Policeman ‘mistreated’ by PSNI speaks out amid data breach chaos

A PSNI officer from Tyrone who claims they spent years being ‘hauled over the coals’ due to an internal investigation has said they would not be shocked if recent data breaches led to a cover-up, or some junior member of staff being made ‘the fall guy’.

Speaking with the UH, the serving officer predicted, “First there will be a blame game, then a witch hunt, and I would not be shocked if we see a cover-up down the line.”

Over the last few years, this officer claims they have been subjected to a prolonged investigation, which they claim could have been quickly resolved had common sense been practised and proper investigative procedures been followed.

They say the stigma and stress of going through the investigation has had a ‘devastatingly detrimental’ impact on their physical and mental health.

However, despite a fear that cooperating with this newspaper could result in another investigation and further disciplinary action, they said it is a risk they are willing to take to shed some light on the alleged mistreatment of officers within the North’s police force.

The police officer’s decision to speak out comes amid a bruising couple of weeks for the PSNI’s top brass, and under-pressure Chief Constable Simon Byrne in particular.

Revelations of two more data breaches, as well as allegations of sectarianism within the organisation, have further inflamed the fiasco, prompting some to call for the Chief Constable’s resignation.

On Tuesday, the North’s most senior police officer announced that an independent-led review will be carried out into the major data breach which resulted in the accidental release of personal information belonging to 10,000 officers and agents.

‘ABANDONED’

Throughout the period they were being investigated, the local officer said they felt “completely abandoned” by the PSNI.

“I understand that if there is any evidence of wrong-doing, it has to be investigated. But in this instance, it felt like a sledgehammer to crack a nut,” they said.

“I could not believe the way it was being handled.

“The lack of support and way I was treated created extreme stress for me and my family,” they said.

The officer claims to still suffer today with physical and mental health issues as a result of their alleged mistreatment.

The officer further claims to be aware of colleagues embroiled in similar cases that have trailed on for years, too.

Some of these people, he said, continue to be put through the mill unnecessarily.

“Like me, these other officers’ lives – both career and family – have been destroyed as a result of the way they have been treated.

“After everything I have done for the organisation, and the way I have been treated, I am now really considering whether or not I have a future within the PSNI.”