At a meeting on 2 July 2026, the Northern Ireland Policing Board questioned the Chief Constable on the police response to racist violence and street disorder that occurred the previous month. Members commended police and emergency services' work and noted 49 officers were injured during the disorder.

The Chief Constable provided an update on the assessment of those who organised the violence. The Board stressed the need for clarity on any paramilitary involvement. Arrests and charges have been made against those who participated in the disorder. A dedicated Public Disorder Review Team, comprising 46 officers, is continuing efforts to identify perpetrators of on-street disorder and online incitement.

The Board observed that this marks the third year of serious racist disorder and said it requires a response beyond policing. They called on politicians, civic leaders, community and faith leaders to work to prevent recurrence. The Board also discussed civil contingency measures and the need for strategic management across the Northern Ireland government and supporting roles from other agencies.

The meeting also covered the Langdale Review into Violence Against Women and Girls and PSNI culture. Rachel Langdale KC presented her report, which makes 69 recommendations. The report examines victim experiences, survivor-centered strategies, and the culture of sexism and misogyny within the PSNI.

The Chief Constable acknowledged the issue of misogyny within the service and committed to rooting out inappropriate behaviours. The Board welcomed this. He will provide a timelined implementation plan to address recommendations from several reports, including Langdale, Angiolini, CJINI, PONI, and Melia. The Board stressed that clear progress measures will be central.

Separately, the Director General of the National Crime Agency presented his six-monthly report on serious and organised crime. It noted notable successes in operations with the PSNI. Discussions focused on child sexual abuse investigations, cyber crime, the common travel area, the Paramilitary Crime Task Force, and the emerging threat of organised drug-facilitated sexual assault, where primarily male offenders perpetrate sexual offences against females in person and online.

The meeting also raised questions about the Police Reform White Paper published in January, which proposes a new National Police Service that could affect the NCA's future. The Board will monitor developments with the Chief Constable.