PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher addressed the Policing Board on Thursday. He stated the force maintains zero tolerance for officers who abuse their positions for sexual purposes. Boutcher said the PSNI will identify and dismiss such officers.

A Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland report released this week covered allegations against officers from 2018 to 2024. It identified 36 female victims, all vulnerable from prior crime victimisation, mental health conditions, domestic abuse, suicidal ideation or addiction. The officers were male, aged 30 to 50. Predatory behaviour appeared in 30% of the most serious cases.

Officers misused police systems to locate women or gather data on potential victims. Boutcher described this as a major breach of trust. He noted the number of involved officers remains very low, though any instance proves unacceptable.

The report acknowledged PSNI actions to improve professional standards, vetting and misconduct procedures. Boutcher said he met female officers and required staff to affirm the force's values and behaviours.

Alliance MLA Nuala McAllister and Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon questioned Boutcher on the report at the board meeting.