PSNI explains sacking decision after Ombudsman sexual relationship investigation into officer
The PSNI has said that sacking a police officer without notice was appropriate after a Police Ombudsman investigation concluded that he initiated a sexual relationship with a woman he met on duty.
The PSNI said the Ombudsman investigation began after Chief Constable Jon Boutcher referred concerns to it in 2021. The Ombudsman later submitted a misconduct file to the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department and the officer was dismissed without notice.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray, Head of the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department, said: “The serious misconduct identified in this case is unacceptable and clearly falls far below the standards the public rightly expects, at all times, from police officers and staff.
“Police officers are entrusted with significant powers and responsibilities. That trust must never be abused for personal or sexual gain. Abuse of position for sexual purposes is wholly unacceptable, it is a serious abuse of authority and a breach of the trust placed in policing by the public.
“The behaviour found in this case was simply intolerable. It involved failures to declare conflicts of interest, dishonesty and conduct which undermined the integrity, impartiality and professionalism expected of every police officer.”
When concerns were identified the Chief Constable referred the to the Ombudsman, she added.
“The misconduct panel carefully considered the seriousness of the proven behaviour, the harm caused, and the need to protect the public and maintain confidence in policing. It found that no lesser outcome was appropriate and dismissed the officer without notice.”