50th anniversary of police Part-Time Reserve commemorated

NI Police Federation chairman Mark Lindsay said almost 10,000 officers “stepped up to the plate” over many difficult years – with 52 murdered by terrorists and many hundreds suffering suffered physical and psychological injuries.

Nine of those killed were murdered after they left the service.

Mr Lindsay said: “Close to 10,000 men and women stepped up to the plate and gave outstanding service to this entire community.

“Coming from the communities they served, they were the epitome of neighbourhood policing and have been invaluable in supporting their full-time colleagues.

“They knew that by putting on the uniform they would become a target for terrorists.

“It is a measure of their courage and commitment that they stepped forward to serve during dark and dreadful days.”

Mr Lindsay said we should appreciate their efforts and sacrifice.

The federation chairman said: “These brave officers had day jobs and were then prepared to turn out for their shift as Part Time Reserve officers.

“We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

“The 50th Anniversary of the Part-Time Reserve, which became part of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC on 1st June 1970, is an occasion to reflect on the service they gave and the losses they suffered.

“Today, the Part-Time Reserve is a small part of the PSNI with just 245 officers and the organisation is looking at a more defined role for them within the new neighbourhood policing approach.”

Chief constable Simon Byrne has also paid tribute to the part-time officers.

I have met many part-time officer colleagues over the last year and have taken those opportunities to listen to their experiences and thank them for their continued contribution to policing in Northern Ireland,” he said.

“Indeed just last week I was able to accompany a number of those officers on duty. I have also been privileged in my time to meet a number of the widows and family members of some of the part-time officers who paid the ultimate price in past years, killed while serving their communities.”

Mr Byrne added: “I want to put on record my sincere thanks for the commitment and sacrifice of all serving part-time colleagues as well as those former officers who over the past 50 years contributed to both the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC.

“In the 50 years since 1970 over 9,300 men and women stepped forward as part time officers while continuing to hold down full time civilian occupations at the same time. Indeed, over 60 officers paid the price for public service and lost their lives for being police officers, many were targeted and ultimately murdered by terrorists at their places of civilian work. Of course we remember too the many hundreds more who suffered both physical and mental injuries, often life changing.”

Policing Board chair Doug Garrett has also praised the contribution of the part-time officers.

He said: “This was a unique role and we particularly remember those who lost their lives and those who were seriously injured for simply wanting to help make their community safer.

“As a Board, we welcome the Chief Constable's commitment to reviewing how Part-Time Reserve officers can be given a more defined role within the new neighbourhood policing approach in the future.”