Long-Serving 'RUC Officer' Refused Medal

There's been an embarrassing incident for NI's policing boss as a long-serving officer was last week refused an award at a prestigious medal ceremony.

Stubbornness and pride in near equal measure led to what the Ulster Unionist Leader Tom Elliot has described as a "disgrace" with the leading politician having now written to the Chief Constable, Matt Baggott following an incident which took place at a PSNI medal presentation on Friday.

He said that one of the officers being presented with a long-service medal was refused entry because he turned up wearing his RUC uniform rather than that of his current service, within the PSNI.

Mr Elliott said: "This incident is a complete and utter disgrace.

"The proud name of the Royal Ulster Constabulary was incorporated into the 'title deeds' of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), with the Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2000 stating that "The body of constables known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary shall continue in being as the Police Service of Northern Ireland (incorporating the Royal Ulster Constabulary)."

He continued: "We must never forget that 302 RUC officers gave their lives in defence of freedom and in the battle against terror.

"The force was the reason Northern Ireland did nor descend entirely into madness between the late 1960s and the mid 1990s.

"This was the reason why Her Majesty the Queen awarded the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary.

"The long-service medals being awarded were awarded to officers who had completed most of their service within the ranks of the RUC," said Mr Elliot, adding, that "for all of the reasons above, it was quite fitting that an officer should appear in RUC uniform".

"For that officer to be turned away is an absolute disgrace, and I have written to the Chief Constable demanding an explanation, an apology and an assurance that this insult will never be repeated."

A spokeswoman for the PSNI said the long service medal "recognises the courageous and professional conduct of officers both within the RUC and PSNI" but added that all officers are now required to wear PSNI uniform for medal presentations.

"However, this in no way takes away from the immense bravery and sacrifice of officers who served within the RUC," the spokeswoman said.

"At the last medal ceremony one officer was not in PSNI uniform and, after declining the option to change, unfortunately did not receive his medal."

(BMcC/GK)