PSNI officers fired over 'utterly despicable' behaviour

Detailed summary

Two PSNI officers have been dismissed for what a police oversight body has described as "utterly despicable" behaviour towards vulnerable people they had been sent to help.

Two PSNI officers have been dismissed for what a police oversight body has described as "utterly despicable" behaviour towards vulnerable people they had been sent to help.

Police Officer A took videos and pictures of people who were drunk, had reported crimes, or were considered at risk of self-harm, without their knowledge and shared them.

In total 18 people had images taken in places like homes, hospitals and police vehicles.

Some were then shared on WhatsApp accompanied with sexualised and demeaning commentary.

In one case a woman with complex needs was videoed by the officer in her bedroom during which highly inappropriate sexual comments were made.

"Almost all of the people affected by these actions were vulnerable, some extremely so," said Police Ombudsman Jacqui Durkin.

"They should have been treated with compassion and empathy. Instead, they were treated with nothing short of contempt."

The PSNI said their officers' behaviour had been "horrifying" and would appal other members of the service.

"The conduct of the small number of former officers involved in these matters does not reflect the professionalism, dedication and commitment demonstrated by officers and staff across the Police Service every day," said Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton.

Opening of the article, excerpted from RTÉ. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.