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22/09/2009
Baggott Takes PSNI Reins
Northern Ireland's new police chief Matt Baggott today said he does not "diminish" the threat posed by dissident republicans, writes Paul Reilly.
Mr Baggott, speaking to assembled press at NI Policing Board headquarters in Belfast, he conceded the threat is "real", but was resolute that the PSNI has the support of the majority of the community.
"I don't diminish it, I don't underplay it, it is real. And there are some people doing some dedicated work at the moment to deal with it," he said of the threat.
"The way to deal with it is for communities themselves in the vast, vast majority to say 'No' to the people who want to return to the past."
The Chief Constable said it "saddened" him that some elements within the province were intent on carnage and a "future of hopelessness".
Insisting he was here to fulfill his full five year contract, the former Leicestershire Constabulary chief, said he was "mindful of the sensitivities of the past".
Besides the issue of terrorist violence, Mr Baggott said he would take actions by senior command to cut read tape "a stage further".
"I've come here with a record of challenging bureaucracy, challenging processes. I need to free people up to improve that policing presence."
The new police chief said he and his team would work to get "best use out of the resources we have", at a time of budget cuts.
On the matter of devolved policing and justice powers, Mr Baggott said the final resolution rested with politicians.
Discussing the prospect of a Stormont policing minister, Mr Baggott insisted the "answers to most policing problems rest with local people".
Security was heightened across the province today in anticipation of the new chief constable taking office.
On Friday the PSNI launched Operation Dissent, which has seen an increase in police check points and more visible patrols.
Less than a fortnight ago army bomb experts defused a 600lb explosive planted by dissidents close to the border.
Last week sustained trouble erupted in Lurgan following the jailing of three local men in connection with a terrorist bomb plot.
See: 'Futile' Lurgan Violence Condemned
(PR/BMcC)
Mr Baggott, speaking to assembled press at NI Policing Board headquarters in Belfast, he conceded the threat is "real", but was resolute that the PSNI has the support of the majority of the community.
"I don't diminish it, I don't underplay it, it is real. And there are some people doing some dedicated work at the moment to deal with it," he said of the threat.
"The way to deal with it is for communities themselves in the vast, vast majority to say 'No' to the people who want to return to the past."
The Chief Constable said it "saddened" him that some elements within the province were intent on carnage and a "future of hopelessness".
Insisting he was here to fulfill his full five year contract, the former Leicestershire Constabulary chief, said he was "mindful of the sensitivities of the past".
Besides the issue of terrorist violence, Mr Baggott said he would take actions by senior command to cut read tape "a stage further".
"I've come here with a record of challenging bureaucracy, challenging processes. I need to free people up to improve that policing presence."
The new police chief said he and his team would work to get "best use out of the resources we have", at a time of budget cuts.
On the matter of devolved policing and justice powers, Mr Baggott said the final resolution rested with politicians.
Discussing the prospect of a Stormont policing minister, Mr Baggott insisted the "answers to most policing problems rest with local people".
Security was heightened across the province today in anticipation of the new chief constable taking office.
On Friday the PSNI launched Operation Dissent, which has seen an increase in police check points and more visible patrols.
Less than a fortnight ago army bomb experts defused a 600lb explosive planted by dissidents close to the border.
Last week sustained trouble erupted in Lurgan following the jailing of three local men in connection with a terrorist bomb plot.
See: 'Futile' Lurgan Violence Condemned
(PR/BMcC)
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Baggott Is New Chief Constable
The man selected to lead Northern Ireland's police force has said he hopes to build on his predecessor's success. Matt Baggott was appointed by the NI Policing Board last night, and will replace outgoing Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde. Sir Hugh is standing down to preside over the Association of Chief Police Officers.
03 September 2010
Ardoyne Riots Cost £1.1m In Police Overtime
Around £1.1 million was spent on PSNI overtime during the riots in Ardoyne, North Belfast, over the 12th July period. PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott revealed the shocking amount to members of the NI Policing Board at a meeting on Thursday afternoon. He said the cost would have covered community policing services in the area for three years.
Ardoyne Riots Cost £1.1m In Police Overtime
Around £1.1 million was spent on PSNI overtime during the riots in Ardoyne, North Belfast, over the 12th July period. PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott revealed the shocking amount to members of the NI Policing Board at a meeting on Thursday afternoon. He said the cost would have covered community policing services in the area for three years.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
