Dunmurry: Police station bomb 'does make you more fearful'

A recent car bomb attack outside a police station in Dunmurry has raised concerns about the safety of civilian employees working for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Tracy Godfrey, a long-serving member of police civilian staff and union representative for the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (Nipsa), highlighted the ongoing risks faced by those connected to the police. She recalled how seeing the explosion revived memories of the Troubles, a period marked by intense conflict in Northern Ireland.

Godfrey noted that it was a civilian contractor, not a police officer, who first noticed the suspicious vehicle—a hijacked car—and raised the alarm. Despite the heightened danger, she emphasized that both police officers and civilian staff must remain vigilant and continue their work. “My heart just sank… especially whenever I saw the footage of the car exploding,” she told BBC’s Good Morning Ulster, reflecting on the traumatic impact of the blast. She described the attack as one targeting the entire community, reminding people that police staff and contractors are integral members of that community.

The PSNI’s workforce comprises over 6,300 officers and more than 2,000 civilian staff who perform vital roles such as handling emergency calls, supporting crime prevention initiatives, working in communications, and undertaking crime scene photography. Godfrey stressed the importance of civilian workers within the policing team, saying, “We’re all integral, we’re one ‘Team PSNI’. Everybody plays a part.” She acknowledged the constant shadow of threat from dissident republican groups—which the PSNI believes were behind the Dunmurry bombing—pointing out how staff must always be cautious, aware they might be targeted. “You do push it to the back of your mind, and this has just brought it all to the fore to be quite honest,” she admitted.

Recalling the darker times during the Troubles when over 300 officers from the Royal Ulster Constabulary (the precursor to the PSNI) lost their lives, Godfrey pointed out that although much has changed, attacks against the police continue. She highlighted ongoing safety measures such as vehicle checks and route monitoring, but also mentioned the relatively new challenge posed by social media. Civilian staff receive the same access to support services as police officers to help them manage the risks they face. While acknowledging the difficulty in fully protecting against unpredictable attacks, Godfrey encouraged her colleagues to remain vigilant without sacrificing their personal lives.

Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Naomi Long expressed horror at the incident and praised the civilian contractor who raised the alarm, describing their response as “remarkable.” Speaking on the BBC’s Nolan Show, Long emphasized the seriousness of the explosion and the potential for significant harm. She reiterated that despite the persistent security threats in Northern Ireland, the police have largely managed to suppress and disrupt such violent activities. Nevertheless, the bombing serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that still exist. Long also pointed out that some individuals seem intent on returning to the turbulent era of the Troubles, even though many are too young to remember it directly. Reflecting on the current situation, she acknowledged that Northern Ireland remains one of the safest places in the British Isles but cautioned against complacency given the region’s history

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