‘Clear evidence’ of misogyny in the PSNI

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

The Langdale Review, published in April 2026, was commissioned in 2025 by Chief Constable Jon Boutcher and states that it is not possible to detail exactly how widespread sexism and misogyny is in the PSNI, but that the misconduct process for offending staff members is “flawed”.

The 10-page review calls on senior leaders across all areas of the PSNI to “create and foster a culture of psychological safety, enabling the prompt reporting of sexism and misogyny”.

It also states that there is a need for a communications campaign to encourage PSNI staff and officers to report predatory and abusive behaviour, and that sergeants and inspectors should be properly trained to identify and act upon sexist or predatory behaviour.

The review calls on the PSNI to instruct an independent consultant to conduct a targeted survey to identify the extent of sexism and misogyny within the PSNI, any discernible trends over time, and barriers to reporting it.

The review states: “This survey should be simple to complete; include questions about predatory behaviour, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct (both recent and non-recent experiences); and invite responses towards reporting and actions taken.”

On disciplinary proceedings, the review calls on the PSNI to address delays in disciplinary proceedings “as a matter of urgency” and to “pursue disciplinary proceedings irrespective of criminal proceedings”.

The review follows a March 2026 report by the Police Ombudsman, which found that 60 cases of abuse of position for sexual purposes (APSP) have been reported to the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI) since 2018, with each alleged victim classified as a “vulnerable” individual.

The PONI report states that between 2018 and 2024, six officers have been sacked or convicted for abusing their role following investigation, and that the officers were all male and mostly constables aged between 30 and 50. The majority of these officers worked in local policing teams.

The report identifies two types of offenders. ‘Sharks’, which were younger officers who tended to make “rapid” contact, and ‘fishermen’, those who were more “tentative” in their approach. APSP complaints made up almost 30 per cent (nine) of all serious Category A cases (30) investigated by PONI in 2024.

PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher says any abuse of position for sexual purposes is “wholly unacceptable”, adding: “It represents a serious breach of trust and a violation of the standards rightly expected of police officers.”