News
17th June 09
6/17/2009
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has expressed grave concerns over the chief constable’s plans to phase out the full-time Police Reserve.
Phasing out Police Reserve would be‘dangerous’
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott has expressed grave concerns over the chief constable’s plans to phase out the full-time Police Reserve.
“The current Police Reserve is due to be wound down in 2011, but given the ongoing terrorist threat that is clearly too early.
“There are 500 full time reservists, representing 9 per cent of constables in the province - Northern Ireland is simply not ready to endure that loss.
"Dissident efforts to target members of the security forces, and indeed the general public, have loomed large in Fermanagh. For those who are suffering intimidation and have been left fearing for their lives – feelings we once imagined were a thing of the past - phasing out these officers appears to amount to gambling with lives.
“As it stands it seems only practical that the Reserve should be given a stay of execution until the climate changes.
“Running with the Patten Commission’s recommendation at this stage would be premature and dangerous.”
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