PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher stated at a Policing Board meeting on Thursday that police should not have examined former BBC journalist Vincent Kearney or his family. Kearney serves as northern editor at RTE.

Boutcher holds Kearney in high regard as a journalist who has committed no wrongdoing and was never a suspect in any PSNI investigations.

MI5 acknowledged unlawfully obtaining Kearney's communications data in 2006 and 2009. The agency said it followed codes of practice in place at the time and acted in good faith. The PSNI and Metropolitan Police issued similar acknowledgments.

Angus McCullough KC released a report last year on PSNI surveillance practices. The report documented over 20 efforts by the force to identify sources of journalists. It concluded the activity was neither widespread nor systemic.

Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon asked Boutcher why the PSNI compiled a profile on Kearney and his family. She inquired if the PSNI holds profiles on other journalists or professionals.

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath stated the McCullough report misses some instances of such conduct. He asked Boutcher if an independent inquiry is required.

Boutcher avoided specifics on Kearney's case due to ongoing proceedings. He noted that 2007 codes of practice lacked adequate safeguards for journalists and lawyers in police requests for call data. Boutcher said the PSNI now adheres to procedures correctly.