Knighthood For Outgoing PSNI Chief Constable

The outgoing Chief Constable of the PSNI has received a knighthood in the Queen's birthday honours list.

George Hamilton is one of six honoured for their contribution to policing and the community in Northern Ireland, including Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton and Chief Superintendent Emma Bond.

The Chief Constable joined the RUC in 1985 and took up his current position, which he is due to leave at the end of this month, in 2014. Speaking about his award he said: "I am delighted to be receiving this award. It has been an honour and the highlight of my career to have served as Chief Constable of the PSNI.

"Any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the sacrifice and support of my family and the women and men of the Police Service of Northern Ireland."

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Hamilton, who is currently in charge of District Policing across Northern Ireland, has been honoured with an OBE after 25 years of service. Throughout his career he has built and developed relationships across communities in a number of operational commands. ACC Hamilton is also the National Police Chief Council's lead for Hate Crime across the UK.

Also recognised is Chief Superintendent Emma Bond who has been awarded an MBE. With 20 years of service, she has held a number of key positions including Area Commander for West Belfast and District Commander for Antrim and Newtownabbey. She is currently the Deputy Head of the Innovation and Standards Department.

Chief Superintendent Bond is also the service lead for Hate Crime, and was instrumental in establishing the service's Women in Policing Association of which she is currently the Chair.

Three Queen's Police Medals have also been issued, to former Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris, Chief Superintendent Jonathan Roberts and retired Detective Constable Ronnie Galway.



(JG/CM)