PFNI welcomes appointment of new Chief Constable

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has welcomed the appointment of Simon Byrne as the new Chief Constable. Mr Byrne was previously Chief Constable of Cheshire Police.

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has welcomed the appointment of Simon Byrne as the new Chief Constable. Mr Byrne was previously Chief Constable of Cheshire Police.

PFNI Chair, Mark Lindsay, said Mr Byrne will immediately face a series of significant challenges including legacy, how the organisation is resourced and the ongoing ‘severe’ threat that is posed by dissident republicans.

Mr Lindsay said: “The PFNI welcomes this appointment. Mr Byrne will have to be across the range of issues that will fill his in-tray from day one. He has considerable operational experience and I wish him well in this new and very demanding role.

“I can assure him of the support and goodwill of this organisation in working collaboratively with him for the welfare and in the best interests of our men and women who deliver professional and courageous policing day and daily to all the people of Northern Ireland.

“I also wish to extend best wishes to Chief Constable George Hamilton and to wish him well in his retirement.”