Menu
06/06/2019
Police Federation Demands Return To Govt
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has urged politicians to restore devolved government.
The region has been left "with drift and indecision" according to Mark Lindsay, who was speaking at the PFNI Annual Conference yesterday, Wednesday 05 June.
The Assembly and Executive collapsed two and a half years ago, in January 2017, when the DUP and Sinn Fein split in a bitter row. Politicians are now engaging in negotiations aimed at restoring powersharing, the first round of fully-fledged talks since February of last year.
Mr Lindsay told delegates that Assembly members should be at Stormont establishing a Programme for Government and fighting for increased PSNI numbers and adequate resources.
He said: "The job of repairing fences and getting back to legislating and running Northern Ireland should trump all else.
"If politicians are to rebuild public trust and confidence, then they will have to move from narrow, sectional demands and instead consider the greater societal good.
"Settle your differences inside Stormont and not outside it. It's time to end shrill megaphone voices for what passes as local political engagement. Deliver what people want and what policing and society needs."
Mr Lindsay also revealed details of the latest PFNI Workforce Survey which found that 92% of officers believed that morale across the PSNI was low. Three-quarters said they were expected to work faster when the pressure built up, even if it meant taking shortcuts, while more than 80% reported not having enough officers to manage all the demands made on them as a team.
Mr Lindsay continued: "There are consequences when people have to consistently work under such unrelenting pressures, with the very real threat of punitive disciplinary action being taken if and when they get it wrong.
"This feedback from the 'coalface' is disturbing and worrying. In any other organisation or enterprise, this would set alarm bells ringing. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the silence is deafening in some Government departments.
"Without urgent investment, further decline in service will be inevitable. We will see more officers under stress and reporting sick. More being injured on duty and more leaving for less demanding jobs."
Mr Lindsay also called for tougher sentences from the courts for those found guilty of assaulting officers.
(JG/CM)
The region has been left "with drift and indecision" according to Mark Lindsay, who was speaking at the PFNI Annual Conference yesterday, Wednesday 05 June.
The Assembly and Executive collapsed two and a half years ago, in January 2017, when the DUP and Sinn Fein split in a bitter row. Politicians are now engaging in negotiations aimed at restoring powersharing, the first round of fully-fledged talks since February of last year.
Mr Lindsay told delegates that Assembly members should be at Stormont establishing a Programme for Government and fighting for increased PSNI numbers and adequate resources.
He said: "The job of repairing fences and getting back to legislating and running Northern Ireland should trump all else.
"If politicians are to rebuild public trust and confidence, then they will have to move from narrow, sectional demands and instead consider the greater societal good.
"Settle your differences inside Stormont and not outside it. It's time to end shrill megaphone voices for what passes as local political engagement. Deliver what people want and what policing and society needs."
Mr Lindsay also revealed details of the latest PFNI Workforce Survey which found that 92% of officers believed that morale across the PSNI was low. Three-quarters said they were expected to work faster when the pressure built up, even if it meant taking shortcuts, while more than 80% reported not having enough officers to manage all the demands made on them as a team.
Mr Lindsay continued: "There are consequences when people have to consistently work under such unrelenting pressures, with the very real threat of punitive disciplinary action being taken if and when they get it wrong.
"This feedback from the 'coalface' is disturbing and worrying. In any other organisation or enterprise, this would set alarm bells ringing. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, the silence is deafening in some Government departments.
"Without urgent investment, further decline in service will be inevitable. We will see more officers under stress and reporting sick. More being injured on duty and more leaving for less demanding jobs."
Mr Lindsay also called for tougher sentences from the courts for those found guilty of assaulting officers.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
PSNI Highlights Impact Of Serious Collisions On Victims And Officers
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is using Road Safety Week 2024 to highlight the devastating impact of serious road collisions on victims, their families, first responders, and investigating officers.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
15 November 2024
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
Four Arrested Following Disorder In South Belfast
Four men have been arrested following public disorder incidents in the university area of south Belfast on Thursday, November 14th. Police responded to a number of offences, including resisting and obstructing police, and assault on police. Three men, aged 18, 20, and 21, have been charged and are due to appear in court in December.
06 February 2024
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
New Campaign Raises Awareness Of Online Grooming
A new campaign to raise awareness of the dangers for children online has been launched by the PSNI and the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), on Safer Internet Day, Tuesday 6th February 2024. According to the PSNI, online sexual offences against children are becoming an increasing crime type in Northern Ireland.
08 March 2023
239 Arrests Made In First 6 Months Of VAWG Action Plan
A total 239 arrests have been in the first six months of the PSNI's first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan.
239 Arrests Made In First 6 Months Of VAWG Action Plan
A total 239 arrests have been in the first six months of the PSNI's first Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
