Ten Years Of PSNI In Focus

The Chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board has paid tribute to all those who have played a part in delivering the transformational programme of reform for policing in Northern Ireland over the last decade.

On the anniversary of the establishment of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Policing Board, Brian Rea acknowledged the progress made.

"The last decade has delivered a reform programme that fundamentally changed our policing service and accountability arrangements.

"When we reflect on what was required back in 2001 and what has been delivered, the magnitude of that transformation process is quite phenomenal," he said.

"Along the way there have been many symbolic milestones and these now form part of our policing and political history. All those who have played a part in the delivery of the policing reform programme over the last ten years must be commended for their contributions and commitment.

"Civic oversight of policing has of course been central to that transition and central to confidence building in the community. Ten years on the PSNI is not only more representative and reflective of the community it serves but it is fully accountable to it through the policing architecture in place," he added.

"The service is now community based and community focused with a commitment to human rights embedded across all aspects of delivery."

The Vice Chair of the Board Gearóid Ó hÉara, also acknowledged the importance of the anniversary for the wider community and policing moving forward. "Whilst this anniversary provides pause for reflection, it also provides inspiration for the future and the collective need to ensure that the successes delivered are consolidated and built on.

"The Policing Board and the architecture of accountability for policing has been central to confidence building in the community. The Board and the model of police governance it provides through its political and independent membership has delivered democratic accountability of policing.

"As a Board we recognise the important job of PSNI officers and staff in providing a service to the community and on this anniversary we particularly remember the PSNI officers who have lost their lives in service and those that have been injured whilst working on our behalf," he said.

History

Meanwhile, the DUP Group Leader on the Policing Board, Alderman Robin Newton MLA has commented on the occasion of the PSNI's tenth anniversary.

"The circumstances which led to the creation on the PSNI are a matter of historical fact.

"The RUC (GC) was abolished as part of the outworking of the Belfast Agreement. The DUP opposed the abolition of the RUC, who did so much to keep our communities safe during the darkest days of the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

"However, our opposition to the discredited process, in no way takes away from the admiration and respect that we have for those who have served so conscientiously in the ranks of the PSNI," he said, yesterday.

"The threats facing our brave men and women in the PSNI should not be underestimated. There are still some who are determined to drag our Province backwards into the dark and bloody days of the past: we witnessed that with the brutal murders of Constables Stephen Carroll and Ronan Kerr. All, but a tiny crazed minority, are determined that such criminals will not succeed."

(BMcC)