The Police Ombudsman Case Study

What does the Police Ombudsman’s Office do?  The Police Ombudsman’s Office investigates complaints about the PSNI  The role of Police Ombudsman is currently held by Mr Al Hutchinson  The Office opened in November 2000  The Police Ombudsman’s Office consists of professional investigators who gather evidence to show if the PSNI have acted inappropriately  In the past these complaints would have been investigated by other police officers, which occasionally led to accusations of covering up wrong-doing

Cases  The Police Ombudsman’s Office currently deal with 3000 complaints per year  They include:  Use of force by Police Officers  Perverting the Course of Justice  Rude or Offensive behaviour  They also investigate:  All discharges of fire arms (including Taser)  All fatal Road Traffic Accidents involving Police Officers  Any death which may have occurred as a result of the actions of a Police Officer

Historical Cases  The can usually only investigate incidents that have happened in the past 12 months  There is no time limit on really serious incidents  The Police Ombudsman has investigated complaints from people whose relatives died during ‘The Troubles’

Consequences for the Police Officer(s)  The Police Ombudsman has NO power to impose sanctions against a member of the PSNI, but can pass the evidence to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) or the Chief Constable  Consequences can include:  Verbal Warning  Advice and Guidance  A Fine  Dismissal  Prison Sentence

Educating People about their Work  The Police Ombudsman communicates the outcome of many of its investigations through the press  Through their Website  Leaflets  Through the Media:  TV  Radio  Local Press  Through Citizenship Classes in Northern Ireland

How does the Police Ombudsman Safeguard Rights of People in NI?  They ensure that all Police Complaints are dealt with fairly and justly  They make sure that the Police are accountable for any discharge of firearms; fatal accidents in which they are involved and any death involving a Police Officer  This means that Northern Ireland Citizens who feel they have been treated unfairly by the PSNI know that the Ombudsman will investigate their complaint in an impartial way

Benefits – Individual and Community  We know that if we have a complaint against a Police Officer it will be taken seriously and investigated without prejudice  It also makes the Police Officers more aware of their own actions  It will make our community a better place to live were the public have confidence in the PSNI

How effective is the Police Ombudsman?  Any citizen in Northern Ireland can look at statistics on the Police Ombudsman’s website under the Statistics section  You can check all areas of Northern Ireland to see how effective they are in safeguarding our rights  With some 3000 complaints each year to investigate the Police Ombudsman’s Office has been both busy and effective since 2000