Police Officers Removed from Sex Crime Investigations Amid Public Disorder in Northern Ireland

Strategic Insights -

The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee held an evidence session on ending violence against women and girls, amidst concerns that 24 police officers were taken off sex crime and domestic abuse investigations to deal with public disorder. The head of the PSNI's public protection team, Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee, expressed challenges in dealing with under-funding, including a PS21m gap, and low officer numbers, which have never been this low at 6,200, compared to the targeted 7,500. Dr. Siobhan McAllister, a criminology lecturer, noted mistrust in some communities about reporting domestic crimes, while Sonya McMullan from Women's Aid Federation NI highlighted the lengthy delays in the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, leading to victims dropping out.

Key Takeaways:

  • 24 police officers were removed from sex crime and domestic abuse investigations to deal with public disorder, highlighting the challenges faced by the PSNI.
  • Detective Chief Superintendent Zoe McKee expressed concerns about the under-funding situation, with a PS21m gap, and low officer numbers, which have never been this low at 6,200.
  • The PSNI is facing significant challenges in delivering services and supporting victims, while prosecuting offenders for violence against women and girls.
  • Dr. Siobhan McAllister noted that there is still mistrust in some communities about reporting domestic crimes to the police.
  • Sonya McMullan from Women's Aid Federation NI highlighted the issue of lengthy delays in the criminal justice system, leading to victims dropping out and a lack of public confidence in the system.
  • The lack of trust in the criminal justice system, combined with the lengthy delays, creates a cycle of re-traumatization for victims.

Statistics:

  • 24 police officers were removed from sex crime and domestic abuse investigations to deal with public disorder.
  • PS21 million funding gap for the PSNI.
  • 6,200 current lowest level of police officers in the PSNI.
  • 7,500 target number of police officers.
  • 60+ police officers injured in disturbances that started last week.
  • 5 years, the time a domestic abuse victim waited for her abuser to be sentenced.

Sources:

  • "Twenty-four police officers removed from duties to deal with public disorder in Northern Ireland, MPs told" [BBC News](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-61642292)
  • Committee of the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee
  • "Women's Aid Federation NI" website
  • "Queen's University Belfast" website
  • Sonya McMullan, Women's Aid Federation NI