Young people face choice when they see violence, walk away or risk it all – top PSNI officer
A top police officer who has investigated hundreds of murders in Northern Ireland says young people must choose whether to walk away from violence or get involved, risking their whole future.
Detective Chief Inspector Jason Murphy spoke to Downtown Radio and Cool FM as part of our series into one punch attacks.
Murphy says alcohol plays a big part in many of these types of crimes.
“It’s not fair to say that all these types of crimes result from drugs or alcohol – but the majority do. Most of the ones we investigate have a mix of alcohol and a falling out of some sort which escalates very, very quickly.”
He says that mix makes it challenging to investigate.
“We rely very heavily on CCTV – like bars and clubs – most are first class in how they manage their premises – most of this violence takes place outside the premises. When you mix a large group of people with alcohol it does make it very challenging to investigate.”
In Northern Ireland, nearly one life every year is lost to this crime.
That figure may not be high in comparison to other crimes, but as Jason explains, the effect it has on so many is huge.
“Nobody that hasn’t experienced this can imagine the tragedy that the family feels of being robbed of a loved one in second, none of us as parents expect to receive a knock at the door – and us that have children would be terrified of the thought of a police officer knocking on the door.
“Families are losing their loved one in an instant in circumstances which they never intend to lose them.
“Our experience when families when they lose a loved one, predominantly young males in this case, who are in the prime of their lives, that brings an added layer of tragedy for families.”