PSNI full-time reserve are people - not a commodity

Ulster Unionist MLA Basil McCrea, member of the Policing Board, has welcomed the Chief Constable's decision to temporarily retain more than 200 officers from the 371-strong PSNI full-time reserve, but has said that "they cannot remain indefinitely in limbo".

"While I am full supportive of the decision to retain the Full-Time Police Reserve, particularly in light of the growing dissident threat, a short-term reprieve is not a long-term solution.

"The threat level from dissident republicans is at its highest level for around 12 years, and it is showing no sign of abating.

"Indeed the fact that officers are only being retained until 31 March 2011 - and at that subject to some £6m of funding being secured - is far from a resolution of the problem.

"While this amounts to a welcome recognition that the security situation on the ground in many parts of the Province is serious, it is unfortunate that - despite a background of sustained political lobbying - it has taken so long to make it happen.

"In the midst of such decisions it is important that the individuals concerned are not overlooked - those reservists who have been left in limbo for months deserve better. Many of these people would wish to stay on permanently, but have been making life choices based on the information available, and are now being whisked back for a short-term stint.

"These people put their lives on the line to protect the people of Northern Ireland, and in return they are owed - at the very least - stability and job security.

"The push-me-pull-you to which they have been subjected is simply unacceptable, and I join my Ulster Unionist Party colleagues in urging the Chief Constable to ensure that they are treated as they deserve, and not as a commodity to be picked up and put down as budgets demand. Such uncertainty is no way to repay their loyalty and committed service."