Police predatory behaviour accounts for 30% of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland's most serious investigations, Policing Board chair Mukesh Sharma stated. A report titled Abuse of Position for Sexual Purposes by PSNI Officers: Analysis and Emerging Findings will feature in discussions with the Chief Constable at the board's meeting on 5 March.

The Chief Constable has stated zero tolerance for PSNI officers or staff who misuse their position or powers. After a 2025 Criminal Justice Inspectorate report, the board received updates on efforts to improve internal policies, vetting processes, and professional standards resources.

Legislative changes are required to allow faster disciplinary measures against PSNI personnel, Sharma noted. The Policing Board is completing a revised Code of Ethics for the PSNI that prohibits officers from pursuing or maintaining sexual or improper relationships with victims, witnesses, suspects, detainees, or defendants linked to their duties.

Sharma highlighted the harm such misconduct causes to trust in policing. The board urges anyone affected by abuse from current or former officers to report to the Police Ombudsman.