Statement

DUP Welcome Moves to put more Desk-Bound Offices Back on the Streets

Posted on: November 30, 2009

Speaking today the DUP Members of the Policing Board Jimmy Spratt MLA, Ian Paisley Jnr MLA, Peter Weir MLA and Tom Buchanan MLA have welcomed the initiative taken by the Chief Constable to move at least 600 desk-bound officers back on to the streets of Northern Ireland as part of his plans to reorganise the PSNI.

The DUP Board Members said,

‘As a Party and as members of the Northern Ireland Policing Board we welcome the initiative taken by the Chief Constable to review all positions throughout the force to ensure the efficient and effective deployment of resources at all times.

Currently police officers are being stifled by red tape and excessive bureaucracy. Indeed, the Strategic Review of the PSNI reported that officers are being choked with forms and paperwork, with 61% of officers’ time spent inside stations rather than on the streets. Whilst we understand that some level of bureaucracy is necessary to ensure that the PSNI is accountable, it must not become pervasive and hinder officers from dealing with frontline services.

It is common sense that whatever officers can be released from behind desks to frontline services should be done so without delay to not only enhance visibility but also to increase the PSNI’s ability to tackle crime. The DUP will continue to support any proposals for police deployment to be used more effectively and efficiently’.