Minister's statement on attacks on police
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has backed the Deputy Chief Constable’s calls for the public to support the PSNI and its civilian staff following further serious assaults overnight.
The Minister said:
“My initial thoughts are with the police officers and staff who were assaulted and wounded in last night’s attack and with their colleagues and families.
“The PSNI are working day and night, every day and will continue to do so over the holiday period to protect our communities and keep us, our families, friends and businesses safe.
“I am angry that, once again, an appeal is having to be made for the public to support the PSNI in the crucial work they do.
“Each, and every, time an officer is injured on duty – and according to the PSNI’s own figures there have been 2630 assaults on police between October 2024 and September 2025 – there is an impact on their ability to protect the public.
“It means fewer officers available to respond to 999 calls, provide neighbourhood policing, investigate crimes, prepare files for court proceedings and the list goes on.
“We all need to support the Police Federation for Northern Ireland’s ‘Let Them Protect Campaign’.
“In the new year I intend to introduce legislation to provide for higher sentences for assaults on any person who is providing services to the public, performing a public duty or delivering a public service, including police officers.
“One attack on a police officer is one attack too many – it is beyond unacceptable that we see so many attacks on those who seek to keep our communities safe. It has to stop. And it has to stop now.”
Notes to editors:
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