Concerns over Chief Constable's Certificates

Ulster Unionist MLA, Tom Elliott, has raised concerns about the awarding of Chief Constable's Certificates after learning that District Commanders take responsibility for deciding who is issued with one rather than the Chief Constables Office. A Chief Constable's Certificate is required for the purposes of claiming compensation.

In a statement, the Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative said: "I recently provided representation for an Orange Hall which had been damaged in a sectarian attack. I wrote to the Office of the Chief Constable requesting the issuing of a Certificate for the purposes of claiming compensation. I was very surprised to receive a response stating that my concerns had been passed to the local District Commander who would be handling the matter on the Chief Constable's behalf. After further correspondence it was made clear that the Chief Constable has delegated responsibility for issuing the certificates to District Commanders across Northern Ireland rather than have his office handle them."

"I have to say, I find this method of handling the certificates rather bizarre. The name would automatically suggest that you contact the Chief Constable's Office but this is clearly not the case and yet nobody had made me aware that things had changed. It just makes me wonder about how well the information was relayed to various individuals and organisations who are seeking a Certificate."

"I also feel that the fact the responsibility for issuing the certificates has been delegated to District Commanders somewhat belittles the importance the people requesting the Certificate feel the matter deserves. While I am totally supportive of the need for local police engagement, when it comes to matters such as Chief Constable's Certificate people often appreciated knowing that their concerns about incidents were been handled at the highest level. It also of course questions the consistency of approach on these matters as different District Commanders may have different views on the matter. Although, at present, they appear to be fairly consistent by refusing almost all of these certificates."

"I will be asking my party colleagues on the Policing Board to look into this matter."