A police officer's inappropriate relationship with a domestic abuse victim has led to a final written warning following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman.
A police officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has received a final written warning following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman. The case involves an inappropriate relationship with a domestic abuse victim whom the officer met while on duty.
This incident raises serious concerns regarding the conduct of law enforcement officials and the trust victims place in them.
Incident Overview
The relationship between the officer and the victim began in 2013 but was exposed in 2022 after police received information regarding the officer’s involvement.
The victim had reported multiple instances of domestic abuse against her former partner. According to the ombudsman’s office, their first encounter occurred at a police station where she sought help.
During her initial visit, the victim did not provide a formal statement, and the officer offered to contact her by phone.
In a follow-up call, she disclosed having been assaulted again that day. The officer then visited her home, where she expressed her wish not to pursue criminal charges, leading to the closure of the case.
It was during this visit that the officer overstepped professional boundaries by asking the victim out and giving her his personal mobile number. This led to a consensual sexual relationship that lasted approximately one month while he was off duty. After the relationship ended, there was no further contact between them.
Investigation Findings
During the investigation by the Police Ombudsman, the officer acknowledged the relationship, believing it permissible since no further police action was being taken regarding the domestic abuse allegations. While he disputed having asked her out on the day the case was closed, he admitted the relationship was inappropriate. Initially investigated by the PSNI’s Anti-Corruption Unit, the matter was eventually referred to the Ombudsman for a comprehensive review.
Nikki Davis, director of investigations at the Police Ombudsman’s Office, stated, “As soon as this police officer moved his interaction with the victim from the professional to the personal, seeking to initiate a relationship, his conduct became inappropriate.” Davis highlighted the necessity of maintaining trust between victims and the police, particularly given the courage required to report domestic abuse.
She further commented, “Regardless of whether the victim in this case chose to pursue a criminal case, she was vulnerable, and she should have been able to trust that the police officer investigating her allegations would treat her with respect and not attempt to exploit the situation for his own gain.”
Consequences and Ethical Breaches
A file was submitted to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS), which determined that the evidence did not meet the threshold for prosecution. Following this assessment, the case was referred to the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department. A misconduct panel concluded that the officer’s actions constituted gross misconduct, breaching the PSNI code of ethics by engaging in a sexual relationship with a vulnerable domestic violence victim encountered during his official duties.
As a consequence of his actions, the officer has now received a final written warning. This case underscores the critical need for police officers to maintain professional boundaries and adhere to ethical standards, especially when dealing with individuals in vulnerable situations.
