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Half of PSNI reserve 'to be axed' Half of PSNI reserve 'to be axed'
(about 2 hours later)
Almost half of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's full-time reserve is to be axed over the next 18 months, the chief constable has said.Almost half of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's full-time reserve is to be axed over the next 18 months, the chief constable has said.
Sir Hugh Orde told the Policing Board said that 299 officers would be let go.Sir Hugh Orde told the Policing Board said that 299 officers would be let go.
He said that there was still a need for a reserve, which currently numbers 680, especially in rural areas.He said that there was still a need for a reserve, which currently numbers 680, especially in rural areas.
No full-time reserve officer will leave before 31 March, 2008. The 1999 Patten report on policing said a future force should not have a full-time reserve.No full-time reserve officer will leave before 31 March, 2008. The 1999 Patten report on policing said a future force should not have a full-time reserve.
Sir Hugh said while the terrorist threat had reduced, it still remained.Sir Hugh said while the terrorist threat had reduced, it still remained.
"Dissident republican groups remain the most significant threat to policing and continue to plan attacks on police patrols and stations," he said."Dissident republican groups remain the most significant threat to policing and continue to plan attacks on police patrols and stations," he said.
"This threat is not evenly distributed and some areas are dealing with a more normal security environment than other areas who are still dealing with some unique policing challenges."This threat is not evenly distributed and some areas are dealing with a more normal security environment than other areas who are still dealing with some unique policing challenges.
"Loyalist activity, particularly feuding, continues to impact on police resources, especially TSG (tactical support group) resources.""Loyalist activity, particularly feuding, continues to impact on police resources, especially TSG (tactical support group) resources."
Formation
He said a reserve element was needed "to secure the police estate and also provide protection and security in the external police environment".He said a reserve element was needed "to secure the police estate and also provide protection and security in the external police environment".
He said the 247 of the 381 officers retained will be concentrated in rural areas.He said the 247 of the 381 officers retained will be concentrated in rural areas.
The DUP's Jeffrey Donaldson welcomed the retention of the reserve, and said people wanted more police, not less.
"At a time when there are calls from right across the community for an increase in police resources it is concerning that there will be a manpower reduction," he said.
South Belfast Sinn Fein assembly member Alex Maskey said retaining the reserve was wrong.
"This regrettable decision to retain the reserve for another two -three years, is one which will be questioned by many," he said. "The implementation of the Patten proposals are about delivering good community policing and this move is in direct contravention of these recommendations."
The Full-Time Reserve was formed in 1972 to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary and 49 members were killed during the Troubles. At its height there were 5,000 officers in the Reserve.The Full-Time Reserve was formed in 1972 to support the Royal Ulster Constabulary and 49 members were killed during the Troubles. At its height there were 5,000 officers in the Reserve.