PSNI Deputy Chief Constable To Retire

A search for the new PSNI second-in-command will soon begin after Deputy Chief Constable Stephen Martin announced his retirement.

Mr Martin informed the Policing Board of his decision on Monday 20 January after almost 34 years of service.

He was a police officer in both the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the PSNI and said he is grateful and extremely proud to have served the community throughout his career.

"I will always be grateful for the friendships I have built both within the police service and among the community I have been humbled to serve," the outgoing Deputy said. "As I face the next chapter in my life, I am very mindful of the many colleagues and friends who we've lost and for whom retirement has been denied. They and their families will always be in my thoughts.

"I am extremely proud to have been part of the journey that policing has made to date; and I know, with the commitment of colleagues and the partnership of the community, we will continue to make Northern Ireland a safer and more confident society. I leave with a real sense of optimism for the future and wish all my colleagues well as they continue their vital service to our entire community.

"I believe passionately in the contribution that policing makes to our community; and it will be the many stories of bravery and compassion by my colleagues in the delivery of their duty, which I will remember in the years to come."

Mr Martin will hang up his boots when a new Deputy Chief Constable is appointed.

Paying him tribute, Chair of the Policing Board Professor Anne Connolly said: "I would like to thank Stephen for his contributions to policing and service tot he community over his career and wish him well for the future."