Menu
27/07/2022
Further Allegations Suspended PSNI Officer Shared Images Of Suicide
Sinn Féin have called for an urgent meeting with PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne over fresh allegations that a PSNI officer shared images from a police computer of a victim of suicide.
It follows a report by the BBC that the family of Jim Lennon, who died by suicide in 2012, has come forward to say that a police officer is believed to have tried to share images of Mr Lennon's body.
It is understood that the Police Ombudsman told the family in 2017 that "an officer was being investigated for allegedly taking images of his body from the PSNI database".
According to the BBC, it is believed to be the same police officer who while being investigated for "11 separate but related incidents" was on suspension for five years while receiving full pay.
Seeking a meeting with the PSNI, Sinn Féin's policing spokesperson and member of the Policing Board, Gerry Kelly, said: "Further reports that a PSNI officer shared images of a victim of suicide are deeply disturbing and shocking.
"It's my understanding that a member of the PSNI has been suspended on full pay for five years and is awaiting the outcome of a PPS decision.
"The media are also reporting that one officer has now been dismissed from the PSNI while other investigations are ongoing.
"However, it is unacceptable that any family should have to wait five years for action to be taken.
"The question is why has it taken so long for the senior staff of the PSNI to act on what are very serious allegations.
"There have clearly been failures in the system to act on these complaints.
"I have spoken to the Chief Constable Simon Byrne and he has agreed to meet to discuss these very serious issues.
"I will make it clear that these actions cannot be tolerated within any police service whose duty it is to protect citizens.
"This is a matter of public confidence in the police and it must be transparent, accountable and fair.
"More importantly it has brought further trauma to an already grieving family."
It follows a report by the BBC that the family of Jim Lennon, who died by suicide in 2012, has come forward to say that a police officer is believed to have tried to share images of Mr Lennon's body.
It is understood that the Police Ombudsman told the family in 2017 that "an officer was being investigated for allegedly taking images of his body from the PSNI database".
According to the BBC, it is believed to be the same police officer who while being investigated for "11 separate but related incidents" was on suspension for five years while receiving full pay.
Seeking a meeting with the PSNI, Sinn Féin's policing spokesperson and member of the Policing Board, Gerry Kelly, said: "Further reports that a PSNI officer shared images of a victim of suicide are deeply disturbing and shocking.
"It's my understanding that a member of the PSNI has been suspended on full pay for five years and is awaiting the outcome of a PPS decision.
"The media are also reporting that one officer has now been dismissed from the PSNI while other investigations are ongoing.
"However, it is unacceptable that any family should have to wait five years for action to be taken.
"The question is why has it taken so long for the senior staff of the PSNI to act on what are very serious allegations.
"There have clearly been failures in the system to act on these complaints.
"I have spoken to the Chief Constable Simon Byrne and he has agreed to meet to discuss these very serious issues.
"I will make it clear that these actions cannot be tolerated within any police service whose duty it is to protect citizens.
"This is a matter of public confidence in the police and it must be transparent, accountable and fair.
"More importantly it has brought further trauma to an already grieving family."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
27 June 2022
Two PSNI Officers Arrested In Corruption Investigation
Two PSNI officers have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office. According to reports, the officers were arrested in the greater Belfast area on Thursday 23 June by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
Two PSNI Officers Arrested In Corruption Investigation
Two PSNI officers have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office. According to reports, the officers were arrested in the greater Belfast area on Thursday 23 June by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
05 April 2011
£50K Offered To Catch Ronan Kerr's Killers
The national crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering a cash incentive of up to £50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of PSNI officer, Ronan Kerr (pictured).
£50K Offered To Catch Ronan Kerr's Killers
The national crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering a cash incentive of up to £50,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of PSNI officer, Ronan Kerr (pictured).
09 March 2016
Teen Arrested Over Security Alert In West Belfast
A teenager has been arrested following a security alert at a west Belfast police station. The incident occurred at Woodbourne PSNI station on Tuesday. Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene after a suspicious object was discovered. It was later declared an "elaborate hoax" by the police.
Teen Arrested Over Security Alert In West Belfast
A teenager has been arrested following a security alert at a west Belfast police station. The incident occurred at Woodbourne PSNI station on Tuesday. Army bomb disposal experts attended the scene after a suspicious object was discovered. It was later declared an "elaborate hoax" by the police.
18 August 2016
Appeal After Snake Found In Co Down
Police in Newtownards, Co Down, have issued an appeal after a snake was found in the area. Taking to social media, the PSNI shared an image of a snake similar to the one that was found. In the Facebook post, police said they believed it to be a Coral or Milk snake which was captured and taken to a local vet for safekeeping.
Appeal After Snake Found In Co Down
Police in Newtownards, Co Down, have issued an appeal after a snake was found in the area. Taking to social media, the PSNI shared an image of a snake similar to the one that was found. In the Facebook post, police said they believed it to be a Coral or Milk snake which was captured and taken to a local vet for safekeeping.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
