MLA calls for fundamental review of Police Ombudsman's office as Jacqui Durkin takes over from Marie Anderson at police watchdog

Jacqui Durkin, a former Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, will now lead the police watchdog after being appointed by Stormont’s joint leaders.

Independent unionist MLA Doug Beattie has wished her well in the post, but called for significant reforms to how the organisation operates.

The previous ombudsman was embroiled in controversy over an incident at her home, and a court ruling the watchdog had exceeded its legal powers in finding “collusive behaviour” by RUC officers. Ms Anderson retired in December last year.

The ombudsman post lasts for seven years, and comes with a salary of £173,854.

Doug Beattie MC MLA has welcomed the appointment of a new Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland but outline key challenges that need to be addressed if it is to retain the confidence of the police rank and file as well as members of the public.

“The appointment of a new Police Ombudsman, following the resignation of the previous Ombudsman, is welcome.

“I have worked with Jacqui Durkin since she became head of the Criminal Justice Inspectorate in 2019 and have always found her to be open, honest, direct, and willing to listen. I have no doubt she will bring these qualities to her new role. I hope this appointment provides an opportunity to reset the Police Ombudsman’s Office and address a number of critical challenges.

“I previously submitted a motion calling on the Justice Minister to conduct a review of the Ombudsman’s Office, setting out a number of changes that I believe are necessary to improve its effectiveness. Central to this is greater accountability. There should be provision for the Ombudsman to be suspended if they are subject to any form of investigation, in line with the Venice Principles, a provision which isn’t available at the moment.

“In addition, I recommended that minor police misconduct cases should be referred directly to PSNI disciplinary processes, without requiring the permission of the complainant. This would reduce the burden on the Ombudsman’s Office and allow it to focus on more serious cases, ensuring they are dealt with more efficiently and at pace.

“I also believe that vexatious and false allegations against police officers should be treated as a criminal offence, as is the case in the Irish Republic. Such allegations can cause significant and lasting damage to individual officers and to public confidence in policing.

“The Police Ombudsman’s Office plays a vital role in holding the PSNI to account where wrongdoing occurs. However, it is currently overwhelmed by minor cases that could be more appropriately handled elsewhere, as well as complaints that lack any evidential basis. This diverts resources away from serious investigations and undermines the effectiveness of the system as a whole.

“As I wish Jacqui Durkin well in her tenure, I hope she and the Justice Minister will seize this opportunity to reset the Ombudsman’s Office and ensure it is equipped to meet the demands placed upon it.”

Prior to joining Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland, Ms Durkin had been director of inclusion and wellbeing in the Department of Education.

Before that she was department’s director of area planning, admissions and shared campuses, and before that she was chief executive of the NI Courts and Tribunals Service.

In a joint statement, the First and Deputy First Minister said: "Jacqui brings extensive experience and insight that will strengthen the work of the Ombudsman’s office and support meaningful change where needed”.

In June 2025, previous Police Ombudsman Marie Anderson said she was taking a temporary leave of absence due to “detracting commentary”.

She was investigated for alleged misconduct in public office and also for the potential offence of perverting the course of justice following a domestic incident in Co Down in 2023.

West Midlands Police were then tasked with investigating further aspects of the incident.

After they concluded their investigation a file of evidence was sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The PPS took the decision not to prosecute Mrs Anderson.

It said that after careful consideration of the file, it was concluded by prosecutors there was no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence.