PSNI Deputy Chief Constable to retire after 34 years in policing

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The PSNI's temporary Deputy Chief Constable has announced he's to retire from the force. 

Stephen Martin will stand down at the end of this month after 34 years of police service with both the RUC and the PSNI. 

He'd previously served as a District Commander for the PSNI in the Foyle area.

From there, he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable, then temporary Deputy during the three-year collapse of the Stormont executive.

DCC Martin had also been in the running to replace Sir George Hamilton as the head of the PSNI last year, but lost out on the top job to current Chief Constable Simon Byrne. 

In a statement today he said "I have today informed the Policing Board of my intention to retire at the end of the month when a new Deputy Chief Constable is appointed.

"Being a police officer for nearly 34 years, in both the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, has been a huge honour and a true privilege.

"I believe passionately in the contribution that policing makes to our community; and it will be the many stories of bravery and compassion by my colleagues in the delivery of their duty, which I will remember in the years to come."

Mr.Martin has not outlined his plans for the future, or the reason behind his decision to stand down from the senior role.

"I will always be grateful for the friendships I have built both within the police service and among the community I have been humbled to serve" he continued.

"As I face the next chapter in my life, I am very mindful of the many colleagues and friends who we’ve lost and for whom retirement has been denied. They and their families will always be in my thoughts.

I am extremely proud to have been part of the journey that policing has made to date; and I know, with the commitment of colleagues and the partnership of the community, we will continue to make Northern Ireland a safer and more confident society.

"I leave with a real sense of optimism for the future and wish all my colleagues well as they continue their vital service to our entire community."