Former Mountie Takes Over The Reins

A former ‘Mountie’ has today taken up his new, high profile job as the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

Al Hutchinson, a former assistant commissioner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police replaces Nuala O’Loan to become only the second person to serve in the controversial position.

He was previously the policing oversight commissioner for Northern Ireland, and believes he is in an ideal position to deal with the issues he will face in his new role.

Paying tribute, Mr Hutchinson said Mrs O’Loan and her team of officers had won an international reputation for independence and impartiality.

He added: "By providing a system which is independent, impartial and effective, both the public and the police alike can have confidence that complaints will be dealt with properly and where lessons can be learned and things improved, this will happen.

"In doing this, I hope we can contribute to helping ensure every resident in Northern Ireland receives their entitlement to the best possible policing service. I am committed to working with all those that share that vision."

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has also praised the former Ombudsman and said he believed that her personal contribution to the office of the Police Ombudsman has given Northern Ireland a police complaints system which is the envy of the world,

The Secretary of State said that Nuala O’Loan’s work as Police Ombudsman will be much admired for years to come.

He said: “Since the Office of the Police Ombudsman was established the independent police complaints system has gained the confidence of all communities in Northern Ireland, as well as the police.

“The establishment of this efficient and highly effective independent police complaints system can be attributed largely to the considerable personal contribution made by Nuala O’Loan.

“In what is one of the most demanding jobs in the public sector, Nuala has always acted with great integrity and I wish her every success in the future.”

The Secretary of State said that Al Hutchinson’s vast experience of policing and public service will help him settle into the post of Police Ombudsman.

“As we continue to develop local governance in Northern Ireland through devolution of policing and justice next year, the work of the Ombudsman’s Office will continue to play a key role in ensuring that public confidence in policing is not only maintained, but further enhanced.

“With Al Hutchinson’s vast experience in policing, coupled with his previous public service in Northern Ireland, I am confident that he will be very successful in his new role," said the NIO boss.

(BMcC)