Question
I am wondering if the new Chief Constable is considering reviewing policy regarding allowing officers from other (GB) forces to transfer to the PSNI? I know I asked previously but I am now wondering if the Chief Constable might be of a mind to review given the headcount issues.
Answer
The focus at present is on securing the budget required to progress appointments from our existing 2020 and 2021 Student Officer recruitment campaign merit pools. We currently have c1000 candidates waiting to progress through to pre-employment stages. Within these pools, there will be serving officers from other forces who have applied via the existing recruitment route. Those appointed with previous service will have their service recognised in terms of their starting salary/pension and consideration may be given to waiving part, or all, of the probationary period on completion of the initial Student Officer training programme.
When considering our next opportunity to launch a recruitment process, I will certainly give further consideration to seeking derogation from the existing legislation whereby the only route currently to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland is as a police trainee or via promotion to our senior ranks. Any future transferee process would inevitably also have costs in terms of advertising, selecting officers and completing pre-employment checks. There would also be a requirement to develop and facilitate a bespoke training programme to address differences in legislation, policing approach and the requirement to be armed.
Mike Nesbitt – UUP