Posters showing private image of police officer are despicable, says PSNI chief
THE PSNI’s Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris has branded posters which appeared around Belfast with a private image of a female police officer “despicable and shameful”.
He said it is “appalling that these images have been displayed in public places” around republican areas of Belfast.
Police are investigating after the image, understood to be that of a constable, appeared on social media.
Earlier, Mr Harris (right) said a second, higher-ranking, officer had been wrongly linked to the picture and both are receiving support.
Mr Harris said: “The posting and re-posting of this material across various social media platforms and now in a public space, is causing deep hurt and distress to both officers. This is an attempt to victimise and bully two women, who happen to be police officers, who are doing their duty to keep people safe”.
On Wednesday posters appeared around various locations of the city of the officer purportedly unclothed alongside a picture of her in uniform.
It is understood the image was leaked on messaging app WhatsApp and had been shared over 1,000 times.
The officer at the centre of the incident does not hold a senior rank in the PSNI.
“The posting and re-posting of this material across various social media platforms over recent days has regrettably re-traumatised the victim in this already difficult case,” he said. “It has also unfortunately implicated a second officer erroneously.”
Mr Harris added: “Whilst we continue to offer our full support to both officers, we would urge sensible and sensitive reporting around this matter and afford time for an investigation to take place.”
Police are working to establish how the images were obtained and who posted them.
PSNI officers have been warned to be aware of online safety to prevent their details falling into the wrong hands.
While there is no PSNI code of conduct for officers when using social media there is a corporate policy which warns of the risks accompanied with online use.