Revealed | Nine senior PSNI officers under investigation by force’s Professional Standards Department

[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/nine-senior-psni-officers-under-investigation-by-forces-professional-standards-department/a223448748.html](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/nine-senior-psni-officers-under-investigation-by-forces-professional-standards-department/a223448748.html)

**Probe ‘may change perception that juniors are treated more harshly’**

Nine senior PSNI officers are currently under investigation by the organisation’s Professional Standards Department (PSD), it can be revealed.

The nine officers are all of the rank of Chief Inspector or above. While they are under investigation, none have been suspended from duty — but five have been “repositioned”.

It is not known the details of the offences alleged against them, however the PSNI’s PSD has three branches: Discipline Branch; Anti-Corruption Unit; and Service Vetting Unit.

The figures were revealed in response to a Freedom of Information request.

The PSD’s Anti-Corruption Unit works to prevent and detect wrongdoing and corruption by officers and staff, while the Service Vetting Unit works to “protect the integrity and reputation of the PSNI, its assets and data from persons and organisations intent on or capable of disrupting the integrity, security or values of the Police Service,” according to the PSNI website.

Tasked with investigating misconduct matters which are referred internally or otherwise, the Discipline Branch’s work can involve “off duty incidents, and misconduct or criminal acts in the workplace, which has not been subject of a public complaint or involved a member of the public”.

Retired PSNI officer Jon Burrows previously headed up the PSD’s Discipline Branch. He said there has been a perception among the PSNI rank and file that junior officers are treated more harshly than those higher up.

“The number of officers of Chief Inspector and above under investigation seems quite high and, given the perception of a two-tier system among the rank and file, in that sense it’s positive that senior officers are being investigated appropriately,” he said.

“That being said, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we need to see the outcomes of these investigations.

“Nine senior officers being under investigation is a high figure, but that might be skewed because of the PSNI data breaches, which resulted in two senior officers being investigated.”

Mr Burrows said there are three actions that can be taken once an officer is placed under investigation, with one being that no action is taken while the investigation is ongoing. Another is that restrictions are imposed on the officer in question, such as repositioning, while suspensions are used in the most extreme cases.

“It is vital that there is a fair and consistent approach regardless of rank,” he said.

“In fact those in leadership positions should role model high standards.

“The new Chief Constable has the opportunity to address the deep founded concerns of rank and file officers that a two-tier discipline system operates — one that treats senior officers’ errors as learning opportunities, but treats junior officers punitively.

“It is also important that the PSNI embrace a learning approach across the board to innocent human error and allow PSD to focus on those who are corrupt, dishonest and a risk to the public.”

Deputy Chief Constable Chris Todd said: “We expect the highest standards of professionalism and integrity from all of our police officers and staff in accordance with the standards contained in the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Code of Ethics. When these standards fall short, it seriously undermines legitimacy, trust and public confidence in policing.

“We investigate all misconduct allegations made to us either internally or externally. I want to assure the public that as an organisation we take this extremely seriously and are encouraging people to speak out if they see, hear or experience something that they feel is not right.

“These figures highlight that the Police Service of Northern Ireland will not accept or tolerate when officers or staff fail to meet these expected standards.”

PSNI misconduct has been in the headlines in recent years, following a series of high-profile incidents.

Back in March of last year, a senior PSNI officer was dismissed over a drink-driving incident.

Patricia Foy (57) held the rank of Chief Superintendent when she crashed into a traffic crossing the previous Christmas Eve while more than twice over the limit.

She was fined and disqualified from driving for 18 months in last January, before being dismissed two months later by then Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

by Constant__18