PSNI faces shift pattern crisis

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is facing a set-back to its new shift pattern process.

More than three-quarters of officers have voted against the proposed introduction of a variable eight to ten hour shift pattern.

The current set-up is 12-hour shifts for four consecutive days. The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI), which represents 9,000 rank and file officers, has called for constructive consultation on the issue.

In a statement, Stevie McCann, secretary of the PFNI, said: “As per PFNI policy the Central Committee will not endorse the introduction of the ten-hour VSA and will not sign an agreement to permit its introduction.

“As we previously explained, without this agreement the only option for the chief constable under Police Regulations is the implementation of an eight-hour federated day shift pattern.”

Terry Spence, chairman of the federation, told Personnel Today: “Some officers could seriously consider resigning if the shift change is pushed through and the service might not be able to meet the staffing requirements. The force is risking a very disgruntled workforce.

“I want to call on the chief constable to have a meaningful consultation with us. Let`s have a clean slate and look at this again.”

A PSNI spokeswoman responded: “The current 12-hour shift pattern is ending on March 31. It is expensive, inflexible, and does not take account of the peaks and troughs of demands.”