Jim Allister has today written to the Chief Constable challenging him on why there is a disparity in the approach to discipline in respect of junior and senior officers.
Here is the full text of Mr Allister’s letter:-
Dear Chief Constable,
Re: Disparity in disciplinary approach
I am regularly contacted by junior officers dismayed with how they are treated in terms of discipline in contrast to senior officers. The secrecy surrounding how senior officers are dealt with, or not dealt with, compounds the disparity.
By way of example and in the interest of transparency can you advise on the outcome of the ‘Hoovergate incident’. The cleaning device was taken around Christmas, 2020 and reported missing by contracted cleaning staff on January 6, 2021. The senior officer is reported to have been captured on cctv returning the stolen item after attendant internal publicity about the matter.
Is it correct that this senior officer continues to serve with enhanced security clearance, despite admitting taking and retaining the vacuum cleaner? How does this compare with how junior officers are treated?
A press report last summer included the assertion that no officer above the rank of Chief Inspector had been disciplined for misconduct in the five years up to the end of 2022. What is the current position?
How can you address low morale if the PSNI operates a two tier disciplinary approach? Again the cosseted treatment of Mark Hamilton underscores this approach.
I look forward to hearing from you on these important matters.
Yours sincerely,
.
Jim Allister MLA