Victims Include 14-Year-Old in Police Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes
A 14-year-old girl was among those identified as victims of "predatory" behaviour by police officers accused of abuse of position for sexual purposes (APSP).
Since 2018, more than 60 APSP cases have been reported to the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI), with each alleged victim classified as a "vulnerable" individual. These victims included those affected by domestic abuse and other crimes.
PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher condemned such conduct, stating that any abuse of position for sexual purposes was "wholly unacceptable."
"It represents a serious breach of trust and a violation of the standards rightly expected of police officers," Boutcher said.
The PONI has released a report addressing the issue of APSP. While specific case details are not disclosed, the report confirms that the youngest victim was 14 years old at the time of the abuse.
Additionally, the report notes: "In three cases, the officer had sexual contact with the victim on the same day they met in the course of his duties."
Ombudsman Investigations and Findings
The PONI report outlines that between 2018 and 2024, six officers have been dismissed or convicted for abusing their roles following investigations.
Analysis revealed that all offending officers were male, predominantly constables aged between 30 and 50 years, with most serving in local policing teams.
The report categorizes offenders into two types: "sharks," younger officers who tend to initiate "rapid" contact, and "fishermen," who adopt a more "tentative" approach.
PONI emphasized that APSP is considered "one of the most serious types of police corruption," posing a "real threat" to public confidence in policing.
In 2024, APSP complaints accounted for nearly 30% (nine) of all serious Category A cases (30) investigated by PONI.
Commenting on ongoing investigations, PONI chief executive Hugh Hume stated that his office is currently investigating allegations involving 20 serving officers and two former officers, with a total of 39 alleged victims.
He noted that the majority of these cases are referred to PONI by the PSNI.
"This is welcome and shows a very clear willingness at the most senior level to identify and eradicate this kind of behaviour," Hume said.
"Although this is a small number of officers relative to the size of the PSNI, the abuse of their position for their own sexual gain inflicts significant and long-lasting damage on their victims.
"Such is the power imbalance that many women do not report the offending directly for fear of reprisal and others can be so vulnerable that they do not recognise that the officer is abusing them and instead see him as a 'knight in shining armour' figure.
"Others do not see themselves as victims at all."
PSNI Response and Policing Board Concerns
The PSNI described this form of misconduct as "completely unacceptable."
Boutcher reiterated the commitment of the majority of officers and staff who serve with integrity and dedication.
"Where standards fall short, we will act decisively," he stated.
Mukesh Sharma, chair of the Policing Board, expressed concern over the issue and indicated it would be discussed in an upcoming meeting with Chief Constable Boutcher on Thursday.
