PSNI to publish review into journalists' phone surveillance

The Police Service of Northern Ireland will publish a comprehensive review into how it has used journalists' telephone numbers in surveillance operations. The report, written by Angus McCullough KC, covers a period from 2011 to 2024 and is expected to raise concerns about the scale of what observers have called "defensive operations" within the force. The review was commissioned amid legal action brought by Belfast journalists Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who argued the PSNI had used covert measures against journalists.

According to the BBC report, the review also assesses whether covert measures may have been used against lawyers and others. The document runs to around 200 pages, and Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has told political parties and the Northern Ireland Policing Board about its findings. A central focus is the practice of running journalists' telephone numbers through PSNI system records to identify any unauthorised contact with police officers or staff in an effort to detect leaks.

It is not believed the review examined cases currently before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal. Separately, MI5 acknowledged that it had illegally obtained communications data from the mobile phone of journalist Vincent Kearney while he worked for the BBC. The disclosure adds to broader scrutiny of security agencies' reach and the balance between investigative needs and press freedom, a concern echoed in international debates over surveillance and journalism.

Officials say the report's publication later today will be followed by briefings with Northern Ireland political parties and the Policing Board. Observers say the findings could prompt reforms in how the PSNI handles journalist contacts and internal leaks, a development that comes as security and civil liberties groups monitor the role of intelligence practices in public life.