15/09/2026
PSNI Chief Apologises After Tribunal Finds Unlawful Discrimination Against Ursula Merrick
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has issued a public apology after an Employment Tribunal found the Police Service of Northern Ireland acted unlawfully towards former officer Ursula Merrick on the grounds of sex discrimination, whistleblowing detriment and disability discrimination. Ms Merrick served with the RUC/PSNI from 1993, rose to Temporary Chief Inspector and retired in 2021.
Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: "Following the outcome of the Employment Tribunal, where it was found that the Police Service of Northern Ireland had acted unlawfully on the grounds of sex discrimination, whistleblowing detriment and disability discrimination, I would like to publicly apologise on behalf of the PSNI for the treatment Ursula has suffered."
He added: "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. 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."
He added: "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. 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."
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