Allister appalled over decision to axe reservists
22 May 2009
Traditional Unionist MEP Jim Allister has said he is appalled at reports that the full time Police reserve is to be axed.
The MEP said,
“The full-time Police Reserve amounts to 500 Police Constables, which is 10% of the total number of Police officers involved with actual visible policing. To abolish this force at a time when the threat from dissident Republican paramilitaries has never been higher is absolute madness, and worse –it is pandering to a clear Republican agenda.”
“In recent days, we have witnessed a meeting of the Policing Board held in Irish. It would seem that the powers that be would rather pay for the continued politicisation of the Police, than to ensure the PSNI is fit for purpose by retaining a crucial component of its manpower.”
“The PSNI is in grave danger of becoming a powerless Police service, while the removal of 500 additional reservists will further reduce its counter-terrorism ability. The timing of these moves is far from co-incidental, with the prospect of Policing and Justice becoming devolved and under the control of Sinn Fein/IRA in the coming months.”
