Menu
08/01/2020
PSNI Chief Constable Issues Apology
The PSNI Chief Constable has apologised for posting a controversial tweet about the Crossmaglen community following a meeting with the SDLP.
Simon Byrne tweeted that it was "great to meet the team policing Crossmaglen @PSNINMDOWN," adding: "I take my hat off to colleagues policing such a unique part of @PoliceServiceNI. Their sense of duty & optimism is inspiring. Stay safe and thank you."
The post was accompanied by images of the Chief Constable with other heavily armed PSNI officers, and was followed by an outrage online.
"I am sorry for any offence that has been caused," Mr Byrne said on Tuesday 07 January.
"My tweet on Christmas Day was never meant as a comment on the community of Crossmaglen and South Armagh Area.
"I have reflected on the issue at length and have had many conversations with both colleagues and external stakeholders, up to and including a number of meetings with elected representatives yesterday and today."
SDLP Slieve Gullion representative Councillor Pete Byrne welcomed the Chief Constable's apology after having time to reflect during the meeting on Tuesday.
Cllr Byrne said: "He was clear that he apologised if he caused any offence to the local community and assured me it was not his intention to do so. He accepted that it was ill judged. We had a frank conversation about the importance of language and nuance.
"We discussed the positive work that has been achieved in policing in South Armagh in recent years, citing the co-operation between the PSNI and Crossmaglen Community First Responders as an example. The Chief Constable also accepted my invitation to join me in Crossmaglen for further engagement and I look forward to that in the coming months."
SDLP Policing Spokesperson, Dolores Kelly MLA added: "We had a robust discussion around the challenges of the style and appearance of militarised stations in Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton. We discussed the slow pace of transformation, the legacy of policing for communities like South Armagh and the ongoing cultural work that needed to take place within the PSNI. We were in agreement that this has to change and I look forward to hearing the proposals coming forward from the PSNI in partnership with the community of Crossmaglen."
(JG/CM)
Simon Byrne tweeted that it was "great to meet the team policing Crossmaglen @PSNINMDOWN," adding: "I take my hat off to colleagues policing such a unique part of @PoliceServiceNI. Their sense of duty & optimism is inspiring. Stay safe and thank you."
The post was accompanied by images of the Chief Constable with other heavily armed PSNI officers, and was followed by an outrage online.
"I am sorry for any offence that has been caused," Mr Byrne said on Tuesday 07 January.
"My tweet on Christmas Day was never meant as a comment on the community of Crossmaglen and South Armagh Area.
"I have reflected on the issue at length and have had many conversations with both colleagues and external stakeholders, up to and including a number of meetings with elected representatives yesterday and today."
SDLP Slieve Gullion representative Councillor Pete Byrne welcomed the Chief Constable's apology after having time to reflect during the meeting on Tuesday.
Cllr Byrne said: "He was clear that he apologised if he caused any offence to the local community and assured me it was not his intention to do so. He accepted that it was ill judged. We had a frank conversation about the importance of language and nuance.
"We discussed the positive work that has been achieved in policing in South Armagh in recent years, citing the co-operation between the PSNI and Crossmaglen Community First Responders as an example. The Chief Constable also accepted my invitation to join me in Crossmaglen for further engagement and I look forward to that in the coming months."
SDLP Policing Spokesperson, Dolores Kelly MLA added: "We had a robust discussion around the challenges of the style and appearance of militarised stations in Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton. We discussed the slow pace of transformation, the legacy of policing for communities like South Armagh and the ongoing cultural work that needed to take place within the PSNI. We were in agreement that this has to change and I look forward to hearing the proposals coming forward from the PSNI in partnership with the community of Crossmaglen."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
Other News In Brief
Alliance Calls For 'Immediate And Decisive' Action On Child Hunger The Alliance Party has called for "immediate and decisive" action to address the growing crisis of child hunger in Northern Ireland.
11 November 2013
Men Killed In Fermanagh Road Collision
An 18 and a 22-year-old man have been killed in a road collision on Sunday afternoon in Fermanagh. The men were travelling in a car on the Pettigo Road when the crash happened at about 16:30. The road remained closed on Sunday night.
Men Killed In Fermanagh Road Collision
An 18 and a 22-year-old man have been killed in a road collision on Sunday afternoon in Fermanagh. The men were travelling in a car on the Pettigo Road when the crash happened at about 16:30. The road remained closed on Sunday night.
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.
24 April 2023
62-Year-Old Jailed For 16 Years For 'Predatory' Sexual Abuse
A 62-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years at Laganside Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to 162 sexual abuse offences including serious sexual assault, indecent assault, voyeurism and possession of an indecent image of a child.
62-Year-Old Jailed For 16 Years For 'Predatory' Sexual Abuse
A 62-year-old man has been jailed for 16 years at Laganside Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to 162 sexual abuse offences including serious sexual assault, indecent assault, voyeurism and possession of an indecent image of a child.
27 June 2022
Two PSNI Officers Arrested In Corruption Investigation
Two PSNI officers have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office. According to reports, the officers were arrested in the greater Belfast area on Thursday 23 June by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
Two PSNI Officers Arrested In Corruption Investigation
Two PSNI officers have been arrested as part of an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office. According to reports, the officers were arrested in the greater Belfast area on Thursday 23 June by the Anti-Corruption Unit.
-
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.
