The East Belfast MLA said, “The Chief Constable, and indeed his predecessor, have been very clear about the impact that cuts to the policing budget are having. We are all very aware that the financial situation for the PSNI is dire and that has significant consequences for wider society and public safety. Those are issues which obviously concern the Chief Constable and it would be remiss of him were he not to raise those issues, including at the highest levels of His Majesty’s Government.
Given the tone of the letter sent my Mr Widdis and the reference to respect for the role of Ministers, it would seem logical to assume the Justice Minister was aware of its content and supported it being sent to the Chief Constable.
Unless she now states otherwise, it would be useful then to hear from the Justice Minister exactly what her opposition to the Chief Constable’s actions are, beyond a focus on protocol and position. This is not the time to be more focused on ego and position than on the impact of underfunding on policing.
Similarly ,the Finance Minister should clarify her position and whether she feels that a wider spectrum of voices are unhelpful in highlighting the needs of Northern Ireland.”
The DUP’s lead on the Northern Ireland Policing Board Trevor Clarke said, “The Policing Board has heard very stark warnings over some time about the impact of cuts on front-line policing in Northern Ireland. The Chief Constable’s concerns have been recognised and acknowledged across the political spectrum. As such, his search for additional funding is not at odds with any position held by the Northern Ireland Executive.
Many will come to a conclusion that the opposition to the Chief Constable’s comments is motivated by embarrassment in the failure of those who should be pressing and advocating for the policing budget have failed to do so.”