PFNI says Craigavon attack on officers could lead to slower response times

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) is warning that the threat of being ambushed by republican terrorists could delay police response times to calls for help from the public.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, says the attack on a patrol in the Tullygally Road area of Craigavon means officers, of necessity, will have to exercise even greater levels of caution before setting out to deliver help and assistance.

Mr Lindsay said: “Tullygally was a vicious attempt to murder colleagues who were responding to a call from a member of the public. In fact, it was a come-on, a deliberate attempt to lure them to a place where republican terrorists could mount their ambush.

“The officers in the vehicle escaped injury or death, and for that the police ‘family’ is hugely grateful. Officers operating in particular areas already exercise great caution. They are forced to risk assess and evaluate, and that, unfortunately, can lead to delays in responding to genuine calls from the public.

“On the back of this cold-blooded act at midnight on Friday, officers will have to be even more cautious. No one expects officers to leave themselves vulnerable to terrorist attacks, and that must mean the very real prospect of slower response times.

“Our communities deserve a service free from the threat that is posed by terrorist murderers. When they call the police for help or intervention, they have a rightful expectation that officers will get to them as quickly as possible. Regrettably, and for very prudent and sensible reasons, that isn’t always possible.

“Tullygally makes that situation worse. Politicians and community leaders must realise the inevitable consequences of terrorists attempting to murder my colleagues in their areas. They need to work with the PSNI to rid their communities of these thugs and criminals, and for the sake of the vast number of decent people, they should up their game considerably.”