AUSTERITY measures implemented by Stormont has forced a massive shake-up among the heads of policing across the North, with the North West PSNI affected.
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin, the senior officer responsible for District Policing, said the changes were being made to due to ‘budget pressures’ as well as the new council districts which come into existence on April 1.
And he didn’t hide his frustration in a press statement issued yesterday and embargoed until midnight.
All parts of Derry and County Derry as well as Tyrone will see fewer police officers and fewer people in charge of them.
ACC Martin said: “We will move from the existing seven policing Districts to 11. However, we are making this change at a time of continuing budget cuts and so we cannot simply replicate our existing District structures taking into account our reducing resources. While leaner and more streamlined, the new 11 Districts will focus on local priorities under the leadership of a District Commander.
“The Districts will be supported by an Area co-ordinating tier covering Belfast and Northern and Southern parts of Northern Ireland. These will provide additional resources to help deal with local priorities and emerging threat, risk and harm issues. They will have the ability to muster and move resources to where the need is greatest on a daily basis.
“This structure will allow us to use officers and staff more flexibly and ensure we keep people safe across all our Districts, as well as providing local accountability and effective partnership working. Our aim is to ensure that our service to all communities in Northern Ireland is fit for purpose and sustainable while still delivering savings. This year we had to cut over £38m from our budget and next year’s reductions will also be in the region of £40m.
“I would urge the public to understand that there must be changes in the way that policing services are delivered as we continue to restructure. The impact of the budget cuts will not be felt on District policing alone; it will be right across the full spectrum of policing.”
The 11 District Commanders have been appointed across the North.
Superintendent Mark McEwan will be District Commander for the Derry City and Strabane council area and responsible for all aspects of local policing and setting local policing priorities, along with the Policing and Community Safety Partnerships (PCSPs). Superintendent McEwan will take up his new post with effect from 16 February 2015 in order to help shape and design policing in the new District.
The Derry City and Strabane District is within the Northern Area co-ordinating tier, which will be led by Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray in his new role as Area Co-ordinator.
Chief Superintendent Stephen Cargin, the current G District commander, is to take up a position within Service Improvement Department at police headquarters.
Superintendent John Magill has been appointed District Commander, Causeway Coast and Glens.
Superintendent Garry Eaton has been appointed to a northern area command role.
The three current G District Area Commanders, Chief Inspectors Tony Callaghan, Alan Hutton and Andy Lemon, will remain within the Derry City and Strabane District.
The current Limavady policing area will be part of the Causeway Coast and Glens District. The commander will be Supt John Magill. His command team will include Chief Inspector Catherine Magee.
The current Magherafelt policing area will be part of the Mid Ulster District. The commander will be Superintendent Mike Baird. His command team will include Chief Inspector Jane Humphries and Chief Inspector Graham Dodds.
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