Following the publication of the South Armagh Policing Review, Mike Nesbitt MLA, Ulster Unionist representative on the Policing Board, said:

“This is a hefty and far-reaching report which needs consideration and clarification. I look forward to questioning the Chief Constable about it at the Policing Board on Thursday. I want to know what he means by referencing ‘joint policing’ with Garda Síochána and checkpoints that aren`t reminiscent of the Troubles.

“What is clear is that the proposal with regard to memorials is totally unacceptable. We will not support anything that suggests disrespect for the sacrifice of those who laid down their lives for the community.

“Having visited Crossmaglen with my party leader Doug Beattie and Councillor David Taylor last week it is clear that the police station is not fit for purpose. It does a disservice those officers who man it and to the local community. In principle, we support a new station for South Armagh, but the stations at Crossmaglen and Newtownhamilton must remain operational until such times as that is achieved.”

David Taylor, Ulster Unionist Councillor for South Armagh, said:

“A number of aspects of the South Armagh Policing report cause me significant concern and it would be unacceptable to implement recommendations such as the removal of memorials from police stations.  It is unfortunate that some of the recommendations included are very political in nature rather than serving any strategic benefit to policing in the local area.

“There are major problems with organised crime in the South Armagh area and the public in the area require an assurance that police are able to deliver an effective service on the ground.  The recommendations included must not compromise the operational ability of police officers serving in South Armagh.

“Both I and other Party colleagues will be engaging with the Senior Police Command on these proposals over the coming period and will outline clearly our concerns and opinions on the details included in this report.”