December 11, 2025 | Organisational Information and Performance , Policies
Request Number: FOI/16461
Category: Organisational Information & Performance - Policies
Subject: PSNI Policy
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold some information to which your request relates and this is being provided to you.
We further consider the information you seek in question number 1 exempt by virtue of Section 21 of FOIA and have detailed our rationale as to why this exemption applies. We have also provided you with links to guidance issued by the Information Commissioner’s Office which we have followed in responding to your request.
Question 1
What is the PSNI policy on officers investigating cases to which they are named as suspects either criminally or misconduct?
Answer 1
Please note that the policy in relation to how matters of police misconduct are dealt with is incorporated in Service Instruction 4/16 ‘Police Misconduct’ which is available publicly at the following link:
https://www.psni.police.uk/sites/default/files/2025-11/SI0416%20Police%20Misconduct%2024%20November%202025.pdf
Partial exemption
Section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Police Service of Northern Ireland, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide you the applicant with a notice which:
(a) states that fact,
(b) specifies the exemption in question and
(c) states (if not otherwise apparent) why the exemption applies.
The exemption/s, as well as the factors the Department considered when deciding where the public interest lies, are listed below:
Section 21 - Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means
The full text of exemptions can be found at www.legislation.gov.uk and further guidance on how they operate can be located on the Information Commissioners Office website www.ico.org.uk.
Section 21(1) – Information which is reasonably accessible to the applicant otherwise than under section 1 is exempt information.
Question 2
Which body investigates complaints against Professional Standards (PSD) Personnel in the PSNI?
Answer 2
PSNI can advise that complaints made by a member of the public against a PSD officer/staff member, will be investigated by the Police Ombudsman as per normal procedure with public complaints.
Should a member of the PSNI wish to complain about the conduct of a PSD Officer or Staff member they can do so in writing to the Head of PSD. The Head of PSD will decide how best to deal with any such complaint in line with all existing PSNI policies.