Shock Call For Further PSNI Cuts

A call to further reduce the size of the Police Service Northern Ireland has surprised commentators already lobbying against existing cut-backs.

Barry Gilligan, the Chairman of the NI Policing Board has said that the current force's level of manning is no longer sustainable, and said further cutbacks must be examined.

He said unpopular moves, such as closing more stations, needed to be considered for the PSNI to deliver effective policing on a reduced budget.

Already, the Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has confirmed the full-time police reserve would be phased out by March 2011.

The Police Federation, the union that represents police officers in Northern Ireland, reacted with dismay, saying it was premature at a time when the dissident threat is at its highest.

Also, in Carrickfergus, plans to close the local police station have led to the local District Policing Partneship Chairman, Mark Cosgrove, questioning the very existence of the organisation as he said to override objections such as that over the local police station simply made the DPP a worthless and expensive "talking shop".

Already it has emerged that only 4% of the community believe the transfer of PSNI response officers from Carrick to Newtownabbey will improve policing in the Borough.

A survey by the local DPP found 94% of respondents disagreed or slightly disagreed with the view that the change would result in improvement.

The consultation also found 52% were unaware of the proposal before being approached by the body.

A total of 82% felt the public should be consulted ahead of any changes to local policing.

(BMcC/JM)