The publishing of a report by the Police Ombudsman into PSNI officers’ Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes (APSP) has cast up further issues around outcomes, given the number who retire or leave while under investigation.
Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume, said: “Police predatory behaviour is one of the most serious forms of corruption in policing. The abuse of their position for 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.”
He confirmed 20 serving and two former police officers are currently under investigation involving a total of 39 victims, all of whom are women.
However, this may be the tip of the iceberg as, while some have reported concerns, others have not due to lack of confidence in the system, including an assumption that the officers in question will be allowed to leave while under investigation, thereby adding to existing trauma.
This type of conduct by any professional is by default predatory and, if officers quit while under investigation, there are no safeguards to prevent further behaviour.
Victims therefore potentially suffer three times – once in the context of a crime, then when officers abuse their positions, and again if officers leave while under investigation.
Women’s Aid Chief Executive, Kerrie Flood, was asked to comment on the report and if there is support for these instances to be regarded as criminal as opposed to misconduct, as they would be in any other profession.
Kerrie replied: “The findings are deeply disturbing. Analysis of 42 cases identifies patterns of behaviour involving the targeting of women with known vulnerabilities, the blurring of professional and personal boundaries, misuse of police systems, and the escalation of contact from informal messaging to sexualised conduct.
“This is not simply misconduct. It is an abuse of power. It is predatory behaviour carried out by individuals entrusted with authority and responsibility to protect.
“Women’s Aid exists to support women and girls who experience abuse and exploitation, regardless of the employment or status of the perpetrator. However, we recognise that when the alleged abuser is a police officer, the barriers to reporting can be even greater. Women may fear they will not be believed, worry about repercussions, or that the system is too intimidating to navigate. These barriers are real and must be acknowledged.
“The Ombudsman findings make clear that abuse of position for sexual purposes can, depending on the evidence, constitute criminal conduct — not merely a breach of professional standards. Where criminal thresholds are met, these cases should be treated as such. Abuse of entrusted authority strikes at the heart of public confidence in policing and must be addressed accordingly.
“We are particularly concerned when officers resign or retire while under investigation. While an employment contract may end, accountability must not. Criminal investigations can and should continue regardless of an officer’s employment status. Where serious allegations are under investigation, robust mechanisms must ensure that resignation or retirement does not prevent full scrutiny or transparency. Victims should not feel that justice simply disappears when an officer leaves the service.
“Suspension is not automatic, but where there are credible allegations involving safeguarding concerns or predatory behaviour, precautionary suspension or removal from duties should be actively considered in order to protect the public and maintain confidence. Visible and decisive risk management is essential.
“PSNI has publicly committed to a policy of ‘no tolerance’ for sexual misconduct and has stated that dismissal and criminal referral will follow where allegations are substantiated. The Ombudsman’s report also highlights the need for proactive supervision, early identification of warning signs, and stronger recognition of this pattern of behaviour. These commitments must translate into consistent and demonstrable action.
“Protecting women and girls must remain the central priority. That requires transparency, strong leadership, effective independent oversight, and meaningful engagement with specialist women’s organisations.”
Kerrie added that in light of the Ombudsman’s findings, Women’s Aid would support:
· Mandatory referral of all suspected abuse of position for sexual purposes cases to the Police Ombudsman.
· Clear public reporting of outcomes, including where officers have resigned or retired while under investigation.
· Explicit confirmation that criminal investigations will continue post-retirement where evidential thresholds are met.
· Robust consideration of precautionary suspension in cases involving credible safeguarding concerns.
· Strengthened supervision and early-warning systems to identify boundary-blurring behaviour at an earlier stage.
· Improved engagement with specialist women’s organisations, ensuring victim voices inform policy and practice.
· Ongoing training and cultural change within policing, reinforcing that any misuse of position for personal or sexual gain is a serious abuse of power.
· Clear communication to the public that abuse of position for sexual purposes will be treated as potential criminal conduct where appropriate.
