DoJ responds to Police Federation criticism with a 'no comment' - and describes DCC Mark Hamilton situation as a 'staffing matter'

The Department of Justice has declined to respond to scathing comments from the Police Federation (PFNI) – which were highly critical of a decision to temporarily move an under fire chief officer to work with the DoJ.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hamilton has been away from work since September when he underwent an unplanned medical procedure.

Last September the PFNI passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Hamilton in respect of his handling of a high-profile incident on Belfast’s Ormeau Road that led to two officers being disciplined.

The federation vote came after a High Court judge ruled that the disciplinary process against the two junior officers had been unlawful. That ruling was one of a number of controversies within the PSNI that eventually led to the resignation of Chief Constable Simon Byrne in September.

The NI Policing Board has approved the secondment of Mr Hamilton and the final decision now rests with the DoJ.

Federation chairman Liam Kelly has called for a thorough examination of the processes and system that allows the secondment recommendation, and said officers are “incensed”.

Referring to the Ormeau Road incident and subsequent judicial review, Mr Kelly said: “There has been no follow up investigation instigated whatsoever into what actually occurred and, therefore, no accountability for any of the decisions and punitive actions taken by both senior officers against their junior colleagues.

"The processes and system that seemingly allow such a two-tier approach to disciplinary matters must be challenged and ultimately overhauled”.

A DoJ spokesperson said: “This is a staffing matter and therefore it is inappropriate to comment.”