Complaints against PSNI slide despite racism claims

The level of complaints against the Police Service of Northern Ireland has reached a new low, it emerged today.

But despite a 3% drop in grievances received by Ombudsman Nuala O’Loan last year, serious allegations of racism and sectarianism were made.

Her office’s annual report also confirmed more Protestants than Catholics made criticisms.

A total of 2,885 complaints arose during 2004-05, down 91 on the year before and continuing a decade long fall from the 4,000 once made against the old RUC.

Yet that total contained small numbers of allegations involving either racist (eight) or sectarian conduct (16).

These included a landlord claiming an arresting officer told him: “If you get rid of the niggers (tenants) we may leave you alone.”

Another man alleged a police officer marched up and down singing loyalist songs outside his cell.

No outcome to the complaints were included in the report as investigators were said to be still examining the claims.

Mrs O’Loan said: “It is important that ethnic minority communities in Northern Ireland report incidents of racism and hatred to the police but, for a variety of reasons, they do not do so.

“It is equally important that if they experience racist behaviour by the police, they report it to this Office. We want an accurate picture of the problem.”

The Police Service accepted many hate related incidents go unreported for a number of reasons.

A spokesman said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland is committed and determined to preventing hate incidents and make those responsible accountable to the law.

“Reporting is essential in assisting police identify victims and perpetrators and the Service has worked closely with many groups to increase confidence and encourage reporting.”

The Ombudsman’s report disclosed 47% of complaints came from Protestants, compared to 37% Catholics. Other figures included:

:: nearly a quarter (21.8%) of all allegations were made in the Belfast area

:: the PSNI asked the Ombudsman’s office to investigate 72 serious matters, most involving the use of CS Spray, and four where people had died

:: the biggest category of complaint involved allegations of officers failing to do their duty

:: a total of 149 cases were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with charges recommended in only seven

:: some 57 cases recommending disciplinary action against officers were sent to Chief Constable Hugh Orde.