14/02/2003
New Police Oversight Commissioner announced
The next Police Oversight Commissioner has been named today following the news that Tom Constantine will leave his post in December.
Senior Canadian police officer Al Hutchinson – the current chief of staff at the office – will take on the Commissioner's role when Mr Constantine's three-and-a-half year stay in Northern Ireland comes to a close.
The Secretary of State, Paul Murphy, paid tribute to Mr Constantine and his efforts in bedding down the revamped policing service in the province.
"I would take this opportunity to pay sincere tribute to the tremendous commitment of Mr Tom Constantine, as the Oversight Commissioner, and his team," he said.
"They have undoubtedly made a major contribution to the development of policing in Northern Ireland.
"Mr Constantine has told me of his continuing belief in the importance of the Northern Ireland policing reform to the peace process, and his willingness to continue the independent oversight of progress to ensure a successful transition.
"However, after a 43-year career in law enforcement and a three and a half year commitment to Northern Ireland, his family commitments must take priority.
"I am delighted to announce that Mr Al Hutchinson, who is the present Chief of Staff for the Office of the Oversight Commissioner, will succeed Mr Constantine at that point."
Al Hutchinson, currently chief of staff for the Office of the Oversight Commissioner, served in the Royal Canadians Mounted Police (RCMP) for 34 years, rising through the ranks to Assistant Commissioner. He retired from the RCMP in January 2001 following three years as Commanding Officer "O" Division (Ontario), responsible for RCMP operations in Canada's largest province.
Mr Murphy also announced the extension of the role of the Office of the Police Oversight Commissioner to May 31, 2005.
(GMcG)
Senior Canadian police officer Al Hutchinson – the current chief of staff at the office – will take on the Commissioner's role when Mr Constantine's three-and-a-half year stay in Northern Ireland comes to a close.
The Secretary of State, Paul Murphy, paid tribute to Mr Constantine and his efforts in bedding down the revamped policing service in the province.
"I would take this opportunity to pay sincere tribute to the tremendous commitment of Mr Tom Constantine, as the Oversight Commissioner, and his team," he said.
"They have undoubtedly made a major contribution to the development of policing in Northern Ireland.
"Mr Constantine has told me of his continuing belief in the importance of the Northern Ireland policing reform to the peace process, and his willingness to continue the independent oversight of progress to ensure a successful transition.
"However, after a 43-year career in law enforcement and a three and a half year commitment to Northern Ireland, his family commitments must take priority.
"I am delighted to announce that Mr Al Hutchinson, who is the present Chief of Staff for the Office of the Oversight Commissioner, will succeed Mr Constantine at that point."
Al Hutchinson, currently chief of staff for the Office of the Oversight Commissioner, served in the Royal Canadians Mounted Police (RCMP) for 34 years, rising through the ranks to Assistant Commissioner. He retired from the RCMP in January 2001 following three years as Commanding Officer "O" Division (Ontario), responsible for RCMP operations in Canada's largest province.
Mr Murphy also announced the extension of the role of the Office of the Police Oversight Commissioner to May 31, 2005.
(GMcG)
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Patten intent remains on course says Constantine
Northern Ireland's policing institutions "are moving expeditiously to fulfill the intent of the Patten Commission". This is according to the ninth report released today by The Oversight Commissioner for Policing Reform, Tom Constantine, which detailed progress made on implementing recommendations of the Patten Commission.
07 June 2005
Hain acknowledges 'vital' role of Police Oversight Commissioner
Secretary of State Peter Hain has described the role of Police Oversight Commissioner, Al Hutchinson, as vital “in monitoring the remarkable pace of change in policing envisaged by Patten”.
Hain acknowledges 'vital' role of Police Oversight Commissioner
Secretary of State Peter Hain has described the role of Police Oversight Commissioner, Al Hutchinson, as vital “in monitoring the remarkable pace of change in policing envisaged by Patten”.
10 September 2002
Street violence threatens to wreck policing reform
The Oversight Commissioner for Policing Reform in Northern Ireland, Tom Constantine, has warned that the continuing street violence in the Province is threatening to wreck the process of policing reform.
Street violence threatens to wreck policing reform
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08 July 2005
Government welcomes criminal justice system reform
The Government today welcomed what it called the major advance in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. The statement came on Friday as Justice Oversight Commissioner Lord Clyde’s unveiled his fourth report into the criminal justice system here.
Government welcomes criminal justice system reform
The Government today welcomed what it called the major advance in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. The statement came on Friday as Justice Oversight Commissioner Lord Clyde’s unveiled his fourth report into the criminal justice system here.
20 January 2005
Government welcomes progress in criminal justice reform
The Government has welcomed the Justice Oversight Commissioner’s third report which describes good progress in the reform of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland.
Government welcomes progress in criminal justice reform
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.