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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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Low cloud, mist or fog at first will clear through the morning to leave a dry day with some prolonged sunny spells through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 21 °C.Tonight:Dry with clear spells for most places through the evening and overnight will allow the odd mist or fog patch to form. Coastal low cloud spreads into northern counties. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
