Jacqui Durkin has been appointed as the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland, becoming the fifth person to hold the post. The appointment was announced on Wednesday by First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.

Durkin takes over following the retirement of Marie Anderson in December 2025. The ombudsman's role carries a seven-year term and an annual salary of £173,854.

Formerly the Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, Durkin previously served as chief executive of the NI Courts and Tribunals Service and held senior roles in the Department of Education. In a joint statement, the First and Deputy First Ministers said her experience and insight would strengthen the ombudsman's office and support change where needed.

The Police Ombudsman's Office welcomed the appointment. Chief Executive Hugh Hume said the staff looked forward to working with Durkin and supporting her priorities.

The previous ombudsman left amid controversy. In 2023 Marie Anderson faced an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office and perverting the course of justice following a domestic incident in County Down. West Midlands Police investigated and sent a file to the Public Prosecution Service, which decided not to prosecute, concluding there was no reasonable prospect of conviction. Anderson had taken temporary leave in June 2025, citing "detracting commentary". A separate court ruling found that the ombudsman's office had exceeded its legal powers in finding "collusive behaviour" by former RUC officers.

Independent unionist MLA Doug Beattie, who said he had worked with Durkin since 2019 and found her honest and direct, called for fundamental reforms to the watchdog. He has submitted a motion to the Justice Minister seeking a review. Beattie wants the introduction of a power to suspend an ombudsman under investigation, in line with international standards. He also proposes that minor police misconduct cases be referred directly to PSNI disciplinary processes without complainant consent, to allow the office to focus on serious matters. Additionally, he urged that making vexatious or false allegations against officers be made a criminal offence, as in the Republic of Ireland.

Beattie said the ombudsman's office is overwhelmed by low-level complaints and evidence-free cases, which drains resources from serious investigations. He expressed hope that the new ombudsman and the Justice Minister would use the opportunity to reset the office and ensure it can meet demands effectively.