PFNI ‘disappointed’ with data breach fine

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland says it’s disappointed at the £750,000 fine imposed on the PSNI for last year’s data breach.

PFNI Chair Liam Kelly said: “The breach involved the release of surnames, initials, rank and role of officers. It caused widespread understandable distress and concern and forced a major re-think of personal security.

“A fine of this magnitude on an already cash-strapped PSNI will have a negative impact on the organisation. Even though provision was made for most of this last year, there is still a hefty sum of money to come out of the current budget.

“We’re disappointed that our submissions on the level of the fine were not fruitful.

“We would have preferred if PSNI could have been permitted to alternatively spend the funds on enhancing its data security and provide much needed reinvestment in community safety initiatives such as road safety programmes and CCTV funding in partnership with local Councils.  

“We’re grateful the Information Commissioner’s Office applied discretion on the level of fine to be imposed which would have been £5.6 million. Had that happened, I have no doubt that immense harm would have been caused to the Service and the range of services the public have a right to expect.”