Enquiry office closures are first of series of cuts
The Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, described the planned closure of Enquiry offices and reduced opening hours as ‘the first inevitable step on the road to implementing further cuts which will fundamentally change the way policing is delivered in Northern Ireland.’
The Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, described the planned closure of Enquiry offices and reduced opening hours as ‘the first inevitable step on the road to implementing further cuts which will fundamentally change the way policing is delivered in Northern Ireland.’
Mr Lindsay said: “There is no denying the changing trends that are occurring. That said, there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction with the public.
“We’ve seen Neighbourhood Policing devastated by a series of draconian budget cuts and this is one further step on that road. As budgets continue to be slashed, there will be radical decisions taken by the PSNI which will force communities to think differently about the role of the PSNI and how they interact with the public.
“This latest development has the potential to restrict access to Police Officers which will reduce levels of engagement. The danger is we will become a more remote Service, unable to provide required levels of visibility and reassurance to people in need.
“Inevitably, there will be further cuts as the Service deals with the loss of up to £20 million in its budget. That will impact adversely across the board.
“We’re already seriously under-strength and I expect that situation to worsen as hundreds of Officers take up retirement entitlements over the next two years.”