The Northern Ireland Policing Board has appointed Mark Hamilton as the new Deputy Chief Constable for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The recommendation of the Appointment Panel was unanimously ratified by the Policing Board and was approved by the Justice Minister.
Announcing the appointment, Policing Board Chair Professor Anne Connolly said:
“I am pleased to confirm that Mark Hamilton has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI following a rigorous, fair and lawful selection process.
ACC Hamilton, who is currently responsible for District Policing Command in the PSNI, brings wide ranging experience to the role, having served in a range of posts during his 25 year career in policing. We are looking forward to working with Mark and wish him well in this key position of support to the Chief Constable.”
The appointment process was progressed on the key principles of merit, fairness, openness and transparency. Independent scrutiny was incorporated at all stages of the competition to provide added probity and assurance and the Report from the Independent Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Advisor will be published by the Board in due course.
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For further information, please contact the Policing Board's Communications Branch on 07801 738795
Notes to Editors
- Biography: Mark began his policing career in 1994. He has served in a wide range of posts around the Belfast and Armagh areas. He was Commander of Urban Region Operational Command Unit with responsibility for Roads Policing, Tactical Support Groups, Belfast Regional Control and Level II Crime. He has a BA (Hons) Degree in French and Latin from Trinity College, Dublin; a Masters in Social Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice from Queens University, Belfast; a Masters in Science in Police Leadership and Management from Leicester University; and a Masters in Human Rights Law at Queens University, Belfast. In March 2009 he was promoted to Chief Superintendent and took over the role of District Commander, ‘A’ District, North and West Belfast. In April 2012 he took up role as Deputy Head of Service Improvement Department where he had responsibility for Policing with The Community Branch, Criminal Justice Branch, Public Protection Branch, Anti-Corruption & Vetting, Discipline Branch, Firearms & Explosives Branch and Custody Healthcare. In July 2013, Mark was promoted to Assistant Chief Constable, Service Improvement Department. In July 2014, Mark took on the role of NPCC Hate Crime Lead to promote Hate Crime standards and awareness across the UK. In March 2015, Mark was appointed as Interim Director of Human Resources until February 2016 when he took on responsibility for Legacy and Justice Department.
- The appointment of a new Chief Constable is made by the Policing Board in accordance with Section 35 (2) of the Police (NI) Act 2000. The appointment was approved by the Justice Minister in line with legislation. The fixed term contract for this position is 5 years and is subject to all required terms and conditions being satisfied. The salary for this position is in accordance with nationally agreed Chief Officers pay. This is currently £168,582 per annum plus benefits.
- The appointment panel comprised: Board Chair Anne Connolly, Vice Chair Debbie Watters, John Blair MLA, Dolores Kelly MLA, Gerry Kelly MLA, Gary Middleton MLA and Paul Nolan.
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