The Ulster Unionist Party’s Policing Board representative, Alan Chambers MLA, has welcomed the new Chief Constable of the PSNI, Simon Byrne, to his new post.
Alan Chambers MLA said:
“Today I attended the attestation ceremony of the new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne. Having been part of the interview panel that selected Simon for the post, I was impressed at his range of experience and communication skills during the recruitment process. He did not disappoint in his first day remarks to the Policing Board when he constantly referred to the importance of connecting with communities. I was also impressed with how he dealt with his first press conference. It is obvious that he has done his homework and this has helped him to hit the ground running.
“When asked about the issue of flags he talked about the need to deploy a common sense approach to the issue.
“On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party I pledged our continued support for policing and wished him well in his new post. He is all too aware of the challenges ahead but will bring all his experience of working with shrinking budgets to deliver the best possible policing service for the people of Northern Ireland.
“I also welcome his comments about becoming a resident of Northern Ireland in response to false reports that he intended to commute between his home in England and Belfast. He has committed to spending the next few months visiting all parts of the Province and working with all sectors of the PSNI to gain first-hand experience of the many challenges he will face.”