News, analysis, and updates on legal reforms, law enforcement, judicial processes, and public safety measures upholding justice in Northern Ireland.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has insisted there was “absolutely no data breach” by her department after the names of police officers appeared on publicly accessible online court lists, triggering a precautionary shutdown of the service. The incident, which occurred on 3 February 2026, involved officers pursuing compensation claims against the […]
Justice Minister Naomi Long has called for sustained collective action to dismantle the stigma and silence surrounding sexual abuse, warning that such crimes thrive on secrecy and societal discomfort. Speaking at the Nexus NI annual conference in Belfast today, Ms Long emphasised that confronting “uncomfortable truths” requires challenging long-held assumptions
The Department of Justice has confirmed the appointment of Andrew Elliott as Chief Executive of Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI). Justice Minister Naomi Long welcomed the new chief executive, describing FSNI as “a leader in the field of forensic science” and praising its role in underpinning criminal investigations across Northern
Justice Minister Naomi Long and Health Minister Mike Nesbitt have awarded almost £30,000 to a west Belfast women’s centre so it can pilot on-site legal and justice advice for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. During a joint visit to Footprints Women’s Centre in Colinmill, both ministers praised the charity’s
Justice Minister Naomi Long has asked the UK Government to tighten controls on adult-services websites that facilitate the commercial sexual exploitation of women and girls. In a letter to the Home Office Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, she describes the online trade as a “deeply disturbing
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the appointment of Dr Brian Payne as the newest member of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI). Dr Payne’s term will run to February 2028, aligning with the current three-year cycle of the Board first constituted in March 2025. The move matters because
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the appointment of Acting Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett to the Board of the Police Rehabilitation and Retraining Trust (PRRT). The move, effective from 5 January 2026, sees the senior officer become the statutory nominee of the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern
Justice Minister Naomi Long has ordered a fresh examination of how Northern Ireland punishes some of the most serious and socially sensitive crimes, ranging from the unlawful killing of emergency workers to animal cruelty and fireworks offences. The wide-ranging Review of Sentencing Policy will revisit the legal framework, the use
Justice Minister Naomi Long has confirmed the re-appointment of Stephen White OBE as Chair of the RUC George Cross Foundation and the appointment of three new trustees. Their five-year terms began on 14 January 2026. The move matters because the Foundation – an executive non-departmental public body and registered charity
Justice Minister Naomi Long has launched a fresh recruitment drive for Custody Prison Officers (CPOs) across Northern Ireland’s three prison establishments. The campaign seeks both frontline officers and qualified tradespeople, with the Department of Justice positioning the roles as central to building safer communities through rehabilitation as well as security.
