08/07/2009

Sir Hugh Speaks Of National Police Cuts

Outgoing PSNI Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has spoken for the first time in his new capacity as President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo), warning of serious cutbacks in police staff numbers.

Sir Hugh, speaking in Manchester, warned the economic downturn had put a strain on police resources, hinting that a cut in officers is a "reality".

He said many police authorities are "feeling the strain", suggesting "real difficulties" would be felt if funding is further cut.

Talking to the BBC prior to yesterday's Acpo meeting, Northern Ireland's top policeman said: "We are now getting to a stage where we have squeezed and squeezed, and in any organisation where about 80% of your costs are people, the pressure will now inevitably fall on people.

"So we again have to look very carefully at how we use technology and how we do things more effectively if we are to maintain the frontline service delivery we are committed to doing."

Sir Hugh officially takes up his role as President in September, after leading the Police Service of Northern Ireland for seven years.

(PR/JM)

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