Menu
25/09/2002
PSNI trainees issued with personal protection weapons
New recruits to the PSNI are being issued with personal protection weapons following an assessment of the threat posed by paramilitary organisations.
In one of his last acts as Acting Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn advised the Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea that there was a significant threat from dissident republicans. Those comments have been taken on board and a PSNI spokesperson said last night that weapons had already been issued to some recruits. The spokesperson added that further applications from recruits would be considered.
"Some student officers have been issued with personal protection weapons because of an increased terrorist threat," the spokesperson said.
"Because of the level of threat against them, if any student officers apply for personal protection weapons their applications will be dealt with as soon as possible."
Prof Rea has described threats made against student police officers as "appalling".
“Obviously we would prefer to be in a situation where such a measure was not necessary but that it not the reality. The safety of all officers within the service must be of the utmost priority," he said.
“The real answer is that these threats should stop and all police officers should be allowed to get on with their job – which is after all serving the community.”
There has been a rise in dissident republican activity of late and, most recently, police arrested two men outside Newry in relation to the transportation of car bombs across the border on September 17.
However, trainees have been targeted in the past, and a Catholic recruit in Antrim escaped injury in April after a car bomb was discovered beneath his car. A week earlier, the Real IRA admitted to planting a device which damaged the perimeter fence of the Garnerville police training college.
The SDLP's policing spokesman, and Policing Board member, Alex Attwood said: "It is hardly proper that personal protection weapons are being made available to those trainees who wish to carry a weapon. This is an appropriate measure to provide reassurance to new recruits. It is essential that those who are responsible for threats are pursued and that all stand against intimidation.
He added that he met with 40 new recruits to the service last night and was impressed by their "commitment" to policing and desire to serve the community.
(GMcG)
In one of his last acts as Acting Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn advised the Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea that there was a significant threat from dissident republicans. Those comments have been taken on board and a PSNI spokesperson said last night that weapons had already been issued to some recruits. The spokesperson added that further applications from recruits would be considered.
"Some student officers have been issued with personal protection weapons because of an increased terrorist threat," the spokesperson said.
"Because of the level of threat against them, if any student officers apply for personal protection weapons their applications will be dealt with as soon as possible."
Prof Rea has described threats made against student police officers as "appalling".
“Obviously we would prefer to be in a situation where such a measure was not necessary but that it not the reality. The safety of all officers within the service must be of the utmost priority," he said.
“The real answer is that these threats should stop and all police officers should be allowed to get on with their job – which is after all serving the community.”
There has been a rise in dissident republican activity of late and, most recently, police arrested two men outside Newry in relation to the transportation of car bombs across the border on September 17.
However, trainees have been targeted in the past, and a Catholic recruit in Antrim escaped injury in April after a car bomb was discovered beneath his car. A week earlier, the Real IRA admitted to planting a device which damaged the perimeter fence of the Garnerville police training college.
The SDLP's policing spokesman, and Policing Board member, Alex Attwood said: "It is hardly proper that personal protection weapons are being made available to those trainees who wish to carry a weapon. This is an appropriate measure to provide reassurance to new recruits. It is essential that those who are responsible for threats are pursued and that all stand against intimidation.
He added that he met with 40 new recruits to the service last night and was impressed by their "commitment" to policing and desire to serve the community.
(GMcG)
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.
03 July 2009
Kinahan Slams Police Over PPWs
A further voice has been added to growing criticism of the police over their handling of the issue and retention of personal protection weapons (PPWs).
Kinahan Slams Police Over PPWs
A further voice has been added to growing criticism of the police over their handling of the issue and retention of personal protection weapons (PPWs).
22 March 2022
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.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.
