An internal police inquiry has been launched after dozens of officers did not report for duty in Derry and Strabane over a two-week period in April.
According to BBC News NI, the officers were told they could be on stand-by from home.
However, once discovered, the practice was brought to 'an immediate end' and an investigation was launched into the officers' conduct.
The police acknowledged the situation would have reduced the enforcement of lockdown regulations.
It is understood that on one shift as many as 28 officers did not show up.
However, the practice is thought to have involved many others between April 13 and April 28.
See here for more on this story - https://bbc.in/3dzEbS2
Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie
Buy the e-paper of the Donegal Democrat, Donegal People's Press, Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles.
Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm.