“They should have been treated with compassion and empathy. Instead, they were treated with nothing short of contempt,” said Police Ombudsman Jacqui Durkin.
Two former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers have been dismissed following investigations into their treatment of vulnerable individuals. The officers allegedly recorded and shared images of people in hospitals, police vehicles, and private homes without their knowledge, according to reports from The Journal and The Irish Times.
The misconduct involved 18 people identified in messages, videos, and photographs found on the personal mobile phone of “Officer A.” These individuals included people who were intoxicated, had reported crimes, or were considered at risk of self-harm. The Journal reported that some of these images were shared on WhatsApp alongside “sexualised, derogatory and demeaning” commentary.
“The conduct of the small number of former officers involved in these matters does not reflect the professionalism, dedication and commitment demonstrated by officers and staff across the Police Service every day,” said Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton.
Inappropriate recordings in private homes
In June 2021, the two officers were sent to the home of a woman with learning difficulties and mental health needs following a concern for her safety. The Journal reported that a video recorded by Officer A showed the woman in her nightwear while Officer B stood at the foot of her bed.
During the encounter, Officer A allegedly asked a “highly inappropriate question using a slang term” regarding the woman’s sex life. When the woman used an electronic tablet to show the officers she was recording them, Officer A told her they were having the “craic” and instructed her to “lighten up,” The Journal reported.
Officer B also took photographs of two vulnerable women and shared them with Officer A accompanied by derogatory messages, according to The Irish Times.
PSNI and Ombudsman investigations lead to officer dismissals
Officer A was dismissed following an internal investigation by the PSNI. Officer B was dismissed following an investigation by Northern Ireland’s Police Ombudsman’s Office.
Officer B told investigators he was a junior officer at the time and was attempting to “fit in” under the guidance of Officer A, who served as his support officer during probation.
| Officer Designation | Action Taken | Primary Reason Cited |
|---|---|---|
| Officer A | Dismissed | Utterly despicable behaviour towards vulnerable people |
| Officer B | Dismissed | Gross misconduct regarding vulnerable persons |
| Another officer | Final written warning | Involvement in the misconduct matters |
One other officer, who had received a video but did not report it, was given a final written warning, The Irish Times reported.
Public Prosecution Service review
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has initiated a review of its previous decisions not to prosecute the two men. While misconduct proceedings use a civil standard of proof—the balance of probabilities—the Director of Public Prosecutions is reviewing whether the cases meet the evidential threshold required for criminal prosecution.
“Given the public interest in these cases, and to provide reassurance around our decision-making processes, the Director of Public Prosecutions has initiated a review of the decisions not to prosecute,” a PPS spokesperson said.
The review will involve independent Counsel who has had no prior involvement in the prosecutorial considerations of these specific matters.
Did you know? The misconduct involving these officers occurred over a five-year period between 2016 and 2021, though the investigation into Officer A’s conduct was triggered by an allegation of abusing his position for sexual purposes in 2021.
Frequently asked questions regarding the PSNI dismissals
Why were the officers not prosecuted initially?
The Public Prosecution Service originally determined the cases did not meet the evidential threshold required for criminal prosecution. However, a review by independent Counsel is now underway due to public interest.
What is the difference between misconduct and criminal proceedings?
As noted by the PPS, disciplinary misconduct proceedings apply a civil standard of proof known as the balance of probabilities, which is a lower threshold than the criminal standard required for prosecution.
How many people were affected by the officers’ actions?
A total of 18 people were identified as being referenced in the messages, videos, and photographs found on Officer A’s personal mobile devices.