UUP MLA is appointed Human Rights Chair on Policing Board Committee
Speaking after being appointed Chair of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee on the Policing Board today, UUP MLA Basil McCrea said,
“I am very aware of the heavy responsibility that has been placed on me as the chair of the Human Rights and Professional Standards Committee. I firmly believe that the Police Service of Northern Ireland is a model of best practice with regards to its commitment to human rights and I look forward to working with the Service to build on this reputation. I also believe that policing is integral to securing the rights of the community against the criminals. For too long, the language of rights has been used to undermine policing when, in fact, policing protects and preserves the rights of law-abiding individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland.
Every citizen throughout the United Kingdom rightly expects the police to abide by human rights standards - and every police officer also has a legitimate expectation that his or her rights will also be recognised and protected. I trust that with all political parties now stating their support for the PSNI and the rule of law, the Policing Board, PSNI, elected representatives and the entire community can move forward on the basis of respect for the vital role played by the police in protecting the rights of all.”