The Role of the Ombudsman's Office - Achievement and Challenges

TJI Seminar Series

Dr Michael Maguire, Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland

The role of the Police Ombudsman - Challenges and Achievements

The Office of the Police Ombudsman in Northern Ireland has been in operation for over 15 years and has been described as the "gold standard" of police accountability.  In 2011 the Office was the subject of a series of critical reports questioning its independence from the police.  This paper will consider how the independence of the Office was called into question and will examine the steps taken to restore public confidence into the work of the Office including the investigation into troubles cases.  The paper will argue that despite the safeguards built into the design and operation of the Office independence cannot be taken for granted and must be continually protected and reinforced.  It will examine the on-going challenges of delivering a robust police complaints system in Northern Ireland including funding, accessing information and the difficulties of dealing with the past.