Concern as 39 PSNI agents investigate allegations of sexual misconduct in past five years

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Almost 40 PSNI agents have been the subject of an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct over the past five years.

Our 39 allegations were confirmed by the service, resulting in the dismissal of two force officers.

The type of sexual misconduct reported includes voyeurism and the production of indecent images of children, possession of child pornography, rape, possession of extreme pornography, purchasing of sexual services, sexual assault and access. to pornography on police systems.

It comes after PSNI said last week it was working on a new strategy to tackle violence against women and girls in light of the murder of Sarah Everard in London.

Metropolitan Police Officer Wayne Couzens has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of marketing officials.

Couzens abused his position as a police officer to falsely arrest Ms Everard (33) in March before strangling her with her police belt. Figures on PSNI agents investigated into allegations of sexual misconduct were revealed in an access to information (FoI) request, but do not include cases that are still pending. Classes.

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Victim: Sarah Everard, who was murdered in England by police officer Wayne Couzens. Credit: Family Document / CPS

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Victim: Sarah Everard, who was murdered in England by police officer Wayne Couzens. Credit: Family Document / CPS

Four officers were under investigation in 2016-2017; five in 2017/18; seven in 2018/19; 13 in 2019/20; and 10 in 2020/21.

Four officers received a formal misconduct finding and two were terminated for cases of internal sexual misconduct.

Deputy Police Chief Mark Hamilton said allegations of sexual misconduct are a key priority for the PSNI.

Northern Ireland Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay said the numbers are a matter of deep regret for the vast majority of PSNI officers and described it as an unacceptable situation.

Sexual misconduct is heinous and bad, Mr. Lindsay continued. It is right that the allegations be thoroughly and professionally investigated. Officers are expected to uphold the law and not use their position to harass or subject vulnerable people to sexual wrongdoing.

Actions where criminal matters or misconduct occur are the responsibility of a few and do not represent the dedicated service our colleagues provide on a daily basis.

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Wayne Couzens. Credit: Metropolitan Police / PA

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Wayne Couzens. Credit: Metropolitan Police / PA

Police officers must all work together to ensure that potential criminal actions of officers are detected as early as possible, with the aim of eradicating such behavior completely.

DUP MP and Police Council member Joanne Bunting said it was not clear how many of the 39 cases were still under investigation.

She said that while around 7,000 officers were not charged with sexual misconduct, this remained a concern.

The heinous murder of Sarah Everard brought this issue to the fore, Ms. Bunting continued.

Police officers are in a position of great responsibility and in a position of power, especially when working with many vulnerable people and victims of crime.

The vast majority of police officers are aware of this and take this responsibility to society very seriously. Alliance MP and Police Council member John Blair said there was no doubt the Sarah Everard case had an impact beyond London.

Couzens has already been the subject of three separate allegations of indecent exposure and Mr Blair said it was unequivocally evident that the Metropolitan Police and Kent Police had failed to properly investigate those allegations.

I’m glad PSNI started the conversation, including stakeholder engagement, which I was delighted to be a part of, Mr Blair said.

But we need to know more from the police and others about the measures in place to make sure we don’t have a repeat case here.

Speaking to the Assembly on Monday, MP Claire Sugden said perpetrators in positions of trust who abuse their position should be properly condemned to reflect this abuse.

If necessary, we should legislate to make these abuses an aggregate factor, she said. It is appropriate that we protect those serving on the front lines to show that we trust them and are grateful for the work they do, but with trust comes responsibility.

For the few people who abuse trust, we must hold them proportionately accountable, not only for the victim but for the trust of society at large. DCC Hamilton said the PSNI is committed to continuously reviewing and improving its approach to investigations which are regularly reviewed at a higher level.

These investigations are, if necessary, carried out by the police mediator, he continued.

The police department enforces strict guidelines regarding inappropriate behavior, and independent and confidential hotlines are available for members of the public and co-workers of the police department to voice their concerns.

Any allegation, disclosure or conviction of sexual harassment or abuse by an officer or staff member is fully investigated.

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