The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has announced a significant update to its Retention and Disposal Schedule, extending the period for which it holds information on its most serious investigations.

Under the revised guidelines, records related to high-profile cases—including those from the Troubles—will now be retained for 50 years after a case is closed, a substantial increase from the previous 20-year limit. The decision follows a detailed review and comparison with other oversight bodies, such as the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, and is intended to bolster transparency regarding Northern Ireland's historical records.

While records management is often viewed as an administrative function, the Ombudsman's Office emphasised its critical role in protecting personal data, maintaining public trust, and ensuring institutional accountability. The updated schedule details how the Office manages the lifecycle of its records, from essential retention to secure disposal. In accordance with legislative requirements, information is not held longer than necessary. All records undergo a review process before disposal, with items of historical importance potentially being transferred to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) for permanent preservation.

This policy shift is particularly relevant as the Office continues to support the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR), established under the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023.

By implementing these changes, the Police Ombudsman aims to ensure that sensitive data remains protected while ensuring records of significant public interest are available for future generations. The new schedule complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Public Records Act (NI) 1923.

A spokesperson for the Office noted that these records form the "foundation" of the Ombudsman’s work, documenting the history of its investigations and its ongoing commitment to justice and integrity in Northern Ireland.