‘Clear evidence of sexism and misogyny’ within PSNI, review finds

There is “clear evidence of sexism and misogyny within the PSNI”, an independent review has found.

Rachel Langdale KC carried out the review at the request of PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher to “take a holistic and honest look at PSNI culture” to “identify opportunities for meaningful and sustainable improvement”.

Violence against women and girls has been brought to the fore in Northern Ireland as the number of women killed in the region since 2020 reached 30, with the death of Amy Doherty in Londonderry.

Sexism within the region’s police service has also prompted fresh examination as a report last month found predatory behaviour features in 30% of the most serious cases investigated by the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

Last year a former PSNI officer was arrested by police ombudsman investigators on suspicion of committing more than 10 non-recent offences, including rape and other sexual offences between 2000 and 2009 while he was a serving officer.

A summary of the Langdale Review states: “The review has identified clear evidence of sexism and misogyny within the PSNI.

“It is not possible for us to say how widespread this is within the organisation.

“What can be stated is that wherever it is identified, there must be absolute clarity about the manner in which it is tackled.

“The misconduct process is flawed and we have highlighted issues of particular concern.

“Some of the problems arise as a result of the legislative framework and cannot be remedied by the PSNI.”

Responding to the report at the policing board on Thursday, Mr Boutcher accepted the findings and recommendations of the Langdale Review in full and pledged that “clear and measurable action” will be taken.

“I commissioned this report to ensure we strengthen how we deal with domestic violence, violence against women and girls and misogyny,” he said.

“I wanted an independent look at our culture, our systems and processes, and for the report to identify meaningful and sustainable mechanisms for improvement.

“Rachel makes clear that she encountered evidence of misogyny in this police service.

“Let me repeat here the message I have repeatedly shared and again shared with the entire organisation in a video last week – there is no place in this organisation for any misogyny, sexism or hateful behaviour in any form towards any colleagues from anyone.

“It is unacceptable and it will not be tolerated.”

The review does credit the PSNI for its proactivity in developing and implementing a violence against women and girls strategy in 2022, when the Stormont Executive had not yet done so.

It outlines a wide range of recommendations both relating to how the PSNI deals with women who are victims of crime or gender-based violence, as well as dealing with misogyny internally.

These include calling on senior leaders across all areas of the PSNI to “foster a culture of psychological safety, enabling the prompt reporting of sexism and misogyny” and establishing “a targeted survey to identify the extent of sexism and misogyny within the PSNI, any identifiable trends over time and barriers to reporting it”.

The review also says that delays in disciplinary proceedings should be addressed “as a matter of urgency” and be pursued “irrespective of criminal proceedings”.

The PSNI is also urged to “seek powers to discipline officers post-employment” and to fast-track cases involving criminality or gross misconduct.

It is further advised to work with the Police Ombudsman to standardise abuse of position for sexual purposes and automatically refer such abuse of position cases to the ombudsman.