Question
Officers Charged with Domestic Violence Offences - In relation to
the recent Chief Constable’s response to MLA Colin McGrath on Officers
Charged with Domestic Violence Offences, it was confirmed that in the past
five years a total of 11 officers have been charged with domestic violence.
Members wish to asked - Of those 11 officers, what was the outcomes in terms
of disciplinary or other action including a breakdown of how many continue to
remain within PSNI either under suspension, performing different duties or
returned to work. In any of these instances has the officer’s firearm been
returned?
Answer
Of the 11 officers charged with domestic related offending/misconduct, four remain serving within PSNI. Two of these officers are currently repositioned due to ongoing misconduct proceedings/investigation. The other two officers were found not guilty of any criminal offences, and no misconduct was found against them.
In the remaining cases, four officers were dismissed, either following the conclusion of criminal proceedings, or in advance of those proceedings by way of Special Case hearings. A further three officers resigned during the course of the misconduct investigation; it is important to note that the regulations provide a clear criteria as to when the PSNI can prevent an officer from leaving the service whilst subject to misconduct proceedings.
In terms of access to firearms, none of these officers have had their firearm returned.
Performance Committee