Viewpoint: PSNI should not be above the law

Opinion

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Editor: Martin Lindsay

PSNI blasted as shamed officer returns to work

Friday, January 11, 2008

The case of Constable Geraldine Donnelly, the police officer charged with a drink-driving case in Bangor, has ramifications both for the PSNI and for all employees whose jobs rely on them being in possession of a valid driving licence.

Constable Donnelly's fate when she came to court last May was of particular interest because she had acted as the face of the PSNI in a road safety television commercial which focused on the danger of drinking and driving.

But now, after an internal disciplinary inquiry, it has emerged that the officer is back on duty, and has not, after all, been required to resign from her job. This appears to be at odds with a pledge made by the PSNI in 2006 to dismiss any officers who were convicted of drink-driving.

According to Deputy Chief Constable Paul Leighton, the reason that Constable Donnelly has been able to keep her job is that her case predates the policy change. He insists the new rule is now being rigorously enforced and a " substantial" number of officers have now been asked to resign after being caught over the limit.

Mr Leighton has stirred further controversy, however, by saying that an officer may still be permitted to remain in post if a tribunal decides that there were mitigating circumstances - such as a trip to hospital in a family emergency. Such outcomes must be the exception, not the rule.

No police officer should be able to consider him or herself as being above the law. As custodians of the law, police officers have a special responsibility to set an example and abide by the rules they enforce.

This is especially the case when it comes to drink-driving. The authorities take a justifiably stern approach and the plan by Arlene Foster to reduce the limit from 80 to 50 milligrams is a sign of a new determination.

Drinking and driving should be more socially unacceptable than ever and the availability of taxis and public transport means that there are alternatives means of getting home. The system of nominating a driver when out socialising is another option.

Research shows that drink-drivers' judgement is impaired, making them a danger both to themselves and other road-users.

As Mrs Foster says, at the existing legal limit they are almost six times more likely to be involved in a crash.

While fines play a part, there is no doubt that the threat of being banned from driving is the most effective deterrent to anyone tempted to take a chance. And if losing one's licence also results in being sacked, it is a penalty which should concentrate the mind.

The PSNI must demonstrate that it practises what it preaches, and the Policing Board should keep tabs.

The new rule needs to be rigorously enforced, and any officers who are convicted of drink-driving should have no future with the PSNI.