PSNI: Five officers disciplined in North West

The information came to light following a Freedom of Information request was lodged by the Derry Journal.

The ‘Journal’ asked for details of how many officers had been suspended from duty in the last three years for alleged participation in criminal activity, what type of offence was involved, how many of these incidents were reported to the Public Prosecution Service and how many prosecutions actually resulted from this.

The areas concerned were Foyle, Limavady, Magherafelt and Strabane.

In response a spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Three officers in 2013, one officer in 2014 and one officer in 2015 attached to either Foyle, Limavady, Magherafelt or Strabane were suspended regarding criminal allegations.

“The alleged criminal activity related to theft, misconduct in public office, a drugs offence, criminal damage and harassment.”

The PSNI response also stated: “Two of these cases have concluded. One officer was convicted of the possession and supply of a controlled class ‘C’ drug and left the Service prior to appearing at a Formal Misconduct Hearing.

“Another officer accepted an Adult Caution for harassment and received a Formal Disciplinary Sanction.”

The three remaining cases relating to alleged incidences of theft, criminal damage and misconduct in public office are currently ongoing.

As a result the PSNI said that they cannot comment any further under several sections of the Freedom of Information Act (2000).

These sections include exemptions under Public Interest and also the potential release of personal details.