To forward a copy of any protocol / guidance provided to his Officers attending and participating in Remembrance Day events, November 2020?
To ask what arrangements, if any, were put in place to advise families and relatives of murdered officers (RUC and PSNI) when acts of remembrance and wreath laying were taking place at locations throughout Northern Ireland, November 2020?
To confirm whether and when wreaths were laid by uniformed PSNI officers as part of the Remembrance Day Service on Sunday 8th November 2020 at Tandragee, Co Armagh?
The Act of Remembrance is taken seriously by me, the Service Executive Team, officers and staff. It is especially important, at this time of year that time is taken to remember our fallen colleagues and their families; to pay respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, selflessly protecting and serving the people of Northern Ireland. I led our participation by laying a wreath at Belfast City Hall on Remembrance Sunday and at both the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and Police Service of Northern Ireland Memorial Gardens.
ACC Alan Todd, District Policing Command, was appointed Gold Commander for Remembrance events across the four areas. Each of the four Area Co-ordinators; Belfast, North, South and Derry City & Strabane subsequently appointed Silver Commanders to manage District events within the parameters set by ACC Todd’s Gold strategy.
Engagement was carried out with the primary event organiser for remembrance commemorations, The Royal British Legion (RBL). Local RBL offices advised us of the plans that were in place to manage parades and services taking cognisance of current legislation and health protection restrictions and the role we would have in assisting the safe delivery of these services as well as taking part in services and laying wreaths.
Our extended Police families were made aware of changes to Internal Police Commemorations and wreath laying ceremonies as required by the Health Protection Regulations. To support the families’ videos were taken of the commemorations and circulated. Welfare committees ensured that older family members had access to electronic devices to watch the events, where possible.
At the request of the RBL, Police did not attend the Sunday wreath laying service in Tandragee. This is not exceptional as organisers sought to make arrangements within the current restrictions. It was requested that a wreath be laid between Sunday 8th November 12:00 and 12:00 11th November 2020. The PSNI wreath was laid by Sgt Buchanan, the Neighbourhood Sergeant covering Tandragee, on 8th November 2020 at 14:45 hrs
I am advised that no invitation was received this year with respect to the Scarva Remembrance event.
Mike Nesbitt - UUP