The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland released a report on 3 March 2026 examining 36 cases of PSNI officers abusing their position for sexual purposes from 2018 to 2024. These incidents represent 30 percent of the office's most serious investigations. All victims were female and had vulnerabilities including prior victimisation, mental health issues or domestic abuse experiences. Power imbalances often prevented victims from recognising or reporting the behaviour.

In three cases, officers engaged in sexual contact with victims on the first day of interaction during duties. Contact escalated gradually in two thirds of cases through messages, social media or home visits. Officers misused police systems in some instances to target women. Offenders fell into groups such as those acting rapidly on vulnerable women, those employing prolonged approaches and those acting opportunistically. Most were male constables aged 30 to 50 with under ten years of service.

Police Ombudsman Chief Executive Hugh Hume stated the cases involve few officers relative to PSNI numbers but cause lasting harm due to authority gaps. Victims sometimes viewed officers positively or feared consequences. He noted patterns like initial neutral messaging turning inappropriate. Hume welcomed rising referrals mainly from PSNI and said the findings aid prevention efforts aligned with the Northern Ireland Executive's violence against women and girls strategy. The office now investigates allegations concerning 39 victims and 22 officers, including 20 serving.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher described the conduct as a breach of trust. He attributed increased probes to cooperation following a March 2025 Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland review. PSNI conducted a historical conduct review of 134 officers over ten years after cases in other forces. Boutcher commissioned an independent review by Rachel Langdale KC on violence against women responses and internal issues. A 2025 workforce survey showed higher reporting rates than in England and Wales forces. The force issued supervisor guidance on exploitation signs and a 2024 statement enforcing zero tolerance for such behaviour including via messages.

Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly called the abuse a serious corruption form requiring supervisor vigilance across PSNI levels. He plans to raise it with the Chief Constable at the Policing Board.

Policing Board chairman Mukesh Sharma termed the findings concerning and slated discussion at a board meeting. He noted the Chief Constable's zero tolerance stance and a revised PSNI code of ethics prohibiting sexual or improper relationships with victims, witnesses or suspects from duties. Sharma urged reports to the Ombudsman.