Police Ombudsman Mrs Marie Anderson said the officer’s dismissal by the PSNI demonstrated that “predatory behaviour has no place in policing.”
A PSNI officer has been dismissed after a Police Ombudsman investigation found that he had sex with a vulnerable woman at an industrial estate in Antrim while on duty in 2016.
Mrs Anderson added that the power imbalance between police and members of the public was often not fully recognised or appreciated. “I would urge anyone who believes they have been targeted by a police officer for sexual gain to immediately contact my office so that their concerns can be thoroughly and independently investigated.”
Analysis showed that these calls had been made shortly before the officer left the police station, during his journey to the industrial estate and shortly after his return to the station. The officer was interviewed again after Police Ombudsman investigators had obtained his personal phone records. He then claimed that the multiple calls made to the victim had been to seek more information about a bracelet stolen during the burglary in advance of a planned search operation the following day.
In March 2022, a police misconduct hearing reached a unanimous decision that he should be dismissed without notice for multiple breaches of the PSNI Code of Ethics. These included failing to act with integrity and to uphold human rights, acting in a way that “may reasonably be perceived to be abuse, harassment, bullying or victimisation”, and behaving in a way likely to bring discredit on the Police Service.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Two police officers taken to hospital following Co Antrim collisionThe officers were responding to an incident when their car collided with another vehicle
Read more »
Police Ombudsman staff member arrested in theft probe as watchdog offices raidedA man in his 50s was arrested on Wednesday
Read more »
Casement Park is 'an investment in Belfast' says Antrim footballer Declan LynchThe former Antrim captain also called on the Executive to deliver the funding that was promised to local football as part of the Sub-Regional Stadia fund
Read more »
Antrim hurlers boosted by the return of quartet ahead of Leinster SHC campaignDunloy's Keelan Molloy, Ryan, Nigel and Seaan Elliott have returned to Darren Gleeson's squad ahead of their Championship opener against Kilkenny next month
Read more »
Antrim v Wicklow: Declan Lynch says the Saffrons will relish win or burst battleAntrim need one more point to avoid relegation while Oisin McConville's men must win at Corrigan Park if Offaly also beat Limerick
Read more »
Allianz Football League: Down beat Clare to clinch promotion as Antrim avoid dropDown secure promotion to Division Two of the Allianz Football League by beating Clare 3-15 to 1-10 as Antrim preserve their Division Three status.
Read more »