Ulster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA responds to the NI Affairs Committee report on police recruitment, saying Sinn Féin's mixed support for policing remains one of the greatest obstacles to getting more Catholics into the PSNI. He welcomed renewed calls to boost recruitment but warned that all parties must now back the police without reservation.

Uster Unionist Party Leader Jon Burrows MLA commented:

“The PSNI has significantly improved in terms of its representativeness over the last 25 years. Over 30 per cent of the PSNI are now Catholic and, likewise, over 30 per cent are now female.

“The greatest obstacles to Catholic recruitment remain the mixed level of political support for the PSNI from Sinn Féin and the continued threat posed by dissident republicans.

“Whilst it is important the PSNI are held to account properly, it is incumbent on all political parties and community representatives to support policing and encourage recruitment to the PSNI. Sinn Féin still has a long way to go and, unfortunately, it took until 2024 for them to attend a PSNI passing-out parade.

“Sinn Féin still regularly criticise the police based on snapshots of incidents before any independent investigation, and have a cold disposition towards the PSNI generally. The reality is that their commitment to policing has been slow, patchy and incomplete.

“The most important thing is that we attract and retain the best officers for the job, and that they are selected on merit.

“The cadet scheme idea is worth exploring, but there are challenges, including stretched budgets and the risk that cadets may encounter due to the residual threat. However, there is merit in exploring this outstanding Patten recommendation and the expansion of work experience options.

“The recent BBC programme "The Peelers" was a great advertisement for the professionalism and commitment of our police officers, and more exposure of the great work the PSNI does will help encourage recruitment and depoliticise policing.”