A tribunal recently uncovered the existence of a surveillance program conducted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to monitor journalists that were deemed to be conducting unwanted investigations into the PSNI. The program, referred to as a “defensive operation,” aimed to identify the confidential sources of journalists. The investigation by the IPT is examining allegations made by journalists Trevor Birney, Barry McCaffrey, and Vincent Kearney that they were unlawfully placed under surveillance by the PSNI, Durham Police, and the Metropolitan Police. The PSNI’s surveillance operations involved cross-referencing telephone billing information with police telephone numbers to determine if any police officers had contact with journalists. The scope and duration of the operation remain unclear. The investigation has brought to light various instances of the PSNI’s attempts to obtain communications data and monitor the activities of journalists and their sources. The lawyers for the journalists argue that the PSNI has failed to disclose relevant evidence and has not fulfilled its duty to be candid. The tribunal hearings will continue at a later date.
Police obtained phone records of journalists alleging disruptive behavior.
