Menu
01/07/2019
First Day For New PSNI Chief Constable
Today, Monday 01 July, marks the first day on the job for the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne.
The 56-year-old senior police officer succeeds Sir George Hamilton, who is retiring after five years in the post.
Mr Byrne's policing experience includes three years leading the Cheshire force up until 2017, after acting as deputy chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police from 2009 to 2011. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM) in the 2016 New Year Honours List.
Mr Byrne will be formally sworn in this afternoon and said he is privileged to be leading the "great service that is working hard to serve our community".
In his first message to the public, he said: "I'd like to say how proud and privileged I am to have been asked by the Policing Board to lead this great organisation as it continues its work to police Northern Ireland around the clock and keep you safe.
"My initial priorities are to get out and about across the country to hear first hand what makes the organisation tick, and to see as many of our communities as possible. Then to build on the work of those who have gone before me, to keep bringing down crime, see how we need to respond to new and changing amounts of crime, as well as contributing more to the criminal justice system to making it more effective and to speed up justice for victims."
The new police chief also said there is more work to be done to improve how representative the organisation is of Northern Ireland's communities.
Outgoing Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton reflected on his time in office and 34 years as a police officer. Writing on Twitter, he said: "It is time to hang up my boots. Serving the community as Chief Constable has been the greatest honour.
"I wish CC Simon Byrne and the PSNI every success in the future."
(JG/CM)
The 56-year-old senior police officer succeeds Sir George Hamilton, who is retiring after five years in the post.
Mr Byrne's policing experience includes three years leading the Cheshire force up until 2017, after acting as deputy chief constable of the Greater Manchester Police from 2009 to 2011. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal (QPM) in the 2016 New Year Honours List.
Mr Byrne will be formally sworn in this afternoon and said he is privileged to be leading the "great service that is working hard to serve our community".
In his first message to the public, he said: "I'd like to say how proud and privileged I am to have been asked by the Policing Board to lead this great organisation as it continues its work to police Northern Ireland around the clock and keep you safe.
"My initial priorities are to get out and about across the country to hear first hand what makes the organisation tick, and to see as many of our communities as possible. Then to build on the work of those who have gone before me, to keep bringing down crime, see how we need to respond to new and changing amounts of crime, as well as contributing more to the criminal justice system to making it more effective and to speed up justice for victims."
The new police chief also said there is more work to be done to improve how representative the organisation is of Northern Ireland's communities.
Outgoing Chief Constable Sir George Hamilton reflected on his time in office and 34 years as a police officer. Writing on Twitter, he said: "It is time to hang up my boots. Serving the community as Chief Constable has been the greatest honour.
"I wish CC Simon Byrne and the PSNI every success in the future."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
12 November 2020
New Booklet Published To Provide Inquest Guidance For Bereaved Families
A new booklet, designed to be a source of information for loved ones whose family member's death is to be investigated at inquest, has been published by the PSNI and the Coroners Service NI. The 'Inquest Guidance Booklet' explains what an inquest is, the role of the Coroner, police involvement and the involvement of other partner agencies.
New Booklet Published To Provide Inquest Guidance For Bereaved Families
A new booklet, designed to be a source of information for loved ones whose family member's death is to be investigated at inquest, has been published by the PSNI and the Coroners Service NI. The 'Inquest Guidance Booklet' explains what an inquest is, the role of the Coroner, police involvement and the involvement of other partner agencies.
22 September 2009
Baggott Takes PSNI Reins
Northern Ireland's new police chief Matt Baggott today said he does not "diminish" the threat posed by dissident republicans, writes Paul Reilly. Mr Baggott, speaking to assembled press at NI Policing Board headquarters in Belfast, he conceded the threat is "real", but was resolute that the PSNI has the support of the majority of the community.
Baggott Takes PSNI Reins
Northern Ireland's new police chief Matt Baggott today said he does not "diminish" the threat posed by dissident republicans, writes Paul Reilly. Mr Baggott, speaking to assembled press at NI Policing Board headquarters in Belfast, he conceded the threat is "real", but was resolute that the PSNI has the support of the majority of the community.
01 December 2006
Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable loses cancer battle
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn has lost his battle with cancer. Mr Cramphorn, 50, was acting Chief Constable of the PSNI prior to being appointed as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004.
Former PSNI Deputy Chief Constable loses cancer battle
PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn has lost his battle with cancer. Mr Cramphorn, 50, was acting Chief Constable of the PSNI prior to being appointed as Chief Constable of West Yorkshire. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2004.
18 July 2002
PSNI welcome Assistant Chief Constable appointments
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has welcomed the recent announcement by the Policing Board of the appointment of two new Assistant Chief Constables. They are Chief Superintendent Duncan McCausland and Chief Superintendent Roy Toner, both current serving officers with PSNI.
PSNI welcome Assistant Chief Constable appointments
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has welcomed the recent announcement by the Policing Board of the appointment of two new Assistant Chief Constables. They are Chief Superintendent Duncan McCausland and Chief Superintendent Roy Toner, both current serving officers with PSNI.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
