The Ombudsman's investigation highlighted that police currently have no disability access vehicles to convey wheelchair users to custody suites.

Investigators recommended the PSNI either procure a wheelchair-friendly vehicle for each district or establish whether a suitable ramp could be sourced and fitted to a cell van in every district. The PSNI accepted the recommendation.

The review stemmed from a complaint alleging police failed to provide appropriate transport for a wheelchair user to be taken into custody.

The complainant made six further allegations about officers' conduct during an incident at his County Down home in December 2024.

Seven claims were examined, including that officers failed to issue a caution, caused injury while assisting him into a police vehicle, mocked him, watched while he changed, did not provide medication in custody, and failed to consider his disability by looking down when speaking. Body-worn video (BWV) confirmed a caution was given at the point of arrest, that the complainant manoeuvred himself into a police vehicle unassisted after being carried to it by officers, and that no injury occurred.

The investigation found no evidence officers mocked the complainant or were insensitive regarding his disability. BWV was deactivated while he was changing; however, a police officer remained outside the room because he was under arrest.

As officers are not permitted to administer medication, investigators found no breach of the Code of Ethics in relation to that allegation.

Records showed that after examination by a healthcare practitioner, the complainant was deemed unfit for detention because his physical needs could not be met in custody, and arrangements were made to return him home.

Although no misconduct by individual officers was identified, the case exposed shortcomings in facilities and transport for wheelchair users. A policy recommendation was therefore made that each district provide wheelchair access vehicles to ensure safe and dignified transport.

Senior Investigations Officer, Martin McCaffery, said: "This recommendation reflects the Ombudsman's view that disability access must be improved to protect the rights and dignity of disabled individuals."