Justice Minister Naomi Long has strongly criticised the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) for its failure to provide adequate CCTV footage in a high-profile cybercrime investigation. The case, involving a young woman named Rebecca Black, has raised serious concerns about policing standards and public safety.
Ms Long expressed her frustration after learning that crucial surveillance footage was either missing or of insufficient quality to aid the investigation. "This is not just an operational failure—it undermines public trust in our justice system," she stated.
Growing Concerns Over Policing Resources
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the PSNI's resources and capabilities in tackling cybercrime. With digital offences on the rise, many are questioning whether law enforcement has kept pace with technological advancements.
"When victims come forward, they deserve to know that every possible piece of evidence will be properly secured and examined," Ms Long emphasised. "Failure to do so risks letting perpetrators walk free."
Call for Immediate Review
The Justice Minister has called for an urgent review of PSNI procedures regarding CCTV evidence collection and preservation. She highlighted that without reliable surveillance footage, many cases—particularly those involving digital crimes—become significantly harder to prosecute.
This development comes amid increasing pressure on police forces across the UK to improve their handling of cyber-related offences. Experts warn that without proper investment in digital forensics and evidence management, the justice system risks falling behind criminals who exploit technological vulnerabilities.
