Question
Given recently published figures, in relation to the retrieval of policing costs from commercial interests and others, can the Chief Constable give any update on reconsideration of the absence of charging private companies when the movement of explosives is involved?
Answer
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has responsibilities which lie around the licencing, transport and use of explosives within Northern Ireland. Firstly, under Section 32 of the Police (NI) Act 2000 the obligations are:
To protect life and property.
To preserve order.
To prevent the commission of offences.
Where an offence has been committed, to take measures to bring the offender to justice.
There are then further obligations, specific to the commercial use of explosives, within the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. The Chief Constable has responsibilities in relation to all transactions involving explosives and for inspection in relation to such transactions.
As a result, our legal advisors have indicated that the police services provided to the Northern Ireland industry, regarding the movement of explosives, cannot be considered to be “special police services” (services over and above core policing at the request of a person or organisation) and therefore these services are not chargeable.
Whilst this is the current stance of the organisation and this is not currently being reconsidered, the operating procedures that determine the extent of resourcing required to fulfil such obligations remain under constant review.
John Blair - Alliance