// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
Police officers sacked for 'despicable' on-duty filming of vulnerable people
The officers had taken images of elderly, vulnerable and intoxicated people they had encountered while at work
Two male Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers have been sacked for taking videos and photos of 18 vulnerable people they had been sent to help.
In one video, a woman with learning difficulties was filmed in bed and asked about her sex life.
The two officers, identified as Officers A and B, had been tasked to her house in 2021 after a report of concern for her safety.
Police Ombudsman Jacqui Durkin said their behaviour had been "utterly despicable".
Some of the videos and pictures taken by the officers were shared on WhatsApp, including with a member of the public, and contained "sexualised, derogatory and demeaning commentary".
Their actions came to light during an investigation into Officer A, who was accused of having a relationship with a woman he met during the course of his duties.
His home and workplace were searched and electronic devices were seized for examination.
He was found to have taken videos and pictures of people who had requested assistance, reported crimes, were intoxicated or considered at risk of self-harm.
Some were filmed in people's homes, others in hospitals and in police vehicles.