A Police Ombudsman report details investigations into 20 serving PSNI officers and two former officers for abuse of position for sexual purposes. The cases involve 39 female victims.

Seven of the serving officers have been suspended from duty. Five have been reassigned to other roles. The PSNI provided no information on the status of the remaining eight officers.

Both former officers are male. One resigned before the investigation concluded. The other retired during the probe.

Police Ombudsman Chief Executive Hugh Hume described police predatory behaviour as a serious form of corruption. He noted the power imbalance that prevents many women from reporting incidents due to fear of reprisal.

The PSNI stated that duty status decisions for officers under investigation follow Police Conduct Regulations. Choices consider the allegations' gravity, context and nature, along with public interest.

A PSNI spokesperson called abuse of position for sexual purposes unacceptable and a breach of public trust. The force pledged to investigate allegations thoroughly and work with the Ombudsman for transparency.

PSNI officers engage regularly with the Police Ombudsman to review duty statuses under regulations.