£12.3m boost for PSNI only a ‘sticking plaster’

The Police Federation has welcomed a £12.3 million boost for the PSNI, but said it amounts to no more than a “sticking plaster” for the cash-strapped organisation.
By Mark Rainey
Published 2nd Apr 2021, 10:02 BST
Updated 2nd Apr 2021, 10:50 BST
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PFNI chair, Mark Lindsay, said: “Securing the jobs of 300 officers as well as delivering 100 new recruits eases the burden for a cash-strapped organisation.

“The news will be a welcome relief for officers. That said, it will fail to maintain a standstill position for the PSNI which will see hundreds retiring over the course of the financial year.

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“Instead of a ‘sticking plaster’ fix, we need to see a structured funding stream put in place to eliminate uncertainty and doubt.

PSNI officers on patrol. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.PSNI officers on patrol. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.
PSNI officers on patrol. Photo: Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye.

“Without the necessary commitment and clarity, it is practically impossible to plan ahead.”

Mr Lindsay added: “We must see genuine and determined efforts made by the Northern Ireland Executive to adequately resource the service to bring officer numbers up to 7,500 which is what we were told was the required peacetime minimum.”