Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA has called for a root and branch review of the Police Ombudsman’s Office to ensure accountability and build confidence in the organisation, which is seriously lacking.

Ulster Unionist Justice Spokesperson Doug Beattie MC MLA said:

“The concern expressed by the PSNI Chief Constable, which was dismissed by the First and Deputy First Minister, about the return of the Police Ombudsman while an investigation was still underway is of concern. It highlights the need for a root and branch review of how the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland (PONI) operates and what powers there are to hold both the Ombudsman and the office to account.

“At present, there is no PONI accountability mechanism which maintains independence, operational and financial autonomy, as outlined in the Venice Principles. What the Principles also state is that dismissal of the Ombudsman, for serious issues such as gross misconduct, must involve either an independent judiciary or a Parliamentary process. Therefore, to insert any form of accountability mechanism, the Police(Northern Ireland) Act 1998 must be amended to stipulate a discharge process for PONI and that an ad hoc committee be established, incorporating the judiciary and qualified lay members, to adjudicate on any dismissal or suspension.

“There are other issues that need to be looked at in respect of PONI, including false or vexatious claims which impact both PONI and the PSNI. We literally have minor service level complaints that should be dealt with by the internal Police disciplinary structures, being referred to PONI because the rule states that if the complainant wants it to be investigated by PONI, then they must do so even if it is a minor issue. This needs to change and a filtering process needs to be put in place which allows the PSNI to investigate minor service issues without having to refer to the complainant, therefore taking pressure off PONI.

“On false and vexatious claims, there must be some recourse to hold the individual to account. By changing section 52 of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998, much the same as they have with the Ombudsman’s Office in the Republic of Ireland, a charge of Perverting Course of Justice, Forgery, or Harassment can be used to bring criminal charges against anyone who makes persistent vexatious claims or false claims against the PSNI.  Maybe this will be something the new Ombudsman will look at in the future.

“Even as we wait to see the outcome of the review of the Policing Board, which was released a year ago, we must also look at a review of how PONI works to ensure it is fit for purpose and commands the confidence of the police and wider society.  At present, it does not, and the Justice Minister should look carefully at this in the coming months as the new Ombudsman is appointed.”