Menu
16/09/2010
PSNI Recruitment 'Discriminatory'
There is dissent over the soon-to-end 50-50 recruitment process introduced to increase the numbers of Catholics joining the police.
Although the union that represents police officers in Northern Ireland has signalled it would support the extension of the controversial 'positive discrimination' - specifically to combat the dissident republican threat - the DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has slammed Terry Spence, Chairman of the NI Police Federation for his comments.
Mr Spratt, who is a past chairman of the Federation - now MLA - said: "50-50 was an outrageous and discriminatory means of recruiting officers in to the police.
"Anyone who believes in fairness and equality welcomed the news that 50-50 recruitment is to be abolished.
"The DUP secured this and was happy to have done so," he said, noting that arguments about funding for security measures and protecting Northern Ireland from the dissident republican threat can be made with the Government, "but it would be utterly immoral to attempt to trade off extra money or resources against continuing anti-Protestant discrimination".
Yesterday, the Police Federation claimed that at least 1,000 extra officers are needed.
Tackling the threat from dissident republicans was top of the agenda at its annual conference with Federation Chairman Terry Spence having strong words of advice for Justice Minister David Ford who attended.
"We are rapidly approaching a stage which can either become the point of no return, or the opportunity to be seized which will end a terrorist campaign before it gets fully under way," he said.
"The PSNI needs at least another 1,000 officers to end terrorism."
However, the argument is academic as despite clearly signalling that the Police Federation would support a 50-50 extension, funding is not available for additional officers.
This seems unlikely in today's financial climate, even though discussions are taking place about the police budget, the threat posed by dissidents and police numbers overall.
(BMcC/GK)
Although the union that represents police officers in Northern Ireland has signalled it would support the extension of the controversial 'positive discrimination' - specifically to combat the dissident republican threat - the DUP MLA Jimmy Spratt has slammed Terry Spence, Chairman of the NI Police Federation for his comments.
Mr Spratt, who is a past chairman of the Federation - now MLA - said: "50-50 was an outrageous and discriminatory means of recruiting officers in to the police.
"Anyone who believes in fairness and equality welcomed the news that 50-50 recruitment is to be abolished.
"The DUP secured this and was happy to have done so," he said, noting that arguments about funding for security measures and protecting Northern Ireland from the dissident republican threat can be made with the Government, "but it would be utterly immoral to attempt to trade off extra money or resources against continuing anti-Protestant discrimination".
Yesterday, the Police Federation claimed that at least 1,000 extra officers are needed.
Tackling the threat from dissident republicans was top of the agenda at its annual conference with Federation Chairman Terry Spence having strong words of advice for Justice Minister David Ford who attended.
"We are rapidly approaching a stage which can either become the point of no return, or the opportunity to be seized which will end a terrorist campaign before it gets fully under way," he said.
"The PSNI needs at least another 1,000 officers to end terrorism."
However, the argument is academic as despite clearly signalling that the Police Federation would support a 50-50 extension, funding is not available for additional officers.
This seems unlikely in today's financial climate, even though discussions are taking place about the police budget, the threat posed by dissidents and police numbers overall.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
21 May 2008
Police Vote For Right To Strike
Police officers in Northern Ireland would follow the lead of fellow officers in England and Wales over possible strike action on pay.
Police Vote For Right To Strike
Police officers in Northern Ireland would follow the lead of fellow officers in England and Wales over possible strike action on pay.
21 July 2006
Man questioned following arms find in Coalisland
A 42-year-old man has been taken in for questioning following a series of searches in Coalisland in County Tyrone which uncovered firearms and a sum of money. The cache is thought to be connected to dissident republican activity.
Man questioned following arms find in Coalisland
A 42-year-old man has been taken in for questioning following a series of searches in Coalisland in County Tyrone which uncovered firearms and a sum of money. The cache is thought to be connected to dissident republican activity.
07 January 2002
Chairman of Prison Officer’s Federation brands attackers as cowards
The Chairman of Prison Officers Federation has branded those responsible for an attack on a prison officer’s home as “cowards and scumbags”. The condemnation follows an attack on a prison officer’s home in north Belfast which resulted in the man’s wife undergoing surgery to remove shrapnel from her back.
Chairman of Prison Officer’s Federation brands attackers as cowards
The Chairman of Prison Officers Federation has branded those responsible for an attack on a prison officer’s home as “cowards and scumbags”. The condemnation follows an attack on a prison officer’s home in north Belfast which resulted in the man’s wife undergoing surgery to remove shrapnel from her back.
12 May 2006
Police Federation hit out at shooting 'leak'
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has hit out at a leak of information to the media regarding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Stephen Colwell in Ballynahinch on Easter Sunday.
Police Federation hit out at shooting 'leak'
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland has hit out at a leak of information to the media regarding the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Stephen Colwell in Ballynahinch on Easter Sunday.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
