The Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has described the force's 25th anniversary as a moment to look back with great pride. Jon Boutcher made the comments ahead of a two-day conference in Belfast marking the milestone in the region's policing arrangements.
More than 160 delegates, including academics, leaders within policing and policing oversight, as well as the wider criminal justice system, are expected to reflect on progress and look to the future.
Conference to Consider Progress and Future Challenges
The Foundations And Future: Policing 2026 And Beyond Conference is set to consider the progress made over the last 25 years and examine future challenges. The PSNI was established in 2001, incorporating the Royal Ulster Constabulary following the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement peace deal of 1998.
Mr Boutcher acknowledged that the PSNI's first 25 years have not been without challenge, but said it is a moment to look back with great pride.
Chief Constable Highlights Officers' Dedication
"Since 2001, our officers and staff in the PSNI have worked tirelessly to keep people safe, protect the vulnerable and build confidence in policing across Northern Ireland," he said. "Their commitment, often in very difficult and demanding circumstances, has shaped the service we are today."
He added: "The 25-year journey has not been without challenge. Policing Northern Ireland has continued to evolve alongside the society we serve, responding to changing expectations, new forms of crime and the ever-growing complexity of the threats facing our communities."
"Throughout that journey which is building on the foundations laid by our colleagues in the RUC George Cross, the dedication and professionalism of our police officers and police staff has remained at the heart of everything we do," he said.
He added: "This significant anniversary is therefore both a moment to look back with great pride and an opportunity to look forward with purpose. The challenges ahead will require us to remain adaptable, innovative and open to new ways of working, while never losing sight of the fundamental principles of policing by consent, fairness and respect."
Policing Board and Universities Respond
Northern Ireland Policing Board chairman Brendan Mullan said new demands, changing crime and demographics, along with ever-evolving technology, will bring change for all. He described the conference as a "valuable forum for thoughtful discussion, shared learning and constructure challenge so that we can explore how policing and policing oversight can continue to strengthen public confidence and support better outcomes for the communities".
The conference, organised by the PSNI and Policing Board, is in partnership with Queen's University Belfast and Ulster University. Queen's President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, said the event will create value opportunities for academics, practitioners, policy makers and community to learn from one another.
"Whether this is understanding the social factors that can aid crime prevention and improved rehabilitation outcomes or addressing emerging challenges such as technological change, universities can help shape evidence-based approaches that support safer communities," he said.
Ulster University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Bartholomew, added: "This conference provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made over the past quarter century and to consider the challenges and opportunities ahead. We look forward to the discussions that will support the continued development of policing in the years to come."
