PSNI officer investigated over alleged vacuum theft
- Published
Police said the incident from three years ago remains a "live investigation"
A police officer is being investigated over the alleged theft of a vacuum cleaner from a station.
The incident, which had been dubbed "hoovergate", happened in 2021.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said an officer has been "repositioned" while an investigation was carried out within its professional standards department.
Chris Todd, temporary deputy chief constable, confirmed the investigation in a letter to TUV leader Jim Allister.
The Stormont assembly member claimed "hoovergate" was an example of a "two-tier disciplinary approach" for junior and senior officers.
Mr Allister said the vacuum cleaner was reported missing by cleaning staff in January 2021.
He said a senior officer was reportedly "captured on CCTV" returning the item.
North Antrim MP Jim Allister wrote to the PSNI asking about the alleged theft
In response, Mr Todd wrote: "I am unable to comment on the specific circumstances of the officer referred to in the case mentioned in your letter relating to the alleged theft of a [vacuum cleaner], as this remains a live investigation."
He said all officers up to and including the rank of chief superintendent "are subject to the PSNI code of ethics, and are held to the same standard irrespective of rank".
"The Northern Ireland Policing Board carries responsibility for discipline relating to chief officer ranks," he added.
When the incident was reported by the Belfast Telegraph in 2021, the PSNI said an officer "was spoken to and dealt with by local management".
In a new statement, a PSNI spokeswoman told BBC News NI: "The matter is now subject to a live investigation within Professional Standards Department, and as such it would be inappropriate to comment. An officer has been repositioned."
In his letter, Mr Todd also said that nine officers of chief inspector rank or above are currently under formal investigation for alleged misconduct, including six who have been repositioned to other duties.
He said that since January 2023, two officers of chief inspector rank or above were subject to gross misconduct proceedings and received formal disciplinary sanctions.