To ask the Minister of Justice to detail (i) the process by which complaints of sexual assault against police officers, prison staff and civilian staff in the PSNI and NIPS are dealt with; and (ii) any plans she has to review this process.

If a prisoner makes an allegation of sexual assault against an operational or civilian member of NIPS staff the complaint will initially be investigated by an appropriately senior Governor at the establishment. The investigating Governor will ensure that the names of any witnesses are recorded and that any evidence is secured and retained. The location of the alleged assault may also be sealed and treated as a crime scene.

Staff involved, the prisoner and any witnesses will be informed that they may also be interviewed by police officers investigating the allegation.

Any member of NIPS staff against whom the allegation has been made will not be permitted to have any further contact with the prisoner until authorised by the Governor.

Subject to the information and evidence available the allegation will be referred to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who will determine whether or not a further investigation is required.

There are no current plans to review this process.

The complaints process in respect of police officers and civilian staff working for the Police Service for Northern Ireland (PSNI) is an operational matter for the Chief Constable, who is accountable to the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB). I am committed to respecting the Chief Constable’s independence in operational matters and the NIPB’s role in holding the PSNI to account. You may, therefore, wish to direct this element of your question to the PSNI.

The member will wish to note that the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland is independent of both Government and the police and was established to independently investigate complaints made against police officers and those staff who are in roles which have been designated by the Chief Constable.