05 April 2012

New Police Ombudsman Named

Chief Inspector of Criminal Justice, Dr Michael Maguire, has been named as the new Police Ombudsman.

This follows Al Hutchinson stepping down from the role in January after criticism of the performance of his office, which handles complaints about the police.

Dr Maguire has now been handed the £128,000-a-year contract to consider complaints against the police by the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

About 30 people had applied for the vacant post, which has covered controversial Troubles killings, historic inquests and investigations as well as more recent police actions which caused death or injury.

Dr Maguire has been welcomed to the post.

Gerry Kelly of Sinn Féin said: "There is certainly a task ahead given the recent controversies around the previous Ombudsman's performance and I wish Michael Maguire well in what will be undoubtedly be a difficult and challenging endeavour."

The DUP's Jonathan Craig said: "This office has never been far from controversy especially with regard to dealing with the past.

"It is important this Ombudsman respects the work of the RUC and recognises the very difficult circumstances in which those officers worked."

(LB)