A police employee will appear in court accused of misuse of the RCIPS data system. The woman has been charged with two counts of abuse of public office.

A spokeswoman for the RCIPS said: “Following an investigation launched by the anti-corruption unit in relation to allegations of misuse of confidential police data systems, we can now confirm that a member of RCIPS support staff has been charged in connection with the enquiry.

“She was charged on Friday 28 October 2011,  with two counts  of abuse of public office, contrary to section 17 of the anti-corruption law 2008, and two charges of misconduct in a public office. The woman is currently on bail and it is anticipated that she will appear in court on Tuesday, 8 November 2011.

“The woman has been placed on required leave from the RCIPS.”