PSNI chief constable leads tributes following death of Sir Desmond Rea
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable has led the tributes to Professor Sir Desmond Rea who died this week.
Jon Boutcher said Sir Desmond was “one of the most significant figures in the transformation of policing in Northern Ireland”.
Sir Desmond served as the inaugural chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB) from its establishment in 2001 until 2009, after which he continued on the Board as an independent member until May 23, 2011. He was knighted in 2004 for his services to policing.
Mr Boutcher said: “As the first chair of the Northern Ireland Policing Board he brought calm authority, integrity and independence at a time when confidence in policing was fragile and deeply divided.
“Sir Desmond played a central role in supporting the transition from the Royal Ulster Constabulary GC to the PSNI, helping to guide the difficult early years of the new service with patience, fairness and determination.
“He understood that lasting peace required policing that could command support across every community, and he worked tirelessly to build accountability, transparency and public confidence in the PSNI.
“He was a unique individual who was respected across political and civic life, he combined a lifetime of invaluable experience and academic insight with a deep commitment to public service.
“Even at times of tension and controversy, his steady leadership helped create the foundations for a policing system capable of serving all traditions in Northern Ireland.
“His contribution to public life extended far beyond policing, but it is his role in helping shape a new beginning for policing that will remain one of his greatest legacies.”
Mr Boutcher added: “He will be remembered as a thoughtful and courageous leader whose belief in dialogue, accountability and shared responsibility helped Northern Ireland move forward during one of its most important periods of change.
“I offer my sincere condolences, and those of the wider policing family, to Sir Desmond’s family at this sad time.”
NIPB chair Brendan Mullan said: “On behalf of the members and staff of the NIPB I would wish to extend my very sincere condolences to Sir Desmond’s family and friends on his passing.
“Sir Desmond was one of the founding fathers of the new policing arrangements in Northern Ireland, progressing and embedding a programme of reform and policing change that was unparalleled in modern policing.
“Working closely with his then vice-chair Denis Bradley and new Board members, Sir Desmond articulated a vision for the new Police Service, which exemplified his clear understanding of the importance of a new start for policing after the Patten Review as a fundamental pillar of the developing peace process.
“He brought leadership, vision, and unwavering drive and determination as he guided the newly established Policing Board with strength, integrity, and purpose through those fledgling years, carefully and thoughtfully navigating many difficult and contentious issues.
“Not only was Sir Desmond a respected leader, he was also a mentor, supporter, and source of encouragement to many and to this day his legacy continues to live on through the firm foundations and principles established for policing and policing oversight in Northern Ireland.
Mr Mullan added: “As a distinguished academic, after stepping down from the Board, Sir Desmond also co-authored a number of publications which captured the challenges faced in delivering that new beginning to policing, and this now provides us all with an authorative record for the future.
“We thank and pay tribute to Sir Desmond for his service.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long also paid tribute to Sir Desmond Rea, “extending condolences to his family and friends on his passing”.
Ms Long said: “Sir Desmond will long be remembered for his role as chairman of the first NIPB. Sir Desmond dedicated much of his life to public service, overseeing the Board and the PSNI during a critical and very sensitive time in Northern Ireland, overseeing the newly formed PSNI and implementing the significant reforms from the Patten review.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to Sir Desmond’s wife Maeve, his daughters and the wider family.”