Justice Minister Naomi Long has welcomed the findings of a new survey revealing that public confidence in the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) remains consistently high.

The 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,’ was released on Wednesday, 02 July 2025.

Responding to the survey's results, Minister Long stated: "It is great to see that public confidence in the police and police accountability arrangements has remained high at around 80% in 2023/24. This is particularly welcoming when considering the challenges PSNI have been facing in terms of workforce levels." The Minister highlighted her ongoing efforts to support the police service: "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. 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."

Despite recent challenges, including public disorder incidents, Minister Long affirmed the police's dedication. She added: "While there is no room for complacency it is reassuring to note that public confidence in policing remains high. 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 figures published today reflect the public’s acknowledgement of the exceptional work the PSNI does."

The survey findings provide a positive assessment of public trust in the PSNI, reinforcing the efforts being made to maintain law and order across Northern Ireland.