Everyone in the Catholic community should reject entirely anyone intimidating or threatening police officers in the north, Ireland's Primate has said.
Archbishop Eamon Martin was speaking following the data breach revealing the names and stations of all police officers and staff and amid claims the information is now in the hands of dissident republicans.
A man was arrested on Wednesday as part of an investigation linked to the breach of data. The 39-year-old was arrested in Lurgan, Co Armagh, on suspicion of the collection of information likely to be useful to terrorists.
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PSNI Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Hill said officers are "working tirelessly to address the risk posed to officers and staff. Today's search operation, and subsequent arrest, is just one piece of a large-scale operation.
"We will continue in our efforts to disrupt criminal activity associated with this Freedom of Information data breach and to keep communities, and our officers and staff who serve them, safe."
Archbishop Martin said he had spoken to Chief Constable Simon Byrne on Wednesday to express his concerns about the data leak.
“In recent days I have spoken to several families and relatives of Catholic PSNI members. I wish to state my unequivocal support for all those who serve as police members or civilian support workers for the PSNI," the archbishop said.
“I have previously encouraged young people from the Catholic community to consider a career in policing. Today I reiterate this sentiment. For that reason I also call on everyone in the community to reject entirely those who would intimidate or threaten the courageous women and men - including those from the Catholic community - who selflessly choose this noble vocation of policing.”
He added: "I am in no doubt but that the future of peace and prosperity across the island of Ireland will depend upon respect and support for policing. Today I assured the Chief Constable that all members of the PSNI, and their families, are in my prayers at this time.”
SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan, a Foyle MLA, has written to Mr Byrne to express “fresh and further concerns”.
Mr Durkan said: "Without compromising safety and operational requirements, I am asking the chief constable to provide a daily breakdown of the number of risk assessments conducted, the breakdown of officers and civilians assessed and the numbers awaiting assessment, including the breakdown across PSNI ranks.
"It will also be key to know if there is any priority in the order of assessment. We need to know the timeline for the current workload to be completed so that officers and staff can have certainty. I am also asking for details of the process for keeping staff updated on their particular case including if daily, weekly or another timeframe."
