Chief Constable appoints new temporary Deputy in absence of Policing Board

By David Hunter

The Chief Constable has used special powers in the absense of a Stormont executive to appoint a temporary Deputy Chief Constable. 

Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin will take up the position next month.

He'll step in to replace Drew Harris who's leaving the PSNI to become the new Garda Commissioner in the Republic of Ireland.  

The appointment of Chief officers to the PSNI is usually the responsibility of the Policing Board, however, it can't sit in the absence of an Executive at Stormont. 

ACC Martin will take on the role until the Policing Board can be established - and can advertise, select and appoint a Deputy Chief Constable on a permanent basis. 

His appointment was confirmed following consultation with the Chair of the policing board, involving an internal selection process, assisted by external assessors.

Chief Constable George Hamilton said “Stephen Martin’s policing experience and commitment to keeping people safe in all our communities gives me confidence in making this appointment until such times as the Policing Board is reconstituted and can select and appoint a Deputy Chief Constable on a substantive basis.” 

Earlier this month the Chief Constable gave a scathing assesment of the state of policing to the Northern Ireland affairs committee at Westminster. 

George Hamilton said he couldn't secure long term appointments, properly plan for BREXIT, or investigate legacy cases sufficiently. 

He blamed the power sharing crisis, a lack of clarity on leaving the EU and restraints on police resources and budgets.