Question
To ask the Chief Constable for the policy governing how officers from forces in Great Britain transfer to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and, specifically, if there is a “fast track” taking account of their prior training / experience?
Answer
Currently, we do not have a process in place to enable officers to transfer directly to Police Service of Northern Ireland. Essentially, this is due to differences in Northern Ireland legislation. At present, the only routes available for police officers to join Police Service of Northern Ireland from other Police Services are on promotion to Chief Inspector rank or above (vacancies are advertised via the College of Policing website), or via the Student Officer recruitment process when open for applications.
Where a Student Officer has previously served in another police service, consideration is given to experience in terms of courses already obtained that may carry over. Consideration is also given to waiving part, or all, of the probationary period after attestation from the Police College.
Mike Nesbitt - UUP