Menu
08/11/2023
SDLP Welcomes New PSNI Chief Constable
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has welcomed the appointment of Jon Boutcher as permanent PSNI Chief Constable.
Mr Boutcher was appointed as chief constable last night, 7 November, after serving as interim chief constable since last month.
The Foyle MP said throughout Jon Boutcher's short time as interim PSNI Chief Constable he has "already brought much needed stability to an organisation that has been wracked with controversy in recent months."
Mr Eastwood said Mr Boutcher's appointment on a permanent basis will allow him to continue "his initial good work to put things right within the PSNI" although he said the
"large amount of work ahead to rebuild confidence in the organisation" shouldn't be underestimated.
In a statement, Mr Eastwood said: "Among the challenges facing the new chief constable are the continued fallout from the PSNI data breach which has left officers and staff feeling incredibly vulnerable and a budget which threatens to decimate services, particularly on the ground in local communities which will further impact confidence in policing here.
"Mr Boutcher must also address long-standing issues around representation of the nationalist community and other minority communities in the PSNI. To command the confidence of the public the PSNI must reflect the community it serves and the SDLP has long believed that this can only be achieved with a return to 50:50 recruitment. I look forward to meeting with the new Chief Constable in the days ahead so that we can discuss working together to tackle the challenges facing the PSNI."
SDLP Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan, said: "Jon Boutcher takes up the role of Chief Constable at arguably the most challenging time for policing since the new beginning afforded to us by the Patten Report. He already has a litany of issues on his desk, officers and staff that are low in morale and a public that has significantly diminished confidence following a number of high-profile issues.
"The SDLP will work constructively with the new police constable and will offer support in any way we can, but we will also hold him to account and ensure that we see progress on the wide range of issues currently facing the organisation. During his short time as interim Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has already made a number of positive moves and I hope to see him build on that in the weeks and months ahead."
Mr Boutcher was appointed as chief constable last night, 7 November, after serving as interim chief constable since last month.
The Foyle MP said throughout Jon Boutcher's short time as interim PSNI Chief Constable he has "already brought much needed stability to an organisation that has been wracked with controversy in recent months."
Mr Eastwood said Mr Boutcher's appointment on a permanent basis will allow him to continue "his initial good work to put things right within the PSNI" although he said the
"large amount of work ahead to rebuild confidence in the organisation" shouldn't be underestimated.
In a statement, Mr Eastwood said: "Among the challenges facing the new chief constable are the continued fallout from the PSNI data breach which has left officers and staff feeling incredibly vulnerable and a budget which threatens to decimate services, particularly on the ground in local communities which will further impact confidence in policing here.
"Mr Boutcher must also address long-standing issues around representation of the nationalist community and other minority communities in the PSNI. To command the confidence of the public the PSNI must reflect the community it serves and the SDLP has long believed that this can only be achieved with a return to 50:50 recruitment. I look forward to meeting with the new Chief Constable in the days ahead so that we can discuss working together to tackle the challenges facing the PSNI."
SDLP Policing Board member, Mark H Durkan, said: "Jon Boutcher takes up the role of Chief Constable at arguably the most challenging time for policing since the new beginning afforded to us by the Patten Report. He already has a litany of issues on his desk, officers and staff that are low in morale and a public that has significantly diminished confidence following a number of high-profile issues.
"The SDLP will work constructively with the new police constable and will offer support in any way we can, but we will also hold him to account and ensure that we see progress on the wide range of issues currently facing the organisation. During his short time as interim Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has already made a number of positive moves and I hope to see him build on that in the weeks and months ahead."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 May 2018
Senior PSNI Officers Cleared In Ombudsman Probe
Two senior PSNI officers have been cleared of allegations into alleged misconduct in public office. Chief Constable George Hamilton and Deputy Drew Harris were among a number of officers being investigated by the Police Ombudsman.
Senior PSNI Officers Cleared In Ombudsman Probe
Two senior PSNI officers have been cleared of allegations into alleged misconduct in public office. Chief Constable George Hamilton and Deputy Drew Harris were among a number of officers being investigated by the Police Ombudsman.
07 February 2007
Sinn Féin to meet Orde on collusion
Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing issues Gerry Kelly today confirmed that his party would meet with the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde next week. Mr Kelly said that the meeting would discuss in some detail the implications of the Police Ombudsman report into collusion.
Sinn Féin to meet Orde on collusion
Sinn Féin spokesperson on policing issues Gerry Kelly today confirmed that his party would meet with the PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde next week. Mr Kelly said that the meeting would discuss in some detail the implications of the Police Ombudsman report into collusion.
21 February 2005
Closer links forged in cross-border crime fight
The PSNI and An Garda Síochána today signed joint protocols aimed at further enhancing the close working relationship enjoyed by the two police forces. The signing is being seen as significant given the ongoing investigations into alleged IRA money laundering in the south and the recent Northern Bank heist in Belfast.
Closer links forged in cross-border crime fight
The PSNI and An Garda Síochána today signed joint protocols aimed at further enhancing the close working relationship enjoyed by the two police forces. The signing is being seen as significant given the ongoing investigations into alleged IRA money laundering in the south and the recent Northern Bank heist in Belfast.
02 October 2018
New PSNI Recruitment Drive Launched
A new PSNI recruitment campaign for Police Constables has been launched by Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin. Discussing the campaign, Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "Today we have launched our latest recruitment campaign.
New PSNI Recruitment Drive Launched
A new PSNI recruitment campaign for Police Constables has been launched by Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin. Discussing the campaign, Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin said: "Today we have launched our latest recruitment campaign.
01 May 2024
PSNI Chief Constable Confirms Support For Work Of ICRIR
PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, has reaffirmed his commitment to support the newly formed Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
PSNI Chief Constable Confirms Support For Work Of ICRIR
PSNI Chief Constable, Jon Boutcher, has reaffirmed his commitment to support the newly formed Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR).
-
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.
