6 November 2025
SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath MLA has pressed Chief Constable Jon Boutcher over the PSNI’s approach and culture in tackling violence against women and girls.
Mr McGrath said he welcomed the Chief Constable’s assurances that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness but raised a number of concerns.
Speaking after today’s Policing Board meeting, South Down MLA Colin McGrath said:
“I was deeply concerned to learn that in a recent case involving four officers investigated by the Police Ombudsman, only one will face a full misconduct hearing while the other three will instead face internal meetings. That decision risks sending entirely the wrong message about how seriously the PSNI takes violence against women and girls.
“The SDLP utterly condemns all forms of misogyny and violence against women. While the vast majority of officers will be appalled at this conduct, police must be seen to act firmly and transparently in such cases - anything less undermines public confidence.
“It’s vital that the Policing Board continues to monitor this closely. The public deserve absolute confidence that these cases are being handled with the gravity they deserve.”