Chief Constable Simon Byrne of the Police Service of Northern Ireland has condemned the threat against the relatives of police officers, stating that the “abhorrent” threat will not be tolerated.
A dissident republican group has issued a threat against the families of Northern Ireland police officers, causing concern that it could discourage new recruits and lead to resignations. Former PSNI officer Linzi McLaren characterised the threat as a “new low” and believes that current officers must reevaluate their own personal safety.
Ms. McLaren, who served for 18 years in the Police Service of Northern Ireland and is now a candidate for the Ulster Unionist Party in the upcoming council elections, expressed concern for the safety of her family in light of the threat and noted that the younger generation of officers lacks the same experience with the Troubles. Ms. McLaren criticised the PSNI’s response, stating that “very little information” has been provided to allay fears.
Chief Constable of the PSNI, Simon Byrne, condemned the threat and stated that it would not be tolerated. He called it “repulsive” and urged officers to take “reasonable” security measures. Ms. McLaren stated that these measures are insufficient.
The small republican dissident group emerged in 2017 and has been less active than comparable groups in Northern Ireland. The threat has prompted officers to reevaluate what it means to be a police officer in light of the news that it could affect recruitment and morale.
Linzi McLaren, a former member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), has warned that a recent threat made by a small dissident republican group against the families of police officers may have a negative impact on recruitment and morale within the police force. Ms. McLaren, who served in the PSNI for eighteen years, expressed concern for her own family and urged current officers to reevaluate their own personal safety.
The group emerged for the first time in 2017 and made a “abhorrent” threat against the relatives of police officers, which PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne strongly condemned. Ms. McLaren stated that staff had been informed of the threat and instructed to take “reasonable” security precautions, but she criticised this response, stating that “very little information” has been provided to allay concerns. She was also concerned that this news could result in resignations and discourage new hires.
Ms. McLaren stated that officers who have lived through the Troubles retain a fear instinct, whereas those who have joined the force more recently may lack this experience. She stated, “They lack the instinct for fear or the ability to perceive danger.” Obviously, however, this will change now. They will have to reevaluate what it means to be a police officer.”
The dissident republican group’s threat has caused fear and concern among Northern Ireland’s police officers. While PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has strongly condemned this “abhorrent” threat, former PSNI officer Linzi McLaren has warned that it could have serious recruitment and morale consequences for the force.
