Menu
22/08/2016
PSNI Chief Constable Apologises Over 'Offensive' Tweet
PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton has apologised for any offence after posting a comment on social media surrounding pressures police officers are facing.
On Twitter Mr Hamilton said that officers should "dry your eyes, do the job or move on".
On Sunday, 21 August, the Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay called on Mr Hamiltion to withdraw the "offensive comments".
Mr Lindsay said: "We have Officers grappling with psychological conditions because of the appalling things they have had to experience and witness. To cap it all, we have a Chief Constable who tells the men and women he commands that if they don’t like it, they can leave and get another job.
"Mr Hamilton has got this badly wrong. To say to Officers to ‘dry your eye, do the job or move on’ amounts to great insult and a stunning misjudgement. He should apologise immediately for this outburst, withdraw the offensive comments and remove the tweet from his account.
"The job is tough enough without the Chief Constable showing such indifference. Better if he empathised more with the men and women who deliver policing at the 'coalface'. He has a chance to put this right. He should take that opportunity without delay."
Mr Hamilton said: "I have already spoken to the Chair of the Police Federation and will be happy to discuss these issues over the coming days with the respective Staff Associations.
"Policing is a complex and challenging profession. I am hugely proud of the work my officers and staff do every day in serving the public and I want to support and encourage these great people. My message last night would not have conveyed that support and for that I am sorry."
(CD)
On Twitter Mr Hamilton said that officers should "dry your eyes, do the job or move on".
On Sunday, 21 August, the Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay called on Mr Hamiltion to withdraw the "offensive comments".
Mr Lindsay said: "We have Officers grappling with psychological conditions because of the appalling things they have had to experience and witness. To cap it all, we have a Chief Constable who tells the men and women he commands that if they don’t like it, they can leave and get another job.
"Mr Hamilton has got this badly wrong. To say to Officers to ‘dry your eye, do the job or move on’ amounts to great insult and a stunning misjudgement. He should apologise immediately for this outburst, withdraw the offensive comments and remove the tweet from his account.
"The job is tough enough without the Chief Constable showing such indifference. Better if he empathised more with the men and women who deliver policing at the 'coalface'. He has a chance to put this right. He should take that opportunity without delay."
Mr Hamilton said: "I have already spoken to the Chair of the Police Federation and will be happy to discuss these issues over the coming days with the respective Staff Associations.
"Policing is a complex and challenging profession. I am hugely proud of the work my officers and staff do every day in serving the public and I want to support and encourage these great people. My message last night would not have conveyed that support and for that I am sorry."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 August 2018
Fresh Appeal Over Fatal Collision In Banbridge
Police have renewed their appeal for information in connection with a fatal collision in Banbridge, Co Down. Gary Hamilton, aged 27, was killed on the Castlewellan Road when his motorbike was involved in a crash at around 9.45am on Sunday, 08 July.
Fresh Appeal Over Fatal Collision In Banbridge
Police have renewed their appeal for information in connection with a fatal collision in Banbridge, Co Down. Gary Hamilton, aged 27, was killed on the Castlewellan Road when his motorbike was involved in a crash at around 9.45am on Sunday, 08 July.
24 May 2017
PSNI To Lose Over 230 Officers
The PSNI is to lose 238 officers over the next two years due to budget cuts, according to Chief Constable George Hamilton. The service is facing a £20million cut in funds this year which is the equivalent of the annual cost of all the region's Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Officer numbers are to drop by 138 to 6,700 over the next year.
PSNI To Lose Over 230 Officers
The PSNI is to lose 238 officers over the next two years due to budget cuts, according to Chief Constable George Hamilton. The service is facing a £20million cut in funds this year which is the equivalent of the annual cost of all the region's Neighbourhood Policing Teams. Officer numbers are to drop by 138 to 6,700 over the next year.
02 May 2018
Senior PSNI Officers Cleared In Ombudsman Probe
Two senior PSNI officers have been cleared of allegations into alleged misconduct in public office. Chief Constable George Hamilton and Deputy Drew Harris were among a number of officers being investigated by the Police Ombudsman.
Senior PSNI Officers Cleared In Ombudsman Probe
Two senior PSNI officers have been cleared of allegations into alleged misconduct in public office. Chief Constable George Hamilton and Deputy Drew Harris were among a number of officers being investigated by the Police Ombudsman.
10 May 2017
PSNI Memorial Garden Officially Opens
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have officially opened the PSNI's Memorial Garden in Belfast. The Royals also unveiled the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Book of Remembrance, at Brooklyn, Police Headquarters.
PSNI Memorial Garden Officially Opens
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have officially opened the PSNI's Memorial Garden in Belfast. The Royals also unveiled the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Book of Remembrance, at Brooklyn, Police Headquarters.
08 September 2009
Foster To Lead Trade Delegation To India
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is to lead Northern Ireland's trade and investment mission to India at the end of September. The Minister's participation was announced during a visit to Polaris Software, one of India's leading software companies and one of four existing Indian inward investors in Northern Ireland.
Foster To Lead Trade Delegation To India
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is to lead Northern Ireland's trade and investment mission to India at the end of September. The Minister's participation was announced during a visit to Polaris Software, one of India's leading software companies and one of four existing Indian inward investors in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A largely dry evening and night. It will be mostly cloudy, but a few clear spells are possible in the east during the evening. Some patchy rain across the west shortly before dawn. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
