The Police Ombudsman has refused to provide updated statistics into the PSNI officers’ Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes (APSP) investigation – a stance which has been criticised by a solicitor acting for a number of victims who are struggling to report their experiences.
A report published last month stated 20 serving and two former police officers are currently under investigation involving a total of 39 victims, all of whom are women.
The gender of the serving officers is not clear, however, both former officers are male.
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.”
Further enquiries revealed of the serving officers, seven have been suspended from duty, five have been repositioned but the PSNI was silent on the status of the remainder.
This could mean those not accounted for remain on normal duties or may be on sick leave.
“The PSNI has been clear that any abuse of position for sexual purposes is wholly unacceptable and represents a serious breach of the trust placed in police officers. Where allegations are made, they will be robustly investigated and we will continue to work closely with the Police Ombudsman to ensure full transparency and accountability.”
With more victims coming forward after publication of the report the Ombudsman was asked to provide the most up-to-date figures of officers under investigation, whether serving or not.
A spokesperson responded: “We are unable to provide the requested information in order to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations. However, we can advise that we currently have 34 ongoing investigations relating to Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes.”
The rationale for this refusal was questioned particularly given the original figures were released within the report and while part of a live investigation.
Whilst the number of ongoing investigations was welcomed, this could refer to 34 victims or police officers/former police officers on individual instances.
The enquiry was resubmitted seeking the number of officers/former officers under investigation and the number of alleged victims.
It was pointed out there was nothing within the specific enquiries to interfere with any investigation, or the original figures would never have been released.
But the Ombudsman doubled down stating: “We are unable to provide the requested information in order to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations. Providing updated figures on an ad hoc basis raises the potential for inferences to be drawn about those cases.”
Ciaran Shiels from Madden and Finucane Solicitors said: “This is a highly disappointing position to adopt and I seriously question how any inference, potential or otherwise, could be withdrawn given there is a publicly known live investigation. Releasing figures would demonstrate commitment to victims which could encourage others to come forward.”
Urging the Ombudsman to rethink their position, Mr Shiels concluded: “Many victims of APSP have been forced into silence, and to now witness the authority tasked with investigating this throw a cloak of secrecy around it, only adds to existing trauma and shame. It does not instil confidence or transparency.”
