Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said full and regular updates from the Chief Constable are needed, after dozens of officers did not report for duty in Derry-Londonderry and Strabane, over a fortnight last month. An internal policy inquiry is underway, after the officers were informed they could be on standby from home […]
It is time to thank the PSNI for their efforts in policing during the coronavirus crisis, Alliance Policing Board representative John Blair MLA has said. Mr Blair said the recent numbers of deaths related to COVID-19 announced by the Department of Health were a stark reminder of the depth of the pandemic and its affect […]
Local guidelines relating to people with autism or learning disabilities being able to leave their homes more than once a day to exercise during the COVID-19 lockdown need to be updated to reflect UK Government advice, Alliance MLA John Blair has said. Mr Blair was speaking after raising the issue at today’s meeting of the […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has welcomed news a pay award for PSNI officers has been agreed by the Department of Justice. The award gives a 2.5 per cent increase to police officers’ pay scales, backdated until September and aligning with a similar award to officers in England and Wales. “It is important […]
Alliance representatives have said work needs to continue on developing relations between the police and community in South Armagh. Policing Board member John Blair MLA and Newry and Armagh representative Jackie Coade were speaking following a meeting with Simon Byrne yesterday (Tuesday). The Chief Constable has apologised for a tweet showing him posing with heavily […]
There is a need for a restored Assembly to help address the shortfall in police officers after Brexit, Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said. The South Antrim MLA was speaking after a meeting of the Board, during which he quizzed Chief Constable Simon Byrne around policing needs to cope with potential incidents […]
Alliance Party representative on the Policing Board, John Blair MLA, has said the call from the Chief Constable for 800 additional police officers should be supported. John Blair said: “Recently we have seen the vital role the PSNI play in protecting the community from evil people who want to return to violence. Through my role […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has said unionist parties criticising the police response to a flute band who wore Parachute Regiment insignia at a parade in Derry-Londonderry risks undermining the work of the PSNI and fuelling false notions of two-tier policing. Mr Blair was speaking after the DUP and UUP met with police […]
The Alliance Party met with senior PSNI officers at Police Headquarters on Friday morning, outlining a range of concerns about the recent issues around bonfires and flags. The delegation included Councillor Michael Long, Councillor Michelle Kelly and Councillor Eric Hanvey as well as Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA and Policing Board member John Blair MLA. […]
Alliance Policing Board member John Blair MLA has congratulated new PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne, as he takes up the role. He will succeed George Hamilton as the PSNI’s fifth chief constable. South Antrim MLA Mr Blair said he would face many tests in the position. “I congratulate Simon Byrne and wish him every success […]