Chief constable apologises after ex-senior officer discriminated against

The chief constable has apologised to a former PSNI chief inspector for discrimination she suffered in the force.

Ursula Merrick, who has been medically retired, was subjected to "unwarranted and highly damaging allegations" by her former colleague, Supt Ian Campbell, who is now retired.

In 2023, an employment tribunal found that Ch Insp Ursula Merrick was discriminated on grounds of her sex and disability.

On Monday, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "There is and should be no place for behaviour like this in the PSNI. We are committed to a workplace culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion."

He said: "Unfortunately, our internal processes did not recognise this when Ursula rightly complained. I also recognise the significant personal impact this treatment has had on Ursula, a much-valued member of the RUC/PSNI since 1993, who rose to the rank of Temporary Chief Inspector before her retirement in 2021 following the treatment she suffered.

"The Service Executive Team and I realise the PSNI has lost an experienced and diligent police officer and I have offered to meet Ursula to apologise to her in person."

Merrick welcomed the public apology but said it was "long overdue".

In a statement she said: "The Tribunal's judgment used stark language. The treatment I suffered at the hands of Superintendent Ian Campbell was described as 'malicious,' 'scurrilous,' and going 'to the heart of my integrity and professionalism.'

"These are not minor failings. They represent serious corruption and a fundamental breach of the values the PSNI should embody."

She also said she was subjected to "relentless patterns of "unwarranted, misogynistic behaviour" from a senior male officer.