PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher told the Northern Ireland Policing Board on Thursday that the police service can raise Catholic representation without reinstating 50:50 recruitment targets. He called for shared efforts by community, political, and religious leaders to promote police careers among underrepresented groups.

In the latest student officer recruitment campaign, more than 4,000 people applied. Applicants broke down as 65.6% Protestant background, 26.7% Catholic background, and 7.7% undetermined. Catholic applicants reached their lowest percentage in over a decade.

Boutcher referred to the 1999 Patten Report, which established the PSNI and set 50:50 recruitment from 2001 to 2011. He urged councillors, bishops, priests, teachers, and sports figures to encourage applications and counter discouragement.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said police should consider 50:50 further instead of dismissing it. DUP MLA Trevor Clarke described the recent campaign as strong and stressed political support for recruitment.

Sinn Fein MLAs Deirdre Hargey and Gerry Kelly pointed to barriers for nationalist applicants, including legacy issues from the Troubles and dissident republican threats. Hargey noted cultural gaps in the force. Kelly said 50:50 could shift demographics significantly through practical actions.

Boutcher acknowledged PSNI shortcomings after reviewing the Patten Report over the holidays. He kept all options open but predicted gains in Catholic and other underrepresented applicants via joint work, including for young working-class Protestants and emerging communities.