PFNI tribute to Part Time Reserve officers on 50th anniversary
The Chair of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, Mark Lindsay, has paid tribute to the thousands of men and women who served in the Part Time Reserve over the past fifty years.
Fifty-two Part Time Reserve officers were murdered and hundreds suffered physical and psychological injuries during their service. Nine were murdered after they left the service.
Mr Lindsay said: “Close to 10,000 men and women stepped up to the plate and gave outstanding service to this entire community. Coming from the communities they served, they were the epitome of neighbourhood policing and have been invaluable in supporting their full-time colleagues.
“They knew that by putting on the uniform they would become a target for terrorists. It is a measure of their courage and commitment that they stepped forward to serve during dark and dreadful days.
“These brave officers had day jobs and were then prepared to turn out for their shift as Part Time Reserve officers. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.
“The 50th Anniversary of the Part Time Reserve, which became part of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC on 1st June 1970, is an occasion to reflect on the service they gave and the losses they suffered.
“Today, the Part Time Reserve is a small part of the PSNI with just 245 officers and the organisation is looking at a more defined role for them within the new Neighbourhood policing approach.”