A police officer was dismissed more than four years after the Police Ombudsman completed an investigation into his conduct, leading to renewed calls for faster disciplinary procedures.

The case, which involved the arrest and search of a man at homeless accommodation in Belfast in 2018, highlighted the inadequacies of current legislation, according to Police Ombudsman Chief Executive, Hugh Hume.

"Despite a timely investigation, which was completed in just over 12 months, it took more than four years for this case, which involved serious misconduct, to reach a conclusion," Mr Hume stated. "Currently, the legislation does not allow this Office to use a 'fast-track procedure' where it is clear from an early stage in an investigation that there is criminality or gross misconduct which could result in an officer being dismissed without undue delay."

The case involved two officers who failed to record the seizure of a bag of tablets during the arrest. A subsequent investigation by the Police Ombudsman revealed that one officer had disposed of the drugs, while both officers attempted to cover up their actions.

The case proceeded through the criminal justice system, with both officers facing charges of misconduct in public office. Following their acquittal in February 2023, disciplinary proceedings were initiated by the PSNI. One officer resigned before proceedings commenced, while the other was dismissed in August 2024.

"Those officers who commit wrongdoing such as dishonesty, serious assault or violence against women cannot be dealt with expeditiously in the public interest in the current system and this gap in the legislation does not serve the interests of victims, the wider public or the police service," Mr Hume concluded.

The Police Ombudsman has repeatedly called for legislative amendments to allow misconduct proceedings to take place prior to criminal proceedings, which would expedite disciplinary action and enhance public confidence in the police complaints system.