The Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, Nuala O'Loan, faced an open revolt from staff opposed to her decision to become involved in the Robert McCartney murder inquiry.
They planned a vote of no confidence after she offered to take witness statements to break the wall of silence surrounding the killing outside a central Belfast bar nearly two years ago.
Investigating officers in the Ombudsman's office, angry at being drawn into the hunt for IRA men who beat and stabbed the 33-year-old father of two, claimed the office's independence had been compromised.
Security fears were also raised by some staff who were alarmed at providing assistance to the inquiry into a paramilitary-related murder. At least three of the officers who objected to the move have resigned, while another has been suspended from duty on a separate case.
Their departure has provoked demands for an inquiry into the handling of staff affairs within the office.
Up to 25 staff members in one investigative team were called to a meeting in March last year soon after it was announced that the ombudsman's office would be assisting by taking witness statements.
"There was a head count and we were confident a majority would endorse the vote of no confidence in Nuala O'Loan's decision to involve us with the McCartney murder investigation," one source disclosed.
It is understood the ballot was called off only after an appeal from a senior member of the team.
A spokesman for Mrs O'Loan confirmed anxiety was expressed by some of her officers.