PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told the Policing Board on Thursday that the force can lift Catholic recruitment numbers through shared efforts across society, without needing to reinstate the 50:50 policy from 2001 to 2011. That policy, set after the 1999 Patten Report, required equal hires from Catholic and Protestant or other backgrounds.

The latest student officer campaign drew over 4,000 applicants. Breakdown showed 65.6% from Protestant backgrounds, 26.7% from Catholic backgrounds, and 7.7% undetermined. Boutcher said the Catholic share represents the lowest in over ten years.

Boutcher welcomed the strong applicant response and expanded intake size. He called for discussions to tackle obstacles for underrepresented groups, such as nationalist Catholics, new communities, and young working-class Protestants.

He referenced the Patten Report's call for community leaders, politicians, councillors, clergy, teachers, and sports figures to promote police careers. Boutcher noted society has not met this expectation over 25 years, with Catholic applicants stuck near 30%.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said the 50:50 option should get more consideration before dismissal. DUP MLA Trevor Clarke described the campaign as strong and stressed the need for political backing. Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey pointed to cultural gaps and Troubles-era issues as hurdles. Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly emphasized actions over words to alter force demographics.

Boutcher agreed more work is required, having reviewed the Patten Report over the holidays. He kept all options open but expects proper application of efforts to raise numbers. He mentioned dissident republican risks for some Catholic recruits and weak societal backing.