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.

His retirement, which took effect on Sunday March 31st 2002, sees the end of Sir Ronnie’s reign at the helm of the new Police Service of Northern Ireland, formerly known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary after six years.

The last Chief Constable of the old RUC, and the first police chief of the new PSNI, Sir Ronnie was due to retire at the end of February. However the Policing Board asked him to remain as Chief Constable of Police Service of Northern Ireland until the end of March. His deputy Colin Cramphorn has now taken over the hot seat until a successor is found.

Sir Ronnie will now take on his new role as one of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary where he will inspect police forces across the UK.

The Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Des Rea paid tribute to Sir Ronnie for his contribution to policing in Northern Ireland at a meeting of the Policing Board last week.

Mr Rea said: “I wish to put on record my appreciation for the exemplary professionalism Sir Ronnie has shown over the past 32 years. His contribution to the RUC and his management of the policing change process has provided a firm foundation for the new Police Service of Northern Ireland to build upon.

“Sir Ronnie was instrumental in completing the fundamental review into policing back in 1995 which recommended significant policing changes, many of which were incorporated into the Patten report. His strategic vision and willingness to meet the changes required have undoubtedly allowed the Service to move to this new beginning for policing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish Sir Ronnie well in his new post and have no doubt that his experience and commitment will be invaluable to the work of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary.”

(AMcE)