§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many constables have joined the Police Service of Northern Ireland since the recent change in transfer arrangements from other police forces; how many full-time reservists have been offered the same facility to become regular constables; and what additional training would be required(a) for those transferring from other police services and (b) for full-time reservists transferring. [163713]
§ Mr. PearsonFollowing recent changes to the transfer arrangements from other police forces, provided by Section 23 of the Police (NI) Act 2003, PSNI intend to recruit 12 officers at the rank of Detective Constable. Two of this number have already been appointed.
One officer has joined the PSNI as an experienced Police Trainee with a reduced period of training as allowed by the Police Trainee (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003.
There have been no full-time reservists offered the same facility to became regular constables as the Police (NI) Act 2003 Section 23 (3)(1) specifically requires the appointment of people with 'specified policing skills' and in respect of the Police Trainee (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 the Chief Constable has deemed an experienced police trainee as a person who has successfully completed a two year probationary period in a UK police service.
The additional training provided for those transferring to the PSNI is bespoke and based upon the individuals' prior experience and training. However it is at least six weeks in duration and will include the following topics: Police and Community Relationships; Human Rights; Criminal Justice System in Northern Ireland; Northern Ireland Specific Legislation; Firearms Training and Tactical Patrolling.
§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the total expenditure on recruitment advertising by the Police Service of Northern Ireland has been in each year since its formation; what form this advertising has taken; and if he will make a statement. [164542]
§ Mr. PearsonI am advised that the spend on police support staff recruitment advertising in 2002–03 was £432,921 and for 2003–04 was £128,860.
For police trainee and part time recruitment the costs were as follows: for 2001–02 £1,135,047, for 2002–03 £440,750 and for 2003–04 £402,617.
825WThe costs of police trainee recruitment include television production and advertising costs. Television advertisements were shown on a number of channels including Ulster Television, Channel Four and RT
Newspaper advertisements were also printed in a diverse range of publications in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.