Hussey raises concerns over shortfall in PSNI Part-time
Ulster Unionist Omagh Councillor Ross Hussey has voiced concerns that the PSNI is 1,700 officers short of its part time requirement, and called on police chiefs to raise minimum duty hour levels in order to ensure the service is financially viable.
Mr Hussey also called for the recent recruitment drive to be expanded across all DCU areas.
In a recent Parliamentary Answer received by UUP Peer Lord Laird, the government revealed that there were currently 791 part-time officers serving in the PSNI – which was 1,709 officers short of establishment figure.
In a statement, Mr Hussey said: “Police officers are doing the best job they can – but when the service is short some 1,700 officers it’s bound to cause unnecessary pressures.
“The PSNI faces a major problem here. Part time service must be made financially viable not only for present employees, but also for potential recruits.
“For example, if the police are to successfully recruit and maintain a full complement of part-time officers they should increase the number of duty hours per month.
“In Omagh, some part-time officers can expect just 25 hours per month – but in my view it would take a minimum of around 40 hours to make it financially viable.
“At the moment, the gross pay for many part-time officers is around £200 per month. Once tax and other deductions are accounted for, take home pay could be just £120 per month. Clearly something has to change in order to make this an attractive extra career option for those who wish to serve their community.”
He added: “A recruitment drive is underway at the moment, but solely within five DCU areas and with the goal of filling 150 posts. Police commanders across all DCUs would like to see part time posts filled.
“But if a concerted recruitment campaign across the whole of Northern Ireland is going to work, serious efforts must be made toward ensuring the part time is a financially viable extra career option.
“We cannot allow the part time element to wither on the vine. That may occur if the status quo is maintained – but it won’t occur if guaranteed minimum duty hours are extended.”