It was only two weeks ago that a TUV delegation had a meeting with the Chief Constable and the issue of management of financial resources was raised. Fermanagh South Tyrone candidate Alex Elliott pointed out to the Chief Constable that the £245m which had been allocated for a four year period would not stretch very far after the purchase of new weapons, paying for and running a second helicopter as well as facing down the present terrorist threat were financed.

The logic of paying police drivers to work on rest days at double time was also raised.

While it might have seemed quite sensible to the Chief Constable’s team back then; the reality is that paying out £1m per week in overtime alone will create a massive hole in the extra finances which the PSNI have to spread over the four year period.

As was pointed out to the Chief Constable at the meeting, the retention of the 266 Fulltime Reserve would have avoided the lack of physical resources on the streets. The decision to dispense with their services defies logic while the risk of attack remains high. The FTR brought a wealth of experience in dealing with terrorist activity which new, inexperienced officers simply do not possess.

Commenting Mr Elliott said:

“I call on the Chief Constable to recall the Fulltime Reserve Officers immediately to assist with the serious threat and to fill the gaping hole in security.

“It is also concerning to note that when it was suggested to the Chief Constable’s delegation that Special Branch officers are unable to brief out intelligence to fellow officers for fear of who it may be repeated back to no rebuttal was given.”