Media Releases

Coronavirus Update

The Police Ombudsman’s Office is continuing to respond to the ongoing pandemic by implementing measures to minimise the impact on our work and reduce health risks. Although the Office remains closed to ...

Discrimination concerns are justified, but not on grounds of race or ethnicity

The Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has said that claims the police handling of ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests and a counter demonstration earlier this year amounted to unfairness and discrimination are jus...

PDF: An investigation into police policy and practice in relation to protests in Northern Ireland

Police officer sacked over exploitative behaviour towards vulnerable woman

A police officer has been dismissed without notice for abusing his position to initiate a sexual relationship with a woman he knew to be vulnerable.

Police Ombudsman statement

A total of 13 separate matters arising from the de Silva review were formally referred to the Police Ombudsman's Office by the PSNI in February 2016. However, at this stage events connected to the murder ...

Police Ombudsman publishes review of legislation

The Police Ombudsman, Mrs Marie Anderson, has published a review of the legislation under which her Office operates, in accordance with section 61(4) of the Police (NI) Act 1998. The review coincides with t...

Review of legislation under Section 61(4) of the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 1998

Twenty years on

The Police Ombudsman's Office is 20 years old today. It first opened its doors to the public on 6 November 2000.

20th Anniversary Booklet

Office closes after staff test positive for Coronavirus

The Police Ombudsman's Office has been closed today to the public after a number of staff members have tested positive for the Coronavirus. The duration of the closure will be kept under review.

New agreement with PSNI over provision of information

The Police Ombudsman’s Office and the PSNI have signed a new agreement which will oversee the processes by which police provide information to the complaints body.

Agreement with PSNI over provision of information

Police Ombudsman’s Office outlines focus of investigation

The Police Ombudsman’s Office has outlined in greater detail the focus of its current investigation into how police dealt with a series of public protests during the early part of the ‘lockdown’ period.

Police Ombudsman to look at how police have enforced regulations on large public gatherings

The Police Ombudsman’s Office has disclosed that an investigation is underway into how the PSNI have enforced the Coronavirus Public Health Regulations at large public gatherings.