{"id":23817,"date":"2021-11-04T12:22:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-04T16:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23817"},"modified":"2021-11-05T10:26:05","modified_gmt":"2021-11-05T14:26:05","slug":"byrne-vows-to-root-out-sexual-harassment-within-psni","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=23817","title":{"rendered":"Byrne Vows To ‘Root Out’ Sexual Harassment Within PSNI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne (PA)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The PSNI chief constable has said he is determined to \u201croot out\u201d those responsible for incidents of sexual harassment within the force.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simon Byrne told the Policing Board that he hoped that such incidents would not put new female recruits off joining the police.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It came after a PSNI civilian employee spoke out to say she felt she had been let down after making allegations of sexual assault against a serving officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sinead McGrotty told the BBC Radio Ulster Talkback program that she had been subjected to inappropriate comments and touching over several years by an officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She reported the officer in 2012 and an internal disciplinary process fined him \u00a3250 after he accepted one allegation of inappropriate touching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was not suspended and retained his job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms McGrotty is currently taking an industrial tribunal against the PSNI, the BBC reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the monthly meeting of the Policing Board, Mr Byrne said he did not believe that Ms McGrotty had been always treated with sufficient sensitivity or empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said: \u201cThe big issue of yesterday lunchtime was the quite awful disclosures by a member of police staff when she came forward some years ago to report sexual abuse in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are determined to do all we can to protect women in their homes, in public spaces, and indeed in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI became aware of this case in February of this year as part of a grievance process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have since undertaken careful assessment of the allegations presented in this grievance with a view to reaching a decision for the applicant Sinead, which is both fair and accountable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn my interim findings and ongoing personal contact with Sinead I have acknowledged the really difficult journey that she has experienced and I do not believe she has always been treated with sufficient sensitivity or empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe grievance procedure is ongoing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Byrne added: \u201cI am unequivocal in my expectations of behaviors we want to see in this organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSexual misconduct will not be tolerated and it is essential that anyone reporting such behavior is supported by the systems and processes which give confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI cannot undo what has happened in the past to Sinead, but I have given my commitment that my findings will be presented to her as soon as possible and any actions arising from that will be implemented by us as a matter of priority.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DUP board member Joanne Bunting referred to a new recruitment campaign launched by the PSNI this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said: \u201cWe talk often about the barriers to recruitment and this may well be a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEvery female now who will consider joining the PSNI as an officer or member of staff, those people will consult with their families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat reassurance can you give to those people who are considering becoming members of the PSNI that they are safe in your organization?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr Byrne said: \u201cMy appeal to anyone who is considering a police career as a woman is don\u2019t let that put you off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe are determined to root out this behavior and create a safe and inclusive work environment for women and people from all different backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a really serious and regrettable incident, but please don\u2019t let this put people off from joining this organization.\u201d<\/p>\n

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