Confirmation that the Police Ombudsman has launched an investigation into three of the most senior officers in the PSNI - including the chief constable - will undoubtedly raise issues of public concern.
News that George Hamilton, deputy chief constable Drew Harris and assistant chief constable Mark Hamilton are the subject of complaints which relate to allegations of misconduct in public office, can be fairly described as an unprecedented development.
Complaints have been made by some of those investigated as part of a 2014 police probe into bribery and misconduct in public office in respect of a vehicle supply contract.
The Police Ombudsman's office has set up a team of six investigators to look into concerns about the way the PSNI conducted that probe but has not recommended the suspension of any officers.
Yesterday the chief constable said he was confident the Ombudsman's investigation would not find any wrongdoing and insisted he would not be stepping aside.
By any standards, this is an unexpected and highly unusual set of circumstances which have arisen at a difficult time for policing structures.
Without its elected representatives in place, the Policing Board is not able to function in the way intended while the lack of an executive means there is no minister for justice.
All this has an impact on oversight and accountability.
Clearly, the Police Ombudsman is still able to carry out his role, which is crucial to maintaining public confidence in the PSNI.
And it must be acknowledged that the structures put in place as part of the reform of policing in Northern Ireland have been largely successful in building that public confidence.
However, we are now in uncharted territory with the highest levels of the PSNI under investigation by the Ombudsman.
Dr Michael Maguire must be assured of the fullest cooperation from the PSNI and the resources needed to complete his inquiries.
In broader terms, this extraordinary situation underlines the importance of having a fully functioning political administration with essential structures able to perform their essential role.
