New PSNI chief issues fresh warning over dissidents

Simon Byrne has been sworn in as the new police chief constable of Northern Ireland.

The 56-year-old former head of Cheshire Police stepped into the role on Monday afternoon, following a short ceremony at the Policing Board.

He replaces Sir George Hamilton who retired at the end of June.

Mr Byrne said the PSNI is a "unique service with unique challenges", and told UTV he believes he can bring a “fresh perspective” to policing in Northern Ireland.

“People inevitably are going to be curious about my insight, my reflection, my understanding of some of the nuances of policing here,” he said.

“But I think I bring a fresh perspective and fresh eyes.”

The senior policeman, who has more than three decades of experience in policing, began his career at the Metropolitan Police and served with Merseyside and Greater Manchester before he was appointed the top role with Cheshire Constabulary.

He was appointed to the £207,489 per year job in May following an interview process, and becomes the fifth chief constable of the PSNI.

Simon Byrne said he’s keen to look at other approaches to increasing the number of Catholic officers before considering bringing back 50-50 recruitment.

“I think before the numbers fall, and even if they continue to fall, I think it’s about maybe revisiting what we’ve done in the past,” Mr Byrne said.

“I’ve experienced it elsewhere, for example in London where we have issues of recruiting people from the black community, can we invest in ideas that worked in London to adapt them for Northern Ireland?

“And equally can we learn from other organisations about how to make this an attractive organisation not just for Catholics but for ethnic minorities and people from working class loyalist communities too.”

He also issued a new warning about the threat from dissident republicans.

“I think sadly it’s inevitable in the current climate that people are clearly intent on causing harm to my officers and staff,” continued Mr Byrne.

“We need to redouble our efforts to get intelligence from communities, because these terrorists live with someone, live next door to someone, they know other people.

“So if you have information about individuals in your communities that intent causing harm and mayhem, turn them in to the police.”

Following the Attestation of Office ceremony, Policing Board Chair Anne Connolly welcomed Chief Constable Byrne.

“Today marks another new chapter in the history of the PSNI," she said.

"In leading the service forward Chief Constable Byrne’s experience will bring a new perspective and focus to the delivery of the policing service.

"The chief constable position is challenging, demanding and carries a high profile and we know that there is a lot in the inbox to deal with.

"As a board we are very much looking forward to working with him to tackle the challenges that lie ahead and we him wish well in his new post."