In a time when connectivity and ease of access can make all the difference, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has launched the My PSNI Portal, offering citizens a more convenient way to interact with police services.

For many of our members across rural and countryside communities, barriers of distance, time, or uncertainty can discourage engagement with law enforcement. The My PSNI Portal seeks to lower some of these barriers — here’s how it works, what it offers, and what members of the rural community should know.

What is the My PSNI Portal?

• It is an online account system, allowing registered users to access certain policing services digitally.
• To create an account, users must provide a valid mobile phone number and email address.
• Once registered and logged in, users can make use of two main functionalities: Victims Updates and Firearms Licensing.

Key Features and Benefits:

1. Firearms Licensing

Given the nature of countryside life, many members may need licensing for firearms (for pest control, vermin management, game, etc.). Through the portal, eligible users (aged 16 and over) can:

• Apply for a new Firearm Certificate.
• Request variations to an existing certificate.
• Apply for regrant or regrant with variation.
• Apply for a European Firearms Pass.
• Notify change of address.
• Request cancellation of a certificate.
• Perform other certificate-related administrative tasks.

2. Victim Updates

For those aged 16 and over who have been affected by certain crime types (such as assault, burglary, theft, harassment, malicious communications, public order offences, threats to life, and wildlife crime) the portal offers:

• The ability to view the current status of an incident you’ve reported.
• The ability to request direct updates from your investigating officer. That request is sent through the system, which may be faster and more efficient than traditional “phone 101” approaches.
• Note: users can make up to two update requests per day to their investigating officer without having received a prior response.

For victims in rural settings, this offers a more discreet, less disruptive way to stay informed about case progress without the need for repeated calls or travel.

This functionality reduces the administrative burden and helps ensure that licensing tasks can be managed remotely, which may be especially important in remote areas where police stations are not easily accessible.

What It Means for Rural Communities

From a countryside perspective, the My PSNI Portal presents a useful tool, but there are considerations and caveats that our members should keep in mind:

• Digital access requirement: Those without reliable internet, smartphones, or email/mobile facilities may be excluded. Rural broadband limitations or connectivity blackspots remain a challenge in parts of Northern Ireland.
• Uptake & awareness: For the portal to be effective, people must know about it, trust it, and feel comfortable using online systems for sensitive matters.
• Response times & capacity: While requesting updates digitally is more convenient, the underlying capacity and resource constraints within policing will still determine how quickly officers can respond.
• Data security & privacy: As with any online system, attention must be paid to security, data protection, and safeguarding vulnerable users.
• Complement, not replace: This should be seen as an additional channel — not a full replacement for face-to-face engagement, local policing presence, or direct communication for serious or urgent concerns.

To register for the My PSNI Portal please click here.