The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has recommended a PSNI officer face performance procedures after failing to follow service guidance during a vehicle stop where prescribed cannabis was seized. The PSNI’s Professional Standards Department accepted the recommendation.

The incident occurred in 2024 when officers stopped a car and searched it. The complainant held a valid prescription for the cannabis, but the officer seized it anyway. Investigators found the officer did not inform the complainant about claimed discrepancies between dates on the prescription and the medical container, and did not make inquiries to obtain the correct prescription, as PSNI guidance requires.

A second issue involved the officer’s handling of the seized property. Ombudsman investigators determined that accepted standards for seizing, securing and recording evidence were not properly followed.

Other allegations from the complainant, including racial profiling, an improper stop procedure, and theft of some seized cannabis, were not substantiated. Investigators cited insufficient evidence or reasonable explanations from the officers involved.

Following the investigation, the Ombudsman’s office reviewed comparable complaints and issued a policy recommendation for further training and guidance. The aim is to help officers better understand the legal framework for medically prescribed cannabis and apply policy consistently.

Senior Investigations Officer Martin McCaffery said the officer potentially failed to act in accordance with the underlying legislation. He explained the PSNI addressed the matter through its performance procedures and that the training recommendation seeks to close knowledge gaps and promote public confidence in policing.