Northern Ireland

Jamie Bryson accuses PSNI of failing to engage with loyalist community

Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson
Loyalist campaigner Jamie Bryson

JAMIE Bryson has accused the PSNI failing to engage with the loyalist community.

The loyalist blogger's comments came as a new recruitment drive was launched in the same week as the PSNI marked its 20th anniversary amid renewed debate over the falling numbers of Catholics joining the service.

In recent months members of unionist and loyalist communities have accused the PSNI of two-tier policing.

Mr Bryson believes little has been done by the police to engage with the loyalist community.

"This is the anniversary week and the police have to my mind, bar a few public utterances, taken no tangible steps to actively reach out to the unionist and loyalist community, more so the loyalist community despite the clear feeling of two-tier policing and alienation from the PSNI," he said.

"The PSNI are for loyalists what the RUC were to nationalists and whether that's based on reality or perception, its a very genuine felling.

"I don think the police are doing enough to confront that."

Mr Bryson believes that despite a lack of confidence within loyalist communities the PSNI's 20th anniversary "is dominated by how they are going to reach out to get more Catholic officers within the police".

This week online magazine Unionist Voice ran a series of discussions to mark the 20th anniversary of the PSNI's launch.

Prominent loyalists, including PUP leader Billy Hutchinson and community worker Jim Wilson, discussed their current view of policing.

Mr Bryson also held a discussion with barrister and GAA commentator Joe Brolly.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: "The Police Service is committed to the impartial delivery of visible, accessible and responsive policing.

"Our officers and staff work tirelessly day and night to prevent harm and increased community safety in partnership with local people.

"We are, and will continue to be, there for all those who need us."