PSNI criticised over Black Lives Matter protest in Derry with Policing Board saying lessons should be learned

Yesterday the board published its review of the policing response to COVID-19, conducted by its Human Rights Advisor, John Wadham.

Designed to examine how the PSNI responded to the pandemic, the report focuses on the period March 23 and June 30, 2020 and makes 18 recommendations.

Some of these relate to a Black Lives Matter protests in Guildhall Square on June 6 that was called after the death of 46-year-old American George Floyd in Minneapolis in May. Fifty seven fines and community resolution notices were issued in Derry as a result of that protest with 11 issued at a similar event in Belfast.

The PSNI was criticised for taking a different approach to policing funerals and beach gatherings to that which it took at the Black Lives Matter protest in Derry. The matter is now the subject of an ongoing probe by the Police Ombudsman.

In his report Mr. Wadham states: “The allegations that the Black Lives Matter protests were dealt with by the PSNI in a different manner than other gatherings is however, a serious one. These issues are not dealt with in more detail in this report because the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland has used a special power under section 60A of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998 to carry out an investigation into these event.”

He recommends: “PSNI should hold discussions with the organisers of the Black Lives Matter protests on future co-operation to ensure peaceful protests are facilitated and that both sides understand the positive obligations of the police and the key role of the organisers.”

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: “The PSNI has received a copy of the Policing Board’s Thematic Review of the Policing Response to Covid-19.

“We welcome the report and the scrutiny into the police response. We will now take time to consider its findings and recommendations.”

SDLP social justice spokesperson Mark H. Durkan claimed: “The Policing Board report highlights undeniable inconsistencies in the PSNI response to public gatherings during the pandemic.”

People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin claimed the report vindicated the concerns raised by various groups regarding the PSNI’s handling of the Black Lives Matter protests in Derry and Belfast on June 6.