Mr Burrows’ comments in the media follow the publication of the independent review into the investigation of Katie Simpson’s murder, which found institutional misogyny within the PSNI.

“This issue is about the lived experiences of women and the culture that has been allowed to exist within policing, not whether one senior man personally witnessed or was able to recognise misogyny,” said North Belfast MLA Ms McAllister.

“For Jon Burrows, as a political leader and a former head of discipline within the PSNI, to downplay the issue with these comments after the failures identified in the Katie Simpson case this week is tone-deaf and insensitive in the extreme.

“We know complaints relating to misogyny within policing have existed for years, including issues raised through the work of the Policing Board. The findings of the independent review into Katie’s murder, and the acknowledgement of those failings by PSNI leadership, make attempts to minimise the problem all the more disappointing.

“If we are serious about tackling violence against women and girls, we must be willing to challenge attitudes which tolerate, dismiss or minimise misogyny wherever they exist. I would urge Jon Burrows to reflect carefully on his comments.”