Policing Board calls special meeting over 'shocking' report

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has today received the Police Ombudsman’s report on the investigation into matters surrounding the death of Raymond McCord Junior.

Speaking about the report, Policing Board Chairman, Professor Sir Desmond Rea, said:

“Firstly, on behalf of the Policing Board I would like to condemn outright the murder of Raymond McCord Junior and those responsible for that murder. This was a terrible crime and a human tragedy. It has had an immeasurable impact on the McCord family as they have attempted to come to terms with Raymond’s loss and sought the truth about the circumstances of his death.

“This condemnation also extends to the other murders, attempted murders and serious criminal activity detailed in the Ombudsman’s Report. Our thoughts are with the families of all involved.”

Sir Desmond continued: “On behalf of the Policing Board I also wish to acknowledge the work involved in conducting such a lengthy and complex investigation; and that in this Report the Police Ombudsman has delivered a significant public service.

“This report is a shocking report and those who read it will be disturbed by the litany of issues outlined. The list speaks of un-professionalism, non-compliance with legal requirements and failure to meet minimum requirements on the part of some police officers. The report references major failures in the management of information and the lack of accountability for the management of informants.”

He added: “The Board also notes the definitions of collusion used by the Police Ombudsman for the purposes of examining whether collusion has occurred, and the list of collusion activities identified in the Report. However, it is noted that no evidence was found to support the allegation that the police knew something was going to happen to Raymond McCord Jr.

“The difficulties encountered by the Ombudsman in obtaining information from the PSNI during the course of her investigation are of concern; and the Ombudsman’s comments in relation to the non co-operation of some officers have been noted.”

The Report also states that ‘No senior officer has taken total responsibility for the management of Informant 1 during the period under investigation’.


The Policing Board also said that it has recognised that over the years many lives were saved and attacks thwarted by the actions of Special Branch officers and this should be borne in mind.

Sir Desmond continued: “This report is significant not just for policing but for the wider community. The Board has taken very seriously the handling of informants and management of intelligence, not least because it is critical to public safety and public confidence in policing. As such, Members will want to consider and discuss in detail the Ombudsman’s statement, its conclusions and its recommendations.

In order that the Board has a full understanding of the complexities of the investigation completed, the Police Ombudsman has agreed to brief the Board on the Report and we plan to hold a special meeting this week. The Board will then meet with the Chief Constable to discuss the content and recommendations of the Report. The Board welcomes the fact that the Chief Constable has already accepted in full the recommendations that fall within his remit but the Board will want to put in place robust monitoring arrangements to ensure implementation in a timely and effective manner, as recommended by the Ombudsman.”

Sir Desmond continued by saying that whilst the Ombudsman’s report has highlighted serious failings in some police operations in the past, the report also records the progress that has been made in this area, for example the leadership shown by the current Chief Constable and the senior management of PSNI and their commitment to achieving the highest professional standards of informant and intelligence handling.

He continued: “The Board has invested significant time and energy in holding the PSNI to account and in ensuring the systems, processes and practices are in place for a modern police service. It is essential that the PSNI operates to the highest standards of conduct and professionalism expected by the community.

“The Board will want to be satisfied that the recommendations relating to the PSNI are dealt with in a way that ensures accountability in practice – not just on paper.

“The Board will also be meeting with the Surveillance Commissioner to discuss issues around the management and dissemination of intelligence and the handling of informants.”

Sir Desmond concluded: “I cannot stress enough the Board’s commitment to ensure that the changes that have taken place in recent years are maintained and enhanced and that the failings of the past cannot be repeated ever again.”

(EF/SP)