‘Deep debt of gratitude’ owed to officers of Part Time Reserve as it marks 50th anniversary

Fifty-two part-time officers were murdered and hundreds suffered physical and psychological injuries during their service. A further nine were murdered after they left the service.

Today (June 1) marks the 50th anniversary of the Part Time Reserve in Northern Ireland, and Mr Lindsay said the officers were owed “a deep debt of gratitude”.

“Close to 10,000 men and women stepped up to the plate and gave outstanding service to this entire community,” he said. “Coming from the communities they served, they were the epitome of neighbourhood policing and have been invaluable in supporting their full-time colleagues.

“They knew that by putting on the uniform they would become a target for terrorists. It is a measure of their courage and commitment that they stepped forward to serve during dark and dreadful days.

“These brave officers had day jobs and were then prepared to turn out for their shift as Part Time Reserve officers. We owe them a deep debt of gratitude.

“The 50th anniversary of the Part Time Reserve, which became part of the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC on June 1, 1970, is an occasion to reflect on the service they gave and the losses they suffered.

“Today, the Part Time Reserve is a small part of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) with just 245 officers and the organisation is looking at a more defined role for them within the new neighbourhood policing approach.”

PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne added: “I want to put on record my sincere thanks for the commitment and sacrifice of all serving part-time colleagues, as well as those former officers who over the past 50 years contributed to both the PSNI and the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC.

“In the 50 years since 1970 over 9,300 men and women stepped forward as part-time officers while continuing to hold down full-time civilian occupations at the same time. Indeed, over 60 officers paid the price for public service and lost their lives for being police officers; many were targeted and ultimately murdered by terrorists at their places of civilian work. Of course we remember too, the many hundreds more who suffered both physical and mental injuries, often life-changing.”

Mr Byrne said he had met many part-time officer colleagues over the past year and taken those opportunities to listen to their experiences and thank them for their continued contribution to policing in Northern Ireland.

“Indeed, just last week I was able to accompany a number of those officers on duty,” he added. “I have also been privileged in my time to meet a number of the widows and family members of some of the part-time officers who paid the ultimate price in past years, killed while serving their communities.

“On behalf of the PSNI, I want to thank all those who have served as part-time police officers over the last 50 years and to wish them and their families well.”

Mr Byrne said looking forward it was reviewing how to give Part Time Reserve officers a more defined role within the new neighbourhood policing approach.

Northern Ireland Policing Board chair Doug Garrett also paid tribute to the officers of the Part Time Reserve.

“On this special anniversary we recognise the service of those who have stepped forward as part-time officers to work on behalf of the community and thank them for their contributions over the years,” he said. “This was a unique role and we particularly remember those who lost their lives and those who were seriously injured for simply wanting to help make their community safer.

“As a board, we welcome the chief constable’s commitment to reviewing how Part Time Reserve officers can be given a more defined role within the new neighbourhood policing approach in the future.”