PTSD

On 27th June 2001 proceedings were issued in a substantial Group Action in the High Court in Northern Ireland. The claim is brought on behalf of approximately 3000 retired and serving police officers against the Chief Constable of the PSNI, formerly the RUC. The Plaintiffs allege that they were inadequately prepared for exposure to the terrifying and horrific experiences which became part of the daily duties of a police officer in Northern Ireland.

It is also alleged that their Authorities failed to deal with the predictable psychological and psychiatric consequences of this exposure.

It is anticipated that it will be approximately 18 months - 2 years before the case is ready for trial, however a Judge has been appointed to manage the Group Action and monitor its progress. The co-ordinating solicitors appointed by the Court to conduct the generic work are Edwards & Co., 28 Hill Street, Belfast. 1 Senior and 2 Junior Counsel are instructed on behalf of the Plaintiffs.

At present a small number of cases are being prepared for trial in order to illustrate the central issues of the case that are generic to all potential claimants. These are known as the Lead Cases.

The Plaintiffs' claim is not that they were exposed to traumatic incidents, they were well aware of and accepted the risks of service in the RUC/PSNI, what they do not accept is the unnecessary or compounded risk created by the alleged negligence of their employer, nor should they have been expected to.

The generic issues in the case centre around the Force's care for officers in preparation and training, during service in a "Troubled" society, where risk of death was faced on a daily basis both on and off duty, and at conclusion of service.

The Action covers the period from the commencement of the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the main focus is on the late 1970's onwards.

The generic case will not deal with issues of individual compensation. It is anticipated that such issues will follow depending on the degree of success of the generic case. Whilst the main purpose of the litigation is to redress, by way of compensation, the loss sustained by those officers who have suffered as a result of the alleged negligence, the Plaintiffs, and particularly the Police Federation which is funding its members' claims, are hopeful that a successful result will bring about much needed change within the Force, leading to a more enlightened approach to the prevention, detection and treatment of the inevitable psychiatric injuries to its officers.