Top Garda post for second ex-RUC and PSNI chief

A senior PSNI detective is expected to be formally appointed as an assistant commissioner in the Garda Siochana (AGS) when the Irish Policing Authority meets next week.
By Mark Rainey
Published 22nd Apr 2020, 16:11 GMT
Updated 22nd Apr 2020, 19:19 GMT
Paula Hilman's appointment is expected to be ratified next weekPaula Hilman's appointment is expected to be ratified next week
Paula Hilman's appointment is expected to be ratified next week

Detective Chief Superintendent Paula Hilman is currently head of the PSNI’s Public Protection Branch, responsible for investigating domestic and sexual abuse, offender management and online child abuse imagery.

Ms Hilman would become the second PSNI officer who has also served with the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) to be appointed to the senior command of the Garda Siochana.

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In September 2018, former PSNI deputy chief constable Drew Harris became the first person from outside the AGS to be appointed Garda Commissioner.

Ms Hilman is president of the Superintendents’ Association of Northern Ireland – the first female to hold the position.

In 2017, she was involved in overseeing the investigation into the alleged rape of a woman by Ulster and Ireland rugby players Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding.

The men were eventually acquitted on all charges following a trial in Belfast.

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The rank of assistant commissioner is the third highest in the Garda, behind the commissioner and deputy commissioner.

There are eight assistant commissioners in total, each one responsible for a specific region or area of policing in the Republic.

A spokeswoman for the Irish Policing Authority said the appointment has not been formalized, and added: “The matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the Policing Authority, which will take place on Wednesday, April 29.”