Police officer advised on conduct after calling member of the public a 'f**king scumbag' and failing to caution him at Co Antrim address
A PSNI officer who called a member of the public ‘scum’, said he ‘punched like a f**king woman’ and failed to caution him during his arrest, has received advice about his conduct
It follows a Police Ombudsman investigation into the incident, which happened in August 2023 after police were called to a house in Co Antrim. The complainant alleged that during his arrest he was sexually assaulted, and his arm was twisted by one officer.
Ombudsman investigators viewed Body Worn Video (BWV) of the incident, from the point the officers stopped the complainant on the street to when he was placed in a police vehicle.
The footage contained no evidence to support these allegations. However, it showed an officer saying, “you punch like a f**king woman” and “you’re a f**king scumbag and you know it”.
The Ombudsman’s investigation said there was evidence to show the officer had committed misconduct by breaching the Code of Ethics in relation to civility and professionalism.
This allegation was referred to the Professional Standards Department, which determined the officer should receive management action intended to improve his conduct.
A file was also sent to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in relation to the potential criminal offence of perjury as the officer stated in his duty statement that he had cautioned the complainant when he was arrested.
However, the BWV showed he was not cautioned, and this was deemed to be ‘notable’ as a caution ensured a member of the public could fully understand their right to silence and the consequences of making any comment following arrest. However, the PPS made a direction of no prosecution on the basis there was insufficient evidence to support it.
This matter was also referred to the Professional Standards Department as a breach of the Code of Ethics related to accurate record keeping.
Senior Investigation Officer, Martin McCaffrey, said: “Police officers are expected to maintain the highest standards in accordance with their Code of Practice when dealing with members of the public irrespective of the circumstances. They are also expected to follow proper procedures ensuring that members of the public are afford their rights when arrested.
“Following an investigation by the Police Ombudsman’s Office the evidence showed that this officer failed to display the standards expected and he has been held to account for his conduct.”
In a statement issued in response to the findings, the PSNI confirmed the officer has received management advice about his conduct.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Murray, head of the PSNI’s Professional Standards Department, said: “We welcome the Police Ombudsman office investigation into this matter as we expect all our officers to treat members of the public with professionalism and respect at all times.
“Where the conduct of an officer is alleged to have fallen short of these high standards, as identified in this case, it is right that officers should face an impartial, thorough enquiry by the Police Ombudsman’s office.
“As a result of this investigation, the officer was provided with management advice in respect to how he spoke to this member of the public and conducted the investigation.”