01/06/2023

PSNI Helicopter Could Be Grounded As Part Of Cuts

Chief Constable Simon Bryne has revealed the PSNI may have to ground one of its helicopters.

The move comes as part of measures to reduce the gap between the force's allocated budget and current spending.

In a report submitted to the policing board Bryne confirmed that the Department of Justice had reduced the PSNI's budget for 2023/24 by 1.7%, causing a funding gap of £107m.

Recruitment will be paused from June but the savings will not be enough to close the gap completely meaning other measures such as reduced overtime and changes to police station opening hours will be introduced.

Reflecting on the impact of the proposed cuts the Chief Constable said:"At this point, it is extremely difficult to see how costs can be maintained within this budget at the same time as Keeping People Safe."

The Policing Board was also informed that the Department of Justice has extended Simon Bryne's contract by three years, meaning he will stay in the post until 2027.

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