A need for the Full-time Reserve!
Posted on 07/02/11 and tagged under Terrorism
Statement by Alex Elliott, TUV Candidate, Fermanagh South Tyrone
“The Chief Constable recently admitted that the Police Service needed a further 1000 officers as well as £200m to deal with the recent upsurge of republican criminality. With plans to remove 150 operational police officers from our streets to security as well as the compulsory retirement of 200 plus Reserve, the impact upon Policing on our streets will be immense.
“For too long, a question has hung over the future of the Full-time Reserve Officers and their employment within PSNI. Being only eight weeks away from the compulsory deadline and severance, many officers are left in limbo as to where their future lies; whether in employment or on the dole queue. These dedicated officers have provided the best part of their lives providing security and stability to this country and deserve the recognition of continued service.
“With Patten due to finish in March 2011; all but a few want to continue their service in the PSNI. I see no reason why after 31st March, these officers could not be re-employed within a 364 day employment contract providing a continued valuable asset to a now diminished service.
“With continual Republican violence and the expansion of Republican ranks and weaponry; the Police Service needs to be prepared for the ever increasing threat. In its present format; the PSNI is unfortunately incapable of countering the murderous activities from republicans and needs restructuring of its counter terrorist capabilities and a radical shake-up in its operational tactics and intelligence gathering methods.
“If the Fulltime Reserve is made redundant, the consequences are inevitable. With serious depletion of numbers; there will be an upsurge of terror and a need to recommence cover military operations as well as technical surveillance methods against criminals who are determined to bring conflict back to our streets.
“With recruitment now suspended to the Police Service, I would encourage the Chief Constable, the Justice Minister and the Policing Board to seriously consider the consequences for policing as well as for the people of Northern Ireland; should the Full-time Reserve be stood down in March 2011.”
