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Current Issues - 1999

September 1999

RUC FULL TIME RESERVE - 'A LIFE TIME IN POLICING'

The R.U.C.'R' (full-time) formed in 1972 have served alongside their regular counterparts facing the same dangers and difficulties. During the terrorist campaign, some 49 members paid the supreme sacrifice. Although serving from 1972, their service was only recognised by way of pension from 1988 despite legal action by the P.F.N.I.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland recognises the fear and concern brought about by the Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland. Many of the recommendations with which the Federation have major concerns are common to all Police Officers and we have been dealing with those in general. However, one recommendation affects our R.U.C.'R' colleagues in particular, namely recommendation 103:-

"THE FUTURE POLICE SERVICE SHOULD NOT INCLUDE A FULL TIME RESERVE".

This notice is intended to address this issue alone.

Following the fundamental review in 1994 the report recommended the R.U.C.'R' (full-time) would no longer be required in a Scenario 3 situation. Members will recall that all the recommendations in this review were set with regard to the security situation.

In defining Scenario 3, the Review states; "Terrorist organisations dismantled, ordinary criminal activity ongoing, improving community relations leading to a lower potential for public disorder".

The P.F.N.I. accepted the fundamental review with the exception of this recommendation.

From the inception of the Patten Commission, members of the Full-time Reserve expressed concern that they would simply be cast from the service at the end of their current contract.

In this regard Federation Policy has been clear and was put consistently to the Commission. The R.U.C.'R' (Full Time) should be treated the same as their Regular colleagues.  It should be noted that no other body who gave evidence asked for this.

Therefore, recommendation 106 dealing with severance arrangements which states:

"FULL TIME RESERVISTS SHOULD BE TREATED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE IN THE SAME WAY AS REGULAR OFFICERS", WAS A RECOGNITION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE EVIDENCE GIVEN BY YOUR FEDERATION.

The Federation have now entered into discussion with the Government in respect of Voluntary Severance Arrangements with the other bodies who make up the Police Association. The association representing all ranks will negotiate the best possible arrangements we can, addressing all the issues. It cannot be stressed enough that whatever the agreed arrangements, they will be voluntary, if the membership do not want them they will not be forced to accept them.

This is the only negotiation we have entered into.

Compulsory redundancy with its maximum payment of £6,600 under the Government Scheme is not an option.

Members should note the difference between the voluntary arrangements under discussion and any future compulsory arrangements which remain totally dependant on the security situation.

The Patten recommendations are not set against security Scenarios, but on 7 occasions they make reference to the security situation, for example, Paragraph 1.8.

"WE CANNOT NAIVELY ASSUME THE BEST AND LEAVE THE COMMUNITY UNPROTECTED".

The Chief Constable has already made it very clear that he does not, in the foreseeable future, see a security situation which would allow the removal of the R.U.C.'R'.

The Federations stated position on the Full-time Reserve is as follows:

  • Ongoing renewal of contracts during consultation period. (3 months at present).

  • Ongoing renewal of contracts during legislation period (undefined could be 4 – 6 months).

  • Ongoing renewal of contracts whilst security situation as assessed by the Chief Constable, in line with the Fundamental Review, is other than Scenario 3.

  • When the Chief Constable advises that the security situation permits then a "reasonable period of notice" is required per Patten's recommendations. The stated position of the Federation is that this should be a minimum of 2 years to enable retraining.

With the arrival of a new Secretary of State, the timetable may be extended for consultation, but this Federation will do all in its power to achieve our objectives using every means at our disposal.

We continue to represent our entire membership totally united for 11,500 members.

The Police Federation are acutely aware of the concern amongst members of the R.U.C.'R' Full-Time Reserve at this time. All members can be assured that the Police Federation will fight to ensure that the best interests of all will be upheld now and in the future.

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