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The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), Liam Kelly, has welcomed the fact that higher than expected numbers have applied to become student officers.
Mr Kelly said the final tally of 4,822 reflected extensive interest in a rewarding career in policing.
The PFNI Chair added there was still some way to go to address real or perceived obstacles to getting more from a Catholic background to apply.
Mr Kelly said: “I welcome this level of response. It shows there is extensive interest in a police career while also pointing to work that is continuing to attract increased numbers from a Catholic background.
“In this batch, we have almost 29% of applications coming from the Catholic community. I wish this figure was higher to better reflect our wider community.
“Recent negative commentary in the press on this response rate ignores the often-unseen efforts that have been undertaken by PSNI to drive up the number of Catholic applicants.
“The outreach work that was done was and remains extensive. The plain and simple truth is that despite best efforts, Catholics are still put off applying to become student officers for a number of reasons but especially because of threat levels posed by dissident republicans.
“Families are understandably nervous, if not fearful, of the risks and dangers loved ones face when they sign up for a career in policing. For many, it means having to cut ties with friends and carefully manage or restrict family visits.
“The sacrifices some Catholics officers have to make are greater than those faced by their colleagues. As a society, we have to address those barriers and not point the finger of blame at a Service that is trying its best to attract applicants that best reflect our wider community.”
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