PSNI complaints figures 'skewed'

In fact, so many issues have been raised by this one person whenever they come into contact with officers, special steps had to be taken to resolve the situation.

Mrs. Mary Cruikshank had asked for analysis of figures from the Police Ombudsman’s report on Ballymena PSNI which showed there had been a 30% rise in complaints lodged in the period April 1 to September 30, 2009. She wanted to know how many of the complaints/allegations had resulted in officers being disciplined or prosecuted. Mrs. Cruikshank also sought a breakdown demonstrating whether the officers were assigned to Ballymena or had been simply operating in the district as, for example, members of a Tactical Support Group.

Inspector Pete Bouma submitted that the Ombudsman’s figures may well be ‘skewed’ by one individual. “This person makes complaint after complaint. They could arrive at the station and make a complaint against the person at the front desk and everyone else they come across.

“In fact, the complainant has now been told that they take their issues direct to the Ombudsman because of this behaviour. That can be done through their solicitor, by letter or e-mail,” he explained.

Echoing this view, Inspector John Allen contended that while many complaints were ‘spurious’ they did require investigation.