Statement on Full Time Reserve
06 Nov 2009
Full Time Reserve Phase Out On Course
Chief Constable Matt Baggott has confirmed that the phasing out of the Full Time Reserve (FTR) will continue and be completed by March 2011.
In a statement today he said: “The process to phase out the FTR, and the agreed programme to support officers in obtaining alternative employment has been in place since May 2005. When I was appointed as Chief Constable, I commissioned a security review. I did so to satisfy myself that I, and my colleagues, have the right level of resources, equipment and training, to police the current security situation. The Police Federation and Superintendents Association were consulted fully as part of the review.
“I met with my Senior Command Team earlier this week to discuss the outcomes of that review. We took account of a number of influences and pressures. These included the views of the Staff Associations, the operational needs of the Service and the responsibility on us to use our existing regular officers and police staff in the most effective way.
“As a result of those considerations, we are satisfied that the correct response must be to proceed with the phasing out of the Full Time Reserve and to use our regular officer establishment more effectively, with police officers doing policing jobs. Significant numbers of officers must be released from non-police duties to enhance our frontline visibility, and in particular neighbourhood policing. I will work with my Senior Command Team to drive this forward.
“I have written to each of my Full Time Reserve colleagues this afternoon to advise them of this decision. In addition, I have met personally with Terry Spence, Chairman of the Police Federation, to inform him. I have also spoken with the President of the Superintendents Association, and Chairman of the Policing Board.”
The Chief Constable continued: ”The people of Northern Ireland owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the men and women of the Full Time Reserve and indeed their part-time colleagues. Some 102 Reserve Officers gave their lives in service to the community. Many more were injured, some very seriously. We cannot, and will not, forget their commitment and service.
“I recognise that there is an ongoing threat from dissident republican terrorists and would seek to reassure both the public and officers that their safety will always be a priority.”
“As far as our remaining FTR colleagues are concerned, I, and my colleagues are proud of their service. We thank them for it, and so should the wider community.”
