PSNI data breach: 'Almost 200 officers' seeking ill-health retirement

Almost 200 officers are seeking ill-health retirement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), as it deals with the fall-out of a major data breach, a Westminster committee has heard.

The Police Federation, which represents most ranks, said a further 50 officers have applied to work in Australia.

For many officers the breach was the final straw, chairman Liam Kelly said.

A report on the breach was published on Monday.

The report made 37 recommendations for improving data security, after details on all 9,500 employees were released in error in response to a Freedom of Information request in August.

Police later confirmed that the information was in the hands of dissident republicans, among others.

"This year we have 199 people asking for ill-health retirement - that's a 100% increase on normal," Mr Kelly told MPs at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

"They feel let down by the organisation and can't see a pathway to coming back, which is extremely frustrating."

Another aspect to the problem is a delay in officers accessing occupational health services, which have seen "a massive increase" in demand.

"Waiting times to see a psychologist in the PSNI is eight months," Mr Kelly said.

"You can imagine the personal impact on someone who is struggling with their mental health and they can't talk to someone for eight months."

Committee members were told the leak continues to cause anxiety and fear amongst staff.

"I have spoken to 29 officers who have gone and bought doorbell cameras," said Supt Gerry Murray, chair of the Catholic Police Guild of Northern Ireland.

He said safety concerns still exist four months on from the breach.

"This will go on for some time.

"This will not be resolved this year or maybe next year because the fear is still very much with them."

On Monday, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said all PSNI staff will be offered a one-off payment of £500 to help with home security improvements.