Black Lives Matter protest at Derry’s Guildhall Square in June 2020
The Ombudsman found that an investigation into a “protect our monuments” protest in Belfast in June 2020 had been closed prematurely.
She found that the approach taken was in contrast to previous Black Lives Matter protests which were held in Derry and Belfast.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I acknowledge that policing this protest posed significant challenges for the PSNI in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, but that does not excuse their failure to conduct an adequate follow-up investigation or the lack of consistency with other protests around that timeframe.
“It is understandable that ethnic minorities and other groups in the North have had their confidence in policing damaged by the sharp contrast shown in the approach taken to this protest and those in the wake of the death of George Floyd.
“The PSNI has work to do to rebuild relationships in that respect and I welcome their commitment to improve relations with all communities.
“I regret that no further action can be taken due to the retirement of the officer leading the investigation, but regardless it is important that the PSNI learn lessons from this incident and the Ombudsman’s findings.
“The PSNI must treat every community in the North the same if they wish to retain public confidence and are duty-bound to investigate all offences to the best of their ability.”
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