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05/04/2002
Police Service of Northern Ireland trainees graduate in style
The first trainees from Northern Ireland’s new police force, recruited on a 50-50 Catholic-Protestant basis, have graduated at an historic ceremony in Belfast.
The much talked-about event also showcased the first public use of the uniform, crest and service flag brought in as part of Royal Ulster Constabulary reforms.
The 44 recruits (31 men and 13 women) graduating at Garnerville police college on Friday April 5 were the first intake to successfully complete their training after joining the new force.
Over the next 10 weeks, the graduates will receive instruction in operational skills such as driving, public order and firearms training before going out to stations across the province in August. If they successfully complete two years’ probation, they will become fully fledged Constables.
The day was filled with symbolism particularly as the new Police Service of Northern Ireland flag was handed over to Policing Board chairman, Professor Desmond Rea. It was then raised for the first time by trainer Constable Andy Blair and student officer Knox.
Professor Rea said: “Today is a truly momentous day for all of the new officers and their families as it marks the formal beginning of their policing careers. On behalf of the Board we wish them well and assure them of our ongoing support as they take up their new positions.”
The former Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, alongside Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne, also attended the event.
Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn told the new graduates that their importance to the future of policing in Northern Ireland should not be under-estimated.
Mr Cramphorn said: “Today is one of the milestones in your personal and professional development but it has a significance stretching far beyond you as individuals or as a class.
“You are the first group to join PSNI under the terms set out in the Patten Report. You, and those who follow you, will contribute towards a substantial realignment in our staff profile so that we more truly represent the communities we endeavour to serve.
“I welcome you all to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. You have chosen an honourable career. The real work, however, is only just beginning - work which will result in the delivery of a world class policing service to all the communities in Northern Ireland.”
(AMcE)
The much talked-about event also showcased the first public use of the uniform, crest and service flag brought in as part of Royal Ulster Constabulary reforms.
The 44 recruits (31 men and 13 women) graduating at Garnerville police college on Friday April 5 were the first intake to successfully complete their training after joining the new force.
Over the next 10 weeks, the graduates will receive instruction in operational skills such as driving, public order and firearms training before going out to stations across the province in August. If they successfully complete two years’ probation, they will become fully fledged Constables.
The day was filled with symbolism particularly as the new Police Service of Northern Ireland flag was handed over to Policing Board chairman, Professor Desmond Rea. It was then raised for the first time by trainer Constable Andy Blair and student officer Knox.
Professor Rea said: “Today is a truly momentous day for all of the new officers and their families as it marks the formal beginning of their policing careers. On behalf of the Board we wish them well and assure them of our ongoing support as they take up their new positions.”
The former Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan, alongside Garda Commissioner Pat Byrne, also attended the event.
Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn told the new graduates that their importance to the future of policing in Northern Ireland should not be under-estimated.
Mr Cramphorn said: “Today is one of the milestones in your personal and professional development but it has a significance stretching far beyond you as individuals or as a class.
“You are the first group to join PSNI under the terms set out in the Patten Report. You, and those who follow you, will contribute towards a substantial realignment in our staff profile so that we more truly represent the communities we endeavour to serve.
“I welcome you all to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. You have chosen an honourable career. The real work, however, is only just beginning - work which will result in the delivery of a world class policing service to all the communities in Northern Ireland.”
(AMcE)
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02 April 2002
PSNI Chief Constable Sir Ronnie bows out
The man who has come to represent the public face of the police service, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has officially retired as the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland’s new police service. Sir Ronnie Flanagan, 50, has been a police officer for three decades - effectively the lifespan of the present conflict in Northern Ireland.
PSNI Chief Constable Sir Ronnie bows out
The man who has come to represent the public face of the police service, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has officially retired as the Chief Constable of Northern Ireland’s new police service. Sir Ronnie Flanagan, 50, has been a police officer for three decades - effectively the lifespan of the present conflict in Northern Ireland.
13 December 2001
Police Service of NI badge unveiled
A new badge for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been unveiled. The emblem, which was unanimously chosen by the Northern Ireland Policing Board, features a Saint Patrick's Cross surrounded by one symbol each of a harp, crown, shamrock, laurel leaf, torch and scales of justice.
Police Service of NI badge unveiled
A new badge for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has been unveiled. The emblem, which was unanimously chosen by the Northern Ireland Policing Board, features a Saint Patrick's Cross surrounded by one symbol each of a harp, crown, shamrock, laurel leaf, torch and scales of justice.
21 August 2001
Reid calls on parties to sign up to policing plan
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Dr John Reid has expressed confidence that the cross community policing board to oversee the new police service will be set up by the end of September.
Reid calls on parties to sign up to policing plan
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Dr John Reid has expressed confidence that the cross community policing board to oversee the new police service will be set up by the end of September.
07 February 2003
New police training college gets go ahead
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has set in motion plans to introduce a new police training college for the PSNI by 2007. The college has been advocated for months by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde who said that the move was essential if Northern Ireland were to develop a world-renowned police force.
New police training college gets go ahead
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has set in motion plans to introduce a new police training college for the PSNI by 2007. The college has been advocated for months by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde who said that the move was essential if Northern Ireland were to develop a world-renowned police force.
04 September 2007
NI Policing Board Seeks Custody Visitors
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has launched a campaign to recruit Custody Visitors to join the Board’s Custody Visiting Scheme. The volunteer scheme, which operates throughout Northern Ireland, is a means of monitoring how people who are held in police custody are treated.
NI Policing Board Seeks Custody Visitors
The Northern Ireland Policing Board has launched a campaign to recruit Custody Visitors to join the Board’s Custody Visiting Scheme. The volunteer scheme, which operates throughout Northern Ireland, is a means of monitoring how people who are held in police custody are treated.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
