Ulster Unionist Party Leader Tom Elliott and his Party’s Policing Board member Ross Hussey have met with the Chief Constable to discuss a range of issues.

Mr Elliott said;

“We took the opportunity to discuss a variety of matter with the Chief Constable, including the on-going security situation, rural crime and a range of matters relating to the Full Time Reserve.

I raised the on-going security threat posed by so-called “dissident” republicans and assured the Chief Constable that the Ulster Unionist Party stands fully behind the men and women of the PSNI as they work to ensure the safety of the entire community and preserve the rule of law.

Mr Hussey said;

“Security and other issues were discussed and we also took the opportunity to raise our objections to closure of rural police stations. If for example stations in Beragh and Fintona were to close, there would only be one police station in the Omagh District Council area, and if Castlederg were to close, there would only be one in the Strabane District Council area. The lack of a physical police presence and associated visibility would be a major concern to the public.
 
I have also been approached by a large number of former members of the Full Time Reserve who asked me to raise a number of issues on their behalf.
 
They have concerns relating to personal security, welfare issues, their inability to get a proper reference from the PSNI and also pension arrangements.
 
Furthermore, they want to know if any former Full Time Reserve officers have been offered redeployment within the PSNI in a civilian capacity or transfer to another British Police Force as envisaged by Patten. I also asked what steps have been taken to assists those officers or former officers who would wish to avail of such opportunities.”