We are now acting for just over 4,200 officers who have registered with the Police Federation, along with many civilians employed by the PSNI. If you wish to be part of the action you can contact the PFNI if you are a member. If you are not a PFNI member, you can contact us directly at psnidatabreach@edwardsandcompany.co.uk
We have sent a detailed letter of claim to the Chief Constable and hope to engage with PSNI Legal Services within the next few weeks. High Court proceedings will likely follow in the near future. Our letter of claim does not mention any individual by name.
We know that those affected by the data breach have many queries about how things will proceed and we answer below a number of the most frequently asked questions at this stage:
Will I be kept anonymous?
We will be making an application for anonymity for all those involved so that each individual will be referred to in the Court proceedings only by a cipher and not by name.
What level of damages might be awarded?
Damages will differ from person to person and will depend on factors like the extent of any mental health injury suffered and any financial loss incurred.
Will everyone receive the same level of damages?
No, we believe that damages will vary significantly, and that each individual’s case will have to be examined closely on its own merits.
Will I recover damages for money spent on security?
We will pursue a claim for damages for all reasonable out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the data breach, including on improving security.
How long will the matter take to conclude?
This is an unprecedented data breach with thousands being affected as a result. We cannot say at this stage how long precisely each case will take to complete but we will keep all clients fully advised on the progress of the matter, with regular updates.
Will I have to see a doctor?
Individuals may have to see a medical expert through our office in order to receive a formal diagnosis of mental injury.
What do I need to do now?
If you are registered with the PFNI, they will contact you in the near future with details of what we will need from you. If you have registered with us, we will be in touch directly.
How do I contact you if I have any queries?
If you have any queries from time to time, please contact us via email at psnidatabreach@edwardsandcompany.co.uk or via the Police Federation, or by calling our office.
