Statement from the Police Ombudsman

Statement from the Police Ombudsman

In a statement issued today, Mrs Marie Anderson, Police Ombudsman, said:

“Although I had decided to retire in December this year, which would have allowed me to fulfil my commitments to delivering the outcomes of investigations to a number of bereaved families, it has become increasingly clear that current commentary is detracting from the focus of that work.

“I am extremely grateful to those families who put their trust in me, and it is their interests which are at the heart of my decision today to take a temporary leave of absence with immediate effect.

“In my absence, I am delegating authority to my Chief Executive and senior staff as appropriate. This will ensure the vital work of the office continues, as there is no legal provision for the Office to function without a Police Ombudsman. 

“I have every confidence in all my staff and know they will work diligently and am grateful for their support in recent times."