Menu
06/10/2016
PSNI Recruitment May Be Forced To Freeze Over Budget Cuts
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland is warning of the possibility of a recruitment freeze if the Department of Justice goes ahead with proposed cuts to the policing budget.
Federation Chairman, Mark Lindsay is appealing to the Justice Minister, Claire Sugden MLA, to make a stand for policing.
Mr Lindsay said: "Politicians and the general public must understand that if Officer numbers are cut back, and recruitment shelved, there will be a drastic reduction in the service on the ground.
"The Officers I represent don't want that to happen. But we're realistic enough to know that if there are further budget cuts, they will be unable to deliver the policing service the Northern Ireland public expect.
"With previous cuts of £250 million already made, we’re seeing cracks appearing in relation to increased Officer stress levels, the disappearance of Neighbourhood Policing and a shortage of Officers capable of dealing with Public Protection issues such as child abuse.
"One option open to senior command is to substantially reduce recruitment or a complete 'freeze'. Hundreds of jobs could disappear with Officers leaving the service not being replaced.
"This will inevitably result in a root and branch restructuring on how policing is delivered and on the responsibilities placed on the PSNI to deal with a multitude of social issues. The Police have been left to pick up the pieces left as a result of cuts in other public services. There can be no expectation that they will be able to continue to do this."
(CD)
Federation Chairman, Mark Lindsay is appealing to the Justice Minister, Claire Sugden MLA, to make a stand for policing.
Mr Lindsay said: "Politicians and the general public must understand that if Officer numbers are cut back, and recruitment shelved, there will be a drastic reduction in the service on the ground.
"The Officers I represent don't want that to happen. But we're realistic enough to know that if there are further budget cuts, they will be unable to deliver the policing service the Northern Ireland public expect.
"With previous cuts of £250 million already made, we’re seeing cracks appearing in relation to increased Officer stress levels, the disappearance of Neighbourhood Policing and a shortage of Officers capable of dealing with Public Protection issues such as child abuse.
"One option open to senior command is to substantially reduce recruitment or a complete 'freeze'. Hundreds of jobs could disappear with Officers leaving the service not being replaced.
"This will inevitably result in a root and branch restructuring on how policing is delivered and on the responsibilities placed on the PSNI to deal with a multitude of social issues. The Police have been left to pick up the pieces left as a result of cuts in other public services. There can be no expectation that they will be able to continue to do this."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
28 June 2022
PSNI Commits To New Neighbourhood Policing Pledges
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has announced the launch of a new Public Engagement Vision and set of neighbourhood policing pledges, describing them as a "significant new milestone in the journey of policing in Northern Ireland".
PSNI Commits To New Neighbourhood Policing Pledges
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has announced the launch of a new Public Engagement Vision and set of neighbourhood policing pledges, describing them as a "significant new milestone in the journey of policing in Northern Ireland".
20 November 2002
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
25 April 2007
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
Policing Board to address major US policing conference
A delegation from the Northern Ireland Policing Board will travel to the United States this week to participate in the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) annual conference in Chicago, which brings together over 350 police chiefs from across the United States.
03 July 2003
SDLP attacked over 50:50 recruitment response
The SDLP has been criticised, for differing reasons, after it welcomed today's decision by the Policing Board to accept a temporary scrapping of the 50:50 recruitment policy for PSNI officers. The decision was taken because of a lack of experienced detectives on the force.
SDLP attacked over 50:50 recruitment response
The SDLP has been criticised, for differing reasons, after it welcomed today's decision by the Policing Board to accept a temporary scrapping of the 50:50 recruitment policy for PSNI officers. The decision was taken because of a lack of experienced detectives on the force.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
