The PSNI has again defended its handling of an incident involving a non-verbal woman with autism who was physically removed from a shop in Co Down shortly after Christmas.
The Chief Constable has said one of the officers involved has autistic children of his own, adding that all of the officers were trying to keep everyone safe.
In December, Eileen Mitchell said her 19-year-old-sister Katie – who is non-verbal, autistic and has learning difficulties – was removed from a branch of the second-hand electronics shop CEX in Lisburn, and was left “traumatised”.
In a social media post, she said her sister had entered the shop after she spotted a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD that she wanted to purchase, but was told by staff a sale was not possible as the store was closing and the cash registers were off.
She shared an image of Katie standing at the till, alongside a clip in which she appears to be carried by several police officers out the front door.
Footage of the incident was shared widely online, and several political representatives expressed concern over Katie’s treatment by police, including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly.
“It’s shocking, it’s like something you would have expected 20 years ago, but it’s coming into 2025 and things like this are still happening to vulnerable people,” said Eileen, whose mother had called the police in the hopes of helping de-escalating the situation.
Speaking at today’s Policing Board meeting, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher described the officers’ actions as being focused on “the intention of keeping everyone involved safe”.
“Having reviewed body-worn video, the telephone contact and the CCTV, and I have discussed this with (Assistant Chief Constable) Ryan Henderson, we are confident our officers acted with the intention of resolving the situation and to keep everyone safe,” he explained when asked for an update.
He was also asked about specific training police officers receive when dealing with calls concerning those with additional needs or who are vulnerable.
“Police only interacted physically after the young lady’s father tried to remove her from the store. Our officers acted out of concern for safety for the young woman and her father, and during this course of action one of the officers was bitten,” said Mr Boutcher.
Ms Mitchell later went on to say the family felt those involved were “placing blame” on her sister. The PSNI subsequently released a press statement which said the incident involved a “very difficult and complex set of circumstances for everyone” and as an “organisation we are committed to continuous learning and any feedback will be reviewed and considered”.
At today’s meeting, Mr Boutcher said that he has spoken to all officers involved in the incident, and revealed one of them “has two children with autism” and was aware of the difficulties involved.
“The officers were incredibly alive to the challenges of this lady and their only interest was her wellbeing and safety. It was a difficult situation and the online commentary was not helpful,” he added.
“I notified the (Police) Ombudsman of the incident, not because of a suspect of inappropriate behaviour, but simply because of the widespread concern and the media reporting of the clip.
“Our primary concern was to rebuild confidence with people with autism, whose confidence will have been shaken by the video.”
Mr Boutcher added that officers can now avail of over 30 ‘sensory boxes’ when handling call-outs involving vulnerable adults. These contain fidget toys, weighted blankets, and ear defenders.
The incident took place just weeks after the PSNI announced a collaboration with Autism NI. An aspect of the training was to “focus on understanding and responding to the needs of autistic members of the public whilst on duty.”
At the time, Autism NI praised the partnership and said it was “ great to see” the force’s “commitment to supporting both autistic members of the public and autistic staff members”.
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News Catch Up – Thursday 6 February