PSNI Chief Constable Issues Apology

The PSNI Chief Constable has apologised for posting a controversial tweet about the Crossmaglen community following a meeting with the SDLP.

Simon Byrne tweeted that it was "great to meet the team policing Crossmaglen @PSNINMDOWN," adding: "I take my hat off to colleagues policing such a unique part of @PoliceServiceNI. Their sense of duty & optimism is inspiring. Stay safe and thank you."

The post was accompanied by images of the Chief Constable with other heavily armed PSNI officers, and was followed by an outrage online.

"I am sorry for any offence that has been caused," Mr Byrne said on Tuesday 07 January.

"My tweet on Christmas Day was never meant as a comment on the community of Crossmaglen and South Armagh Area.

"I have reflected on the issue at length and have had many conversations with both colleagues and external stakeholders, up to and including a number of meetings with elected representatives yesterday and today."

SDLP Slieve Gullion representative Councillor Pete Byrne welcomed the Chief Constable's apology after having time to reflect during the meeting on Tuesday.

Cllr Byrne said: "He was clear that he apologised if he caused any offence to the local community and assured me it was not his intention to do so. He accepted that it was ill judged. We had a frank conversation about the importance of language and nuance.

"We discussed the positive work that has been achieved in policing in South Armagh in recent years, citing the co-operation between the PSNI and Crossmaglen Community First Responders as an example. The Chief Constable also accepted my invitation to join me in Crossmaglen for further engagement and I look forward to that in the coming months."

SDLP Policing Spokesperson, Dolores Kelly MLA added: "We had a robust discussion around the challenges of the style and appearance of militarised stations in Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton. We discussed the slow pace of transformation, the legacy of policing for communities like South Armagh and the ongoing cultural work that needed to take place within the PSNI. We were in agreement that this has to change and I look forward to hearing the proposals coming forward from the PSNI in partnership with the community of Crossmaglen."



(JG/CM)