Jon Boutcher, the new Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), has expressed his hopes for the return of Northern Ireland’s executive and the release of more funding to the force. In his first public speech after being appointed, Boutcher stated that the PSNI would be at the front of the queue for funding. Northern Ireland’s executive has been without leadership due to a Democratic Unionist Party boycott over post-Brexit trading arrangements. Boutcher stated that the police in Northern Ireland must be funded in a way that will ensure people’s safety.
Boutcher paid tribute to his new colleagues, calling them “outstanding.” He suggested that recent challenges had distracted attention from the PSNI’s work, but that his job was to refocus on the delivery of that work. He also said that sick leave levels have gone “up and up and up” and that fixing this is a priority.
Boutcher led the independent investigation into the IRA’s Stakeknife, and his Operation Kenova report is due to be published soon. Some have expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest with his new role, but Boutcher stated that he would not “walk away” from victims and that he would listen to politicians but upheld the need for independence in policing.
Boutcher’s appointment was made by the Policing Board and approved by Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris, and replaces previous Chief Constable Simon Byrne, who resigned in September after a series of controversies. The position carries a salary of £220,000 and is considered one of the most demanding jobs in UK policing. Boutcher’s contract is for five years but can be extended thereafter
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