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02/08/2001
Police Federation express concern over new peace package
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) have said they are disappointed in the package of proposals drawn up by the British and Irish governments and have expressed grave concerns about any downscaling of the force’s reserve.
Federation vice-chairman Jimmy Spratt said: "We must draw to the attention of the entire community our grave concerns of any reduction of Full-time Reserve numbers, given the security and policing implications at this time. Throughout the Patten Report reference has been made to the security situation as a barometer for future change. This must continue.
“Already 2,000 officers have left the service, as the security and public order situation continues to deteriorate. Government and local leaders must face up to their responsibility to ensure that the police service is effective and efficient. This will not be achieved by phasing out the Full-time Reserve.”
The package of British-Irish proposals that was delivered to political parties on Wednesday August 1 also covers the use of plastic bullets. Mr Spratt said that he questioned the strategy of avoiding plastic bullets whilst an alternative is sought.
In the statement he said: "We question the necessity to again raise the issue of plastic baton rounds when it is already the case that their use is only ordered when there is a serious risk of loss of life or serious injury.
"The scale of that risk is quantified by the fact that 500 officers have been injured in recent disturbances. It is a fundamental human right of officers that they are able to protect themselves from injury and death.
Another area of contention for the PFNI regards the section on normalisation which would grant amnesty to fugitive republicans: "As serving police officers sworn to uphold the rule of Law, we would be greatly concerned if it could be interpreted that if fresh evidence arises to connect any person with a crime in Northern Ireland, that such evidence will not be presented to a Court of Law.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland is a representative body for 11,000 police officers in the province. (AMcE)
Federation vice-chairman Jimmy Spratt said: "We must draw to the attention of the entire community our grave concerns of any reduction of Full-time Reserve numbers, given the security and policing implications at this time. Throughout the Patten Report reference has been made to the security situation as a barometer for future change. This must continue.
“Already 2,000 officers have left the service, as the security and public order situation continues to deteriorate. Government and local leaders must face up to their responsibility to ensure that the police service is effective and efficient. This will not be achieved by phasing out the Full-time Reserve.”
The package of British-Irish proposals that was delivered to political parties on Wednesday August 1 also covers the use of plastic bullets. Mr Spratt said that he questioned the strategy of avoiding plastic bullets whilst an alternative is sought.
In the statement he said: "We question the necessity to again raise the issue of plastic baton rounds when it is already the case that their use is only ordered when there is a serious risk of loss of life or serious injury.
"The scale of that risk is quantified by the fact that 500 officers have been injured in recent disturbances. It is a fundamental human right of officers that they are able to protect themselves from injury and death.
Another area of contention for the PFNI regards the section on normalisation which would grant amnesty to fugitive republicans: "As serving police officers sworn to uphold the rule of Law, we would be greatly concerned if it could be interpreted that if fresh evidence arises to connect any person with a crime in Northern Ireland, that such evidence will not be presented to a Court of Law.
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland is a representative body for 11,000 police officers in the province. (AMcE)
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