Statement

PROPOSALS TO END FULL TIME RESERVE ARE ILL JUDGED SAYS WEIR  

Posted on: June 17, 2009

“I  am deeply disturbed at proposals by the Chief Constable to phase out the remaining 500 Full Time Reserve Officers from the PSNI. I believe that this proposal is both ill judged and ill timed. While the removal of the Full Time Reserve has its origin in the ill considered Patten Report, the Chief Constable must have an overriding consideration of both the security and policing situation. With the dissident republican threat at the greatest level for many years, to take this action and leave our police force exposed is foolhardy. 

This decision, if implemented will leave Police commands around the country reduced in strength, and deprived of reservists, many of whom have years of experience. While the most immediate effect will be on border areas, the implications will be felt throughout Northern Ireland, including North Down, when officers are redeployed to deal with the shortfall. The current Chief Constable is due to leave Northern Ireland, and it is highly inappropriate for him to make decisions which will have such implications for his successor. We will be lobbying Government in the days to come on this issue, and I urge the Chief Constable to see sense, suspend this decision, and allow a decision to be taken by his successor.”