Full Breakdown
PSNI Launches Operation Akarpos to Probe Remote-Work Spoofing
By Drooid · · How we work
Background: Remote Working Since the Pandemic
During the COVID-19 pandemic the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) introduced “remote-working laptops” to keep the service operational while staff were off-site. The force now wishes to retain remote-working capability across the service, but acknowledges that supervising staff who are not physically present poses “a challenge and risk” to productivity and accountability.
Official Statements & Responses
In a letter to Policing Board members, Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton announced the launch of Operation Akarpos, an investigation led by the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) to guard against “activity/productivity spoofing.”
Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) leader Jon Burrows also supported the checks, stating that he backs actions to identify and stop any “spoofing” of remote work.
Data & Statistics
- 21 individuals – police officers, staff members and contractors – are currently under investigation for suspected productivity spoofing.
Verbatim Quote
- “One of the acknowledged challenges and risks with remote working was always around ensuring effective supervision of individuals whilst not in the workplace and the potential for this privilege to be abused,” — Mr Singleton, deputy chief — Bobby Singleton, Deputy Chief Constable, PSNI
The operation illustrates the PSNI’s effort to balance the benefits of flexible working with the imperative to safeguard public resources and maintain public confidence in policing standards.