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03/09/2009
Police Cuts To Be Discussed
Northern Ireland Policing Board members will meet later today to discuss proposed cut backs in the PSNI's budget.
It will be the Board's first meeting since the disclosure of an internal police memo highlighting inefficiencies.
The leaked report suggested officers spent more than 60% of their time on administration duties.
Acting Chief Constable Judith Gillespie is also expected to face concerns over an apparent dissident republican 'show of strength' in south Armagh last month.
Masked men, armed with automatic weapons, set up an illegal checkpoint in the village of Meigh, warning the public not to cooperate with the police, MI5 or Sinn Féin.
PSNI officers were commended for pulling back from the incident.
Last night it was also revealed the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) had written to the Board detailing a £17m reduction in the annual policing budget.
The move is part of overall government plans to slash public spending by £5bn.
Board members have argued these cuts will lead to fewer officers on the ground, and hinder front line services.
According to reports, members were angered by the NIO's tone, which hinted that a 'business review team' could be tasked with making savings should the Board fail to do so.
An NIO spokesman said the PSNI was not being singled out, nor was the letter giving an ultimatum to the Board.
UUP Policing Board member Basil McCrea said: "It is hard to imagine how these cuts will not adversely affect policing in Northern Ireland. It is certainly not what the PSNI need at this time."
See: North's Top Cop Defends Roadstop Withdrawal
(PR/BMcc)
It will be the Board's first meeting since the disclosure of an internal police memo highlighting inefficiencies.
The leaked report suggested officers spent more than 60% of their time on administration duties.
Acting Chief Constable Judith Gillespie is also expected to face concerns over an apparent dissident republican 'show of strength' in south Armagh last month.
Masked men, armed with automatic weapons, set up an illegal checkpoint in the village of Meigh, warning the public not to cooperate with the police, MI5 or Sinn Féin.
PSNI officers were commended for pulling back from the incident.
Last night it was also revealed the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) had written to the Board detailing a £17m reduction in the annual policing budget.
The move is part of overall government plans to slash public spending by £5bn.
Board members have argued these cuts will lead to fewer officers on the ground, and hinder front line services.
According to reports, members were angered by the NIO's tone, which hinted that a 'business review team' could be tasked with making savings should the Board fail to do so.
An NIO spokesman said the PSNI was not being singled out, nor was the letter giving an ultimatum to the Board.
UUP Policing Board member Basil McCrea said: "It is hard to imagine how these cuts will not adversely affect policing in Northern Ireland. It is certainly not what the PSNI need at this time."
See: North's Top Cop Defends Roadstop Withdrawal
(PR/BMcc)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:There will be a mixture of bright intervals and a few showers. Best of the sunny spells will be near the North Coast. Feeling on the cool side. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
