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PSNI staff offered £7,500 compensation over data breach

Julian O'NeillCrime and justice correspondent, BBC News NI
News imagePA Media A close-up image of a police officer's black protection vest as they stand near a cordoned off street.PA Media

Police officers and civilian staff impacted by a 2023 data breach have been made "a universal offer" of £7,500 each in compensation.

The breach involved the accidental release of some personal details of all 9,400 Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) personnel.

The Police Federation described the offer as "substantial and major progress".

In a statement, the PSNI said: "This matter is subject to ongoing settlement discussions, and it would be inappropriate to comment at this stage."

In December, Stormont agreed to ring fence £119m to settle claims for damages.

It follows group legal actions, with the High Court in Belfast hearing a case involving six claimants, which it still has to deliver judgement on.

The offer of £7,500 to all those impacted was made in correspondence to solicitors acting in the group claims.

Police Federation chair, Liam Kelly, described the figure as "a decent outcome" for most of those affected.

News imagePFNI Liam Kelly has grey hair parted to the side and a salt and pepper coloured beard. He is smiling to the cameraPFNI
Liam Kelly said the offer represents major progress

However, he said it would not cover "exceptional cases", such as individuals with "readily identifiable names", who might opt to continue legal action.

"This universal offer is substantial and major progress in this protracted matter," he said.

"For many officers, it will mean they are able to draw a line under the case and move on with their careers.

"This is not a one-size-fits-all offer.

"We will see some colleagues who were left particularly vulnerable wishing to proceed with their legal cases."

Edwards Solicitors, who are acting for thousands of officers and staff, also welcomed the development.

Philip Gordon, a partner at the firm, said: "We are delighted that after more than two years of hard work and considerable patience from our clients, the chief constable has finally been able to make an offer of compensation.

"Some have been particularly badly affected, and we have heard harrowing stories of severe upset and distress caused to officers and their families.

"For those people, the offer may not be suitable and their cases will continue."