A negative image painted by the press and some public figures has seriously affected the morale of police officers, Crime Chief says Leon Trim.
"It seems from your presentation that the public perception of the force is not very good. Would you say the attitude of the press has, to a great extent, contributed to this?" Trim was asked.
He agreed with this observation during testimony at Wednesday's Disciplined Forces Commission hearing, where he explained that the attitude of the media has, to a great extent, created a perception of the force that now limits public confidence. Though he did also consider that officers should not allow themselves to be affected by such statements.
"In most cases the press attacks the police force, [although] in some cases they give the police praise... in spite of that we are trying to clear the gap between the police, the press and the public," he said.
"Also, statements from public figures denouncing members of the police force, seeking disaffection of its members...would that have impacted at all on the morale of the police force?" Trim was asked.
He conceded that these did have a negative impact as well.