Chief constable honours ‘important contribution’ of RUC as PSNI marks 20th anniversary

“We should never forget the trauma and tragedy that was a reality for so many in policing for so many years,” he said.

While praising the “determination” of brave PSNI officers and staff to keep communities safe over the past two decades – “motivated by the care and compassion that defines public service” – Mr Byrne added: “The important contribution made by our colleagues in the RUC GC, in laying the foundations towards the policing of today, should not be underestimated.

“Too many colleagues never made it home or were seriously injured in the face of extreme violence.”

In the foreword to his latest Accountability Report, presented to the Northern Ireland Policing Board last week, Mr Byrne said: “In November 2001, while much reform had already begun by my predecessor Sir Ronnie Flanagan, the A New Beginning report and its 175 recommendations, signalled a new era for policing.

“I am reminded of the words of the then chief constable, on the cusp of this momentous change: ‘I remain convinced that the men and women who already make up this organisation and those new individuals who are about to join this organisation will rise together to meet whatever challenges lie ahead’.

“And as history shows, so we did and will continue to do so. That determination and adaptability to meet public expectation is hard wired into our ethos.”

Mr Byrne said the past 20 years have not been without “difficult and indeed dark days”.

“It is with profound sadness that we remember the tragic loss of the 13 colleagues who died in the course of performing their duties during this time,” he said.

Mr Byrne said the PSNI has made “steady progress in a society transitioning from conflict”, even though the “professionalism of the organisation has been stress-tested during this time” by periods of disorder, protest, policing the Covid-19 pandemic and the enduring threat from terrorist violence.

“We are, however, a proud and resilient organisation, reflective when things go wrong and determined to do the right thing daily,” he added.

“Today, we increasingly invest in visible, accessible and responsive neighbourhood policing. Our community-focused policing style finds its origins in Lord Patten, and is committed to securing widespread support for policing in the interests of public safety.

“While policing, at times, still faces challenging and sensitive issues, we operate within a well-defined accountability mechanism.”

Mr Byrne said a central achievement has been the PSNI’s human rights-based approach, which has been embedded into day-to-day policing activity “in an unprecedented way”.

“This commitment to human rights is underpinned by our core principles of impartiality, integrity, transparency and public service, which have come to define our policing model,” he added.

Looking ahead, Mr Byrne said it was transforming connectivity with the public and within the force through the PSNI’s digital policing programme.

“Tangible changes such as new fleet, new uniform and new equipment mark a step-change in how we begin the next decade of our history,” he added.

“By its very nature, policing continues to evolve to meet the needs and expectations of the people and communities we serve. There is clear consensus and support for visible, accessible and responsive policing, prompting us to adapt the way that we attend incidents, investigate crime and bring offenders to justice.

“The officers and staff of the past, present and future have one very important thing in common – a pride in public service and an unwavering commitment to helping people. Policing with the support and cooperation of local communities has been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of progress in Northern Ireland.

“We reach forward now into our third decade with optimism.”