Police plan to use private security firms in NI

[WtD_Oracle]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ire ... 469012.stm

Private security firms like those operating in Iraq and Afghanistan could soon be in use in Northern Ireland.

They could be guarding police stations and providing protection for politicians, judges and other possible terrorist targets in NI.

The Northern Ireland Chief Constable, Matt Baggott, is to ask the Policing Board to endorse the plan on Thursday.

Police say the plan will save money and free up more officers for fighting crime.

Hundreds of former police officers and soldiers from Northern Ireland have been employed by private security firms in Iraq and Afghanistan, protecting individuals and buildings believed to be at risk of terrorist attack.

Some of them may soon find work closer to home.

The risks won't be anything like those they've encountered in those battlefields, and the pay is likely to be much less, but they could soon have the opportunity to apply some of their skills in Northern Ireland.

Mr Baggott has made it clear that getting more officers out on to the streets and into frontline policing roles is one of his key priorities, and he sees this as part of that process.

About 400 PSNI officers are currently involved in providing protection for politicians, judges and other potential terrorist targets, and guarding police stations.

The police say that is not cost effective.

They argue that it would save money, and give them greater flexibility, if those jobs were performed by suitability trained civilian staff, as that would result in more officers being available for frontline duties.

Bodyguards
Private security firms would be asked to provide trained bodyguards and other staff when needed, rather than having full-time police officers doing the jobs.

The chief constable will outline his plans to the Policing Board on Thursday and ask for its endorsement.

That backing is essential because the move would require new legislation, and that will only happen if there's cross-party support within the assembly.

Basil McCrea, the Ulster Unionist chairman of the board's human rights committee, said mechanisms would have to be put in place to regulate the work of the private firms, but he is firmly behind the idea.

"This is the right thing to do," he said.

"The chief constable has made his position clear and it's driven by the need to be cost effective.

Trained
"Clearly we need to ensure that the work is properly regulated, but we don't need fully warranted police officers to do this kind of work, they should be out on the streets.

"On that basis we will be supporting him."

Sinn Fein takes a very different view.

It is concerned that those most likely to meet the criteria for employment will be former members of the security forces who have firearms training, and says the police are best placed to deliver the service.

Policing Board member Alex Maskey said the party had fundamental concerns.

He said: "We have made the chief constable aware of our concerns."

"Even if these people are going to be guarding stations and protecting individuals, they are going to be inter-acting with the community and we want to know how they are going to be held to account for their actions.

Jobs
"At least a police officer can be held to account for his behaviour by the Policing Board, and that is a very important element in building public confidence in policing.

"We will listen to what the chief constable has to say, but in terms of getting our support for this, he has a long way to go."

Police sources insist that the jobs would be open to all, with no preference given to former officers or soldiers, and say training could be provided.

They say the alternative is keeping 400 fully-trained officers off the streets.

The chief constable is likely to find that what he sees as a common-sense move to reduce costs and increase flexibility will be the subject of some very heated debate.

[noise stopper]

Sinn Fein takes a very different view.

It is concerned that those most likely to meet the criteria for employment will be former members of the security forces who have firearms training, and says the police are best placed to deliver the service.

As far as they are concerned the only private citizens carrying weapons on the streets should be them!

[andrewm]

This news story has been completed mishandled by Matt Baggott, who is now universally disliked by all ranks of PSNI. Thats not easy and is first Chief Con to do that! (They call him Matt the Pratt).

There are already 400 Security Officers (50% not ex police) providing security at Police stations and facilities. Where the risk is high they are joined by a Police Officer.

Matt the Pratt wanted to arm these officers. I can understand ex Police Officers being permitted to do this as many are already armed (PPW) but arming an 18 year old who has a SIA DS badge and no other experience is just ******* mental! Especially when they are not accountable to anyone (i.e. Police Ombudsman etc).

In terms of CP - I can't comment at this stage...

[irishdoorsupervisor]

Sinn Fein takes a very different view.

It is concerned that those most likely to meet the criteria for employment will be former members of the security forces who have firearms training, and says the police are best placed to deliver the service.

As far as they are concerned the only private citizens carrying weapons on the streets should be them!

I agree that ex forces should not be working in the private security industry in N.Ireland. N.Ireland has come along way in terms of peace & friction between the police (PSNI, RUC) & the public. I think using ex members of the forces would be a step back for N.Ireland! As Andrew said who would regulate these individuals? Also this would be a great opportunity for local security firms to supply local operatives to these jobs we have enough of our own security professionals who are ex police!

[Evo Training]

Sinn Fein takes a very different view.

It is concerned that those most likely to meet the criteria for employment will be former members of the security forces who have firearms training, and says the police are best placed to deliver the service.

As far as they are concerned the only private citizens carrying weapons on the streets should be them!

I agree that ex forces should not be working in the private security industry in N.Ireland. N.Ireland has come along way in terms of peace & friction between the police (PSNI, RUC) & the public. I think using ex members of the forces would be a step back for N.Ireland! As Andrew said who would regulate these individuals? Also this would be a great opportunity for local security firms to supply local operatives to these jobs we have enough of our own security professionals who are ex police!

Aint that the same as using ex military ie EX UDR or Royal Irish or are you saying because most ex forces are english thats the problem please explain

[irishdoorsupervisor]

it may be that your trying to start an argument on what i said! But i will explain what i mean by my previous post. No the ex army guys are not the same as police in the eyes of the nationalist people of N.Ireland. The northern Ireland police force has came a long way from the one side policing and caloution of the past. The people have learned to trust their police force. I personaly think that the wounds of the past 40 years have a lot of healing to do on both sides! So to soon for some. Another point that i would like to add is, using ex forces of any accent is just going to give the scum eliment that is the disident republicans a ligitament target to attack! Sorry for any spelling mistakes as this was wrote using my phone.

[Evo Training]

But how are the people going to know if there ex police or military as there private thats what im getting at at least what ever there past is the military and ex police guys have past experience in Ulster which will make the task easier ie stood on the gate of a a PSNI station etc.
Like Andrew said you not going to give a 18yr old a job like that your going to recruit experienced guys who know the job its like any job experience matters.

[irishdoorsupervisor]

they are going to know as it is now public knowladge! It is going to be discussed at the next policing board meeting!

[Evo Training]

? then thats down to the police making the dissision and putting themselves back as you say years,Either way its a security task that will require trained experienced personel who have N.Ireland experience and that includes ex military aswell as ex police the company who gets awarded the contract will use experienced staff as they will want the contract looked after

[andrewm]

Due to terms and conditions of contract they can not replace the staff on the contract unless they fail CTC check (which means they wouldnt have started). Its a stupid idea and Matt the Pratt has lost even more support.

CP is a different kettle of fish which I cannot discuss.

[irishdoorsupervisor]

I have just been informed that this is not happening, it was supposed to be on the news Friday night! i did not see this? hmmm

[andrewm]

Yeah sorry I thought you knew! They would never have approved it.