Naomi Long praises police efforts as survey reveals public confidence in PSNI stays high at 80%
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 2
- 2 min read
The Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed new survey findings indicating consistently high levels of public confidence in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), despite ongoing workforce and funding challenges.
The figures are published in the latest Research and Statistical Bulletin titled Experience of Crime and Perceptions of Crime and Policing and Justice: Findings from the 2023/24 Northern Ireland Safe Community Telephone Survey, released today by the Department of Justice.
According to the report, public confidence in both policing and police accountability arrangements remained steady at around 80% in 2023/24.
Reacting to the findings, Justice Minister Naomi Long said:
“It is great to see that public confidence in the police and police accountability arrangements has remained high at around 80% in 2023/24.”
She continued:
“This is particularly welcoming when considering the challenges PSNI have been facing in terms of workforce levels.
“I have been working closely with the Chief Constable and my Executive colleagues to ensure PSNI receives the funding it requires to recover its numbers.”
Emphasising the importance of sustainable policing resources, Minister Long added:
“I will continue to push for more funding and am pleased that we now have a clear roadmap for delivering the officer numbers set out in the PSNI recovery plan.
“While there is no room for complacency it is reassuring to note that public confidence in policing remains high.”
The Justice Minister also commended the dedication and professionalism of PSNI officers:
“This is a testament to the brave men and women of the PSNI who day and daily strive to keep our communities safe.
“The recent disorder we saw in Ballymena and other places across Northern Ireland shows how difficult a job policing is.
“It also shows how determined our police service is to keep our communities safe.”
The findings underline the public’s continuing recognition of the PSNI’s efforts during a time when resources remain under pressure.
The full report is available from the Department of Justice here:
