PSNI officer given final warning over relationship with alleged domestic abuse victim he met while on duty
It's after a PSNI misconduct panel found he breached the Code of Ethics
A watchdog investigation has found a PSNI officer committed gross misconduct by having a sexual relationship with an alleged victim of domestic violence who he met while on duty.
It's after a PSNI misconduct panel found he breached the Code of Ethics.
The officer, who accepted the relationship was inappropriate, has been issued with a final written warning.
The relationship, lasting around one month, took place in 2013 and came to light in 2022 when the PSNI received information that the officer had become involved with a woman who had reported allegations of repeated assaults against her former partner.
According to the Ombudsman, the relationship took place while the officer was off duty and when it ended there was no further contact between the officer and the woman
The watchdog said, “When interviewed by Police Ombudsman investigators, the officer admitted the relationship, believing that as no further police action was being taken about the domestic abuse allegation, he could contact the victim in a personal capacity. He disputed that he had asked the woman out on a date on the day that the case was closed, but accepted that the relationship was inappropriate.”
Originally considered by the PSNI’s Anti-Corruption Unit, the issue was subsequently referred to the Police Ombudsman for investigation.
Nikki Davis, Director of Investigations with the Police Ombudsman’s Office said, “As soon as this police officer moved his interaction from the professional to the personal, seeking to initiate a relationship, his conduct became inappropriate,”.
A file was submitted to the PPS which determined that it did not meet the Test for Prosecution on evidential grounds, following which a file was submitted to the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department.
In a statement PSNI Superintendent Julie Mullan said: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of our police officers in accordance with the standards contained in the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Code of Ethics.”
“The sanction of a ‘Final Written Warning’ reflects the seriousness with which the Police Service of Northern Ireland views misconduct involving violence against women and girls. Last year, we re-issued a service-wide statement of intent, which again made explicit that there will be no tolerance for police officers and police staff who abuse their power for sexual gain.”
“We take proactive action in response to any concerns raised about inappropriate behaviours in the workplace in line with our VAWG Action Plan and Power to Change campaign.”
“We are also actively ensuring our officers and staff know how to report discriminatory or unethical behaviours via our internal reporting systems.”
"I would encourage anyone who suspects a member of our Service of abusing their position, in any manner, to report it to us, or to the Ombudsman's Office. You can be assured that the matter will be investigated thoroughly."