Jacqui Durkin,(pictured) who took up the role of Police Ombudsman in June, said investigations into abuse of position for sexual purposes (APSP) require particular attention as she begins a review of how the watchdog operates.
In her first print interview since taking office, Ms Durkin told The Irish News that she intends to examine the workload and operation of the Ombudsman’s office, its engagement with victims and how investigations can be strengthened.
More than 60 APSP cases have been reported to the Police Ombudsman since 2018, with every alleged victim classified as vulnerable.
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The seriousness of the issue was highlighted last year when APSP allegations accounted for nine of the 30 Category A cases investigated by the watchdog in 2024.
Ms Durkin, the former Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice in Northern Ireland, said she had already identified areas she wanted to discuss with the Ombudsman’s senior team.
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“There’s some things that I’ve already identified and want to discuss with the senior team,” she said.
Her comments point to a renewed focus on how allegations involving police officers are handled, particularly where officers are accused of exploiting their position or authority for sexual purposes.
Ms Durkin stressed the need for investigations into serious and complex allegations to be conducted professionally. She said this was essential not only to maintain public confidence but also to ensure fairness to officers who face allegations.
The Ombudsman’s focus comes as her office continues to investigate multiple incidents involving a former PSNI officer suspected of sexual offences, including rape and misconduct in public office.
The cases underline the particular sensitivity of investigations where allegations concern those entrusted with policing and protecting the public. Alongside APSP investigations, Ms Durkin said she remained conscious of the Ombudsman’s responsibilities in relation to Northern Ireland’s legacy and historic cases.
That work includes providing closure reports to families and issuing public statements where appropriate, areas which continue to carry significant importance for victims and relatives seeking answers about past incidents.
The new Ombudsman’s early priorities suggest that scrutiny of police conduct, the treatment of vulnerable victims and the effectiveness of investigations will form a central part of her tenure.
With dozens of APSP allegations already reported and a significant proportion of the Ombudsman’s most serious investigations involving such cases, Ms Durkin faces pressure to demonstrate that allegations of sexual abuse of police authority are investigated thoroughly, fairly and with victims at the centre of the process.
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