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06/10/2016
PSNI Recruitment May Be Forced To Freeze Over Budget Cuts
The Police Federation for Northern Ireland is warning of the possibility of a recruitment freeze if the Department of Justice goes ahead with proposed cuts to the policing budget.
Federation Chairman, Mark Lindsay is appealing to the Justice Minister, Claire Sugden MLA, to make a stand for policing.
Mr Lindsay said: "Politicians and the general public must understand that if Officer numbers are cut back, and recruitment shelved, there will be a drastic reduction in the service on the ground.
"The Officers I represent don't want that to happen. But we're realistic enough to know that if there are further budget cuts, they will be unable to deliver the policing service the Northern Ireland public expect.
"With previous cuts of £250 million already made, we’re seeing cracks appearing in relation to increased Officer stress levels, the disappearance of Neighbourhood Policing and a shortage of Officers capable of dealing with Public Protection issues such as child abuse.
"One option open to senior command is to substantially reduce recruitment or a complete 'freeze'. Hundreds of jobs could disappear with Officers leaving the service not being replaced.
"This will inevitably result in a root and branch restructuring on how policing is delivered and on the responsibilities placed on the PSNI to deal with a multitude of social issues. The Police have been left to pick up the pieces left as a result of cuts in other public services. There can be no expectation that they will be able to continue to do this."
(CD)
Federation Chairman, Mark Lindsay is appealing to the Justice Minister, Claire Sugden MLA, to make a stand for policing.
Mr Lindsay said: "Politicians and the general public must understand that if Officer numbers are cut back, and recruitment shelved, there will be a drastic reduction in the service on the ground.
"The Officers I represent don't want that to happen. But we're realistic enough to know that if there are further budget cuts, they will be unable to deliver the policing service the Northern Ireland public expect.
"With previous cuts of £250 million already made, we’re seeing cracks appearing in relation to increased Officer stress levels, the disappearance of Neighbourhood Policing and a shortage of Officers capable of dealing with Public Protection issues such as child abuse.
"One option open to senior command is to substantially reduce recruitment or a complete 'freeze'. Hundreds of jobs could disappear with Officers leaving the service not being replaced.
"This will inevitably result in a root and branch restructuring on how policing is delivered and on the responsibilities placed on the PSNI to deal with a multitude of social issues. The Police have been left to pick up the pieces left as a result of cuts in other public services. There can be no expectation that they will be able to continue to do this."
(CD)
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