18/01/2007

PSNI cuts 'criticised'

The Police Federation has criticised plans to cut over 1,000 police officers in Northern Ireland, it has today been reported.

It is understood that around 1,500 PSNI officers are to be axed by 2011 – this would mean that Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary, would reduce police levels in the province from 13,000 to just over 6,000.

The Police Federation has raised concerns that by cutting the number of officers could encourage attacks by republicans, however, Security Minister Paul Goggins said any reduction in the police-force would only happen when the security situation in Northern Ireland had been assessed.

In response, the PSNI has said that cuts would only be made if the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde agreed that the improving security situation warranted it.

(EF)

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