Court, said it couldn’t foot the bill.
“There is now an urgent need for our devolved Executive to go to Government for help. We, too, have serious questions to ask and will be seeking a meeting with the Secretary of State as a matter of urgency. We must have clarification and certainty. Right now, all we have is a Service in a cash crisis unable to meet its financial obligations to the men and women I represent.”
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