Menu
01/07/2019
'No Honeymoon Period' For New Police Chief
As the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne was sworn into his new role today, an SDLP MLA has highlighted the list of pressing issues that await him.
Northern Ireland's marching season is set to get underway and policing continues to face challenges on several fronts as Mr Byrne succeeds Sir George Hamilton.
Policing Board member and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly welcomed the new police chief to his position and urged him to hit the ground running in this "critical time".
"I want to extend my congratulations to Simon Byrne as he formally takes up the role of PSNI Chief Constable this afternoon," Ms Kelly said. "I look forward to working constructively with Mr Byrne as the PSNI seeks to address the challenges it faces on many fronts.
"The Chief Constable will know not to expect a honeymoon period. He has been appointed in the mouth of the marching season and while policing in the North faces significant challenges, not least of all in relation to legacy investigations, failures of disclosure, recruitment and a fundamental fall in confidence following the outrageous pursuit of two journalists for shining a light on Loughinisland.
"This is a critical time for policing and the new Chief Constable must get to grips with the task ahead very quickly. The Policing Board will play a constructive and critical role in resolving these challenges."
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair also offered his well wishes as Mr Byrne embarks on his new position.
The south Antrim MLA commented: "I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success in the role, which will no doubt be incredibly challenging.
"However, judging by his dedication to delivering policing for all, I am confident he can meet them – from tackling the dissident threat to increasing confidence across the community in policing, particularly in the summer months.
"I look forward to working closely with him on the Policing Board and helping him do his part in delivering a shared society for everyone in Northern Ireland."
(JG/CM)
Northern Ireland's marching season is set to get underway and policing continues to face challenges on several fronts as Mr Byrne succeeds Sir George Hamilton.
Policing Board member and Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly welcomed the new police chief to his position and urged him to hit the ground running in this "critical time".
"I want to extend my congratulations to Simon Byrne as he formally takes up the role of PSNI Chief Constable this afternoon," Ms Kelly said. "I look forward to working constructively with Mr Byrne as the PSNI seeks to address the challenges it faces on many fronts.
"The Chief Constable will know not to expect a honeymoon period. He has been appointed in the mouth of the marching season and while policing in the North faces significant challenges, not least of all in relation to legacy investigations, failures of disclosure, recruitment and a fundamental fall in confidence following the outrageous pursuit of two journalists for shining a light on Loughinisland.
"This is a critical time for policing and the new Chief Constable must get to grips with the task ahead very quickly. The Policing Board will play a constructive and critical role in resolving these challenges."
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair also offered his well wishes as Mr Byrne embarks on his new position.
The south Antrim MLA commented: "I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success in the role, which will no doubt be incredibly challenging.
"However, judging by his dedication to delivering policing for all, I am confident he can meet them – from tackling the dissident threat to increasing confidence across the community in policing, particularly in the summer months.
"I look forward to working closely with him on the Policing Board and helping him do his part in delivering a shared society for everyone in Northern Ireland."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 October 2004
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
DPP support reinforces police work: Murphy
The new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland have been reinforced by the creation of District Policing Partnerships and enhanced by the calibre of the men and women who serve on them, Secretary of State Paul Murphy has said.
29 March 2004
Assistant Chief Constable praises DPP members
The PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner has praised the 'courage and commitment' of members of Northern Ireland's District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) whose work has, in many cases, been carried out in the face of intimidation and threats.
Assistant Chief Constable praises DPP members
The PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Roy Toner has praised the 'courage and commitment' of members of Northern Ireland's District Policing Partnerships (DPPs) whose work has, in many cases, been carried out in the face of intimidation and threats.
20 November 2002
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
Policing Board scores well but public lack information
A survey published on the public's perception of the Policing Board has shown that the Board have scored well, but that some of the recent high-profile changes made under the Patton recommendations have fared less well. The area of District Policing Partnerships in particular proved puzzling to those polled.
26 March 2004
PSNI performance figures released
Newly released PSNI performance figures have revealed that although the detection rate for violent crime has increased, it is still well below the target set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The targets are set in the Annual Policing Plan which the Board publishes every March.
PSNI performance figures released
Newly released PSNI performance figures have revealed that although the detection rate for violent crime has increased, it is still well below the target set by the Northern Ireland Policing Board. The targets are set in the Annual Policing Plan which the Board publishes every March.
20 March 2024
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
New £575,000 Immersive Technologies Challenge Fund Announced
A new £575,000 Augment the City Challenge Fund has been announced to support innovation in immersive technologies. Led by Belfast City Council's City Innovation Office and funded by the Belfast Region City Deal, the fund will open in April 2024, to support local SMEs to explore the future role of immersive technologies in visitor experiences.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A few fog patches at first, soon clearing to leave a dry day with some patchy cloud and good sunny spells. Light and variable winds. Feeling mild in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:Dry and quite chilly overnight under prolonged clear spells and light winds. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
