Referred to Public Prosecution Service, criminal charges recommended

The Police Ombudsman investigates all criminal allegations against police officers in Northern Ireland. At the end of each investigation the Police Ombudsman must send a file of evidence to the Public Prosecution Service. The file will include a recommendation from the Police Ombudsman as to whether, based on the evidence of the case, any officers should be prosecuted. The final decision on whether an officer(s) should be prosecuted is taken by the Public Prosecution Service.