A spokesperson for PSNI officers and civilian staff affected by ‘Hoovergate’ – the incident that saw a senior officer steal a vacuum cleaner from a station, and then attempt to implicate lower rank officers when it was reported missing – has described it as “overwhelmingly” demonstrating inequality within the PSNI disciplinary system.
Remaining anonymous due to concerns around a potential backlash, the spokesperson called for PSNI senior management to take immediate action to rectify the situation, not only in respect of the theft, but the mishandling of the investigation.
This includes suspending the offending officer without further delay and commencing a proper, procedures-led investigation, starting with the interviewing and recording of statements from injured parties and witnesses.
Related: Senior officer who stole vacuum cleaner tried to implicate lower rank officers
The spokesperson said: “There must also be a full, proper investigation of the decision-making process and the potential offences of perverting the course of justice and obstructing an investigation by officers involved in this decision.
“It also needs to be established who determined that advice to the offending officer was the appropriate method of disposal.”
He continued: “Hoovergate has overwhelmingly demonstrated the inequality of the PSNI disciplinary system.
“This has been highlighted in the correct and proper outcome of the dismissal of a police officer following the theft of a bicycle.
“The lack of any effective investigation or serving of the appropriate notice upon the Hoovergate senior officer has completely undermined the PSNI Code of Ethics.
“Rank-and-file officers have lost faith in the Professional Standards Department and the ability to investigate without fear or favour, whatever the rank of the suspect involved.”
The spokesperson concluded: “Ultimately, this is a failure of senior management who have responsibility as the supreme authority for professional standards within the PSNI.”
