320 PSNI officers asked to delay retirement to combat COVID-19 crisis

By Brett Campbell

PSNI officers are being asked to delay their retirement plans to help meet the "unprecedented societal challenges" presented by the coronavirus pandemic.  

Chief Constable Simon Byrne has already written to individuals who are due to leave the force this summer appealing to them to stay on for an undisclosed period of time. 

“Following a retirement survey undertaken in October to assist PSNI with succession planning, a number of individuals were identified who would be eligible for retirement in summer 2020," he said. 

“In light of the unprecedented societal challenges posed by the global pandemic Covid-19, PSNI has written to those individuals to ask that they consider staying on for a period to help provide essential policing services during this worldwide emergency to keep our communities safe. 

A total of 320 were listed in the latest survey, but Mr Byrne insists that none of them will be forced to keep on working against their will.  

“These officers have a wealth of experience and have made invaluable contributions to policing throughout their careers and the Service could only benefit by retaining their expertise, however the decision of each individual officer will be respected and no one will be compelled to defer their retirement if they do not wish to do so,” he said. 

Similar measures are being adopted by Police forces across the country. 

Last month London’s Metropolitan Police commissioner called on retired officers to return to work to help handle the public health crisis in the city which is currently the hotbed of the most cases in the UK.  

"Demands on us will grow and vary over the coming weeks but I want people to know and see the Met is here for them," Cressida Dick said. 

She also asked officers nearing retirement to consider staying on. 

Half a million people have already volunteered to help the country’s national healthcare and social services. 

"Police officers overwhelmingly join 'the job' to help people and to make a difference, and that desire will be as strong today as it was the very first day they joined, Ms Dick said. 

"I am hopeful that these exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable former colleagues choose to come and be part of our team and support London at this extraordinary time."