Ulster Unionist Policing Board spokesperson Mike Nesbitt MLA has expressed surprise that Justice Minister Naomi Long MLA has questioned whether the PSNI needs the 7,500 full time officers promised in the New Decade New Approach deal.
Speaking at a special sitting of the Policing Board, the Minister made clear the headcount should be a matter for the Chief Constable, rather than politicians and suggested Simon Byrne might prefer 7,300 officers with enhanced investment in digital technology or training.
Mike Nesbitt said:
“From what Naomi Long told the Policing Board, she feels the 7,500 number was effectively plucked out of the air by politicians. Yet it is one of the major commitments in the deal that restored devolution at Stormont, as well as being recommendation 105 of Chris Patten’s Independent Commission on Policing 20 years ago.
“I have no recollection of the Chief Constable ever putting a counter argument to the call for 7,500 officers. I understand all financial modelling is about securing the £5 million required for the recruitment campaign to increase numbers by 500 and the recurring costs of £34 million per annum.
“Given the Minister’s comments today, it would seem another conversation is required about how best to support the Chief Constable and the senior leadership of the PSNI.”