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18/06/2009
Death Knell For Police Reserve
The NI Policing Board has been told that PSNI Chief Constable, Hugh Orde, is to press ahead with phasing out the use of support officers employed in the force's Full Time Reserve.
Despite opposition from Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the officers' own representative body, the Police Federation - both of whom criticised the plan - Sir Hugh has said he has no choice as the Patten police reform proposals don't allow it to be maintained.
However, Sir Hugh, who is to retire at the end of the summer, has pledged that there will be no diminution in the police frontline service when the Reserve is abolished in March 2011.
He said the force is now down to 381 officers and after he met senior officers this week to discuss the plan, it has now been confirmed he will proceed.
Members of the Policing Board's Corporate Policy, Planning and Performance Committee were told of his decision on the remaining complement of such officers today.
Sir Hugh said: "I have told the Board today I have no intention of losing any members of the full-time reserve until March next year and in that time I will make absolutely sure that non-operational officers are put on the frontline so you see no change in frontline response policing."
Board Chairman, Barry Gilligan said: "The Board notes the Chief Constable's report and agrees that this is an operational decision.
"Sir Hugh has assured the Board that this will not have a negative effect on service delivery to the community, which is a priority for the Board," he confirmed.
A Sinn Féin member of the Committee, Daithí McKay has said that the ending of the Full Time Reserve is another necessary step on the road to building an accountable civic policing service.
See: Decision Reserved On Police Reserve
(BMcc/NS)
Despite opposition from Stormont First Minister Peter Robinson and the officers' own representative body, the Police Federation - both of whom criticised the plan - Sir Hugh has said he has no choice as the Patten police reform proposals don't allow it to be maintained.
However, Sir Hugh, who is to retire at the end of the summer, has pledged that there will be no diminution in the police frontline service when the Reserve is abolished in March 2011.
He said the force is now down to 381 officers and after he met senior officers this week to discuss the plan, it has now been confirmed he will proceed.
Members of the Policing Board's Corporate Policy, Planning and Performance Committee were told of his decision on the remaining complement of such officers today.
Sir Hugh said: "I have told the Board today I have no intention of losing any members of the full-time reserve until March next year and in that time I will make absolutely sure that non-operational officers are put on the frontline so you see no change in frontline response policing."
Board Chairman, Barry Gilligan said: "The Board notes the Chief Constable's report and agrees that this is an operational decision.
"Sir Hugh has assured the Board that this will not have a negative effect on service delivery to the community, which is a priority for the Board," he confirmed.
A Sinn Féin member of the Committee, Daithí McKay has said that the ending of the Full Time Reserve is another necessary step on the road to building an accountable civic policing service.
See: Decision Reserved On Police Reserve
(BMcc/NS)
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Police Reserve Cuts Face Court Challenge
The PSNI's plan to cut 500 full-time reserve police officers is to be challenged in the courts. It has emerged today that the officers' representative body, the Police Federation has requested a judicial review of Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde's decision to phase out the Full-Time Reserve by March 2011.
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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.
