Menu
23/11/2016
Planned Search Of Elderly Woman's Home Was Justified - Ombudsman
A planned search at the home of an elderly lady was justifiable, according to the Police Ombudsman.
The search was part of a major anti-drugs operation in Co Tyrone earlier this year.
The woman said she was shocked and upset when a police search team turned up at her house and told her they were searching for drugs.
She later lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman's Office about the officer who ordered the search, stating that simple checks would have shown there was no need to visit her property as she had never been involved in drugs or any type of criminality.
While enquiries by a Police Ombudsman investigator found that there was no suspicion of the woman having done anything wrong, he also established that the police had been following up on a legitimate line of enquiry.
A number of factors led police to suspect the house may have been being used by criminal elements, including records which suggested that it had been unoccupied for a number of years.
The investigator noted that police had adopted a careful approach during the operation. Officers had been tasked to check the property and assess whether a search was required, and to do so without gaining rapid entry to the house so as not to cause undue alarm.
When it became clear there was no suspicion of criminal involvement by the occupier, the house was not searched, although police did check outbuildings in case they were being used without her knowledge. They found nothing of concern.
The investigator also noted that officers had called the woman's daughter and advised that her mother was upset and asked her to come over. Two officers remained with the woman until her daughter's arrival.
The Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, concluded that police had justifiable reasons for checking the property.
(CD)
The search was part of a major anti-drugs operation in Co Tyrone earlier this year.
The woman said she was shocked and upset when a police search team turned up at her house and told her they were searching for drugs.
She later lodged a complaint with the Police Ombudsman's Office about the officer who ordered the search, stating that simple checks would have shown there was no need to visit her property as she had never been involved in drugs or any type of criminality.
While enquiries by a Police Ombudsman investigator found that there was no suspicion of the woman having done anything wrong, he also established that the police had been following up on a legitimate line of enquiry.
A number of factors led police to suspect the house may have been being used by criminal elements, including records which suggested that it had been unoccupied for a number of years.
The investigator noted that police had adopted a careful approach during the operation. Officers had been tasked to check the property and assess whether a search was required, and to do so without gaining rapid entry to the house so as not to cause undue alarm.
When it became clear there was no suspicion of criminal involvement by the occupier, the house was not searched, although police did check outbuildings in case they were being used without her knowledge. They found nothing of concern.
The investigator also noted that officers had called the woman's daughter and advised that her mother was upset and asked her to come over. Two officers remained with the woman until her daughter's arrival.
The Police Ombudsman, Dr Michael Maguire, concluded that police had justifiable reasons for checking the property.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
21 April 2016
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
Officer Disciplined For Failing To Properly Investigate Assault On Boy
A police officer has been disciplined after failing to properly investigate an allegation that a man annoyed by children playing football near his car, attacked a 12-year-old boy by kicking him on the hand.
14 May 2012
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
Seven Police Officers Disciplined Over Pensioner's Death
Seven police officers have been disciplined over an investigation into the death of Lisburn man Jim Heasley in October 2010. The 70-year-old was assaulted as he walked home from Lagan Valley Pigeon Club. An investigation by the Police Ombudsman found a series of failings in the initial police response.
05 June 2018
Officers Accused Of Destruction During House Search Rejected
Police officers who allegedly left a trail of destruction during a house search have been rejected, according to the Police Ombudsman. Video evidence showed that a TV they were accused of smashing was not in the room at the time.
Officers Accused Of Destruction During House Search Rejected
Police officers who allegedly left a trail of destruction during a house search have been rejected, according to the Police Ombudsman. Video evidence showed that a TV they were accused of smashing was not in the room at the time.
28 September 2018
Cigarettes, Tobacco And Cash Seized
Police and customs officers have seized more than 13,000 cigarettes and five kilos of hand-rolling tobacco. The seizures were made during the course of a major search operation of 11 properties in north and west Belfast. Officers also seized £6,000 in cash under the proceeds of the crime act.
Cigarettes, Tobacco And Cash Seized
Police and customs officers have seized more than 13,000 cigarettes and five kilos of hand-rolling tobacco. The seizures were made during the course of a major search operation of 11 properties in north and west Belfast. Officers also seized £6,000 in cash under the proceeds of the crime act.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
