A retired PSNI officer who experienced serious trauma including gun and bomb attacks has said he is hopeful the Chief Constable will do more to help those forced to retire early.
He spoke to the Irish News at a protest outside Thursday’s meeting of the Policing Board.
Around 20 retired officers attended, with many applauding the Chief Constable Jon Boutcher when he arrived.
Their concerns include long waiting lists for mental health support and pensions for those injured on duty.
This is first determined by the Policing Board, with appeals handled by the Department of Justice, but officers have said a backlog means their cases can take up to three years to be processed.
Retired on ill-health for a decade after 20 years of service, the officer said that as well as suffering physical injuries, he was also called to many distressing incidents such as the death of infants.
To this day, he suffers from intrusive thoughts and nightmares. He explained this can include distressing visions of his own children accompanying him to the traumatic incidents he witnessed.
- ‘Considerable challenges’ facing PSNI employees as figures show 357 officers on sick leave for mental health issuesOpens in new window
- Some 20 police officers injured in riots and disturbances across Northern Ireland in past weekOpens in new window
- PSNI officers will ‘stand in harm’s way’ to protect Muslim community, says chief constableOpens in new window
He believes the Policing Board are not dealing with Injured on Duty pensions in an “equitable way”.
“I came under a gun and bomb attack. I was also involved in a fire at a petrol station that was quite horrific,” he said.
“I have multiple injuries, I could write a book about it.
“I think you get on with it more when you’re in the job, because there’s people around you experiencing the same things.
“You’re almost supported by that, whether it’s the bravado or dark humour that exists, or the service helps you along.”
Unable to carry out his front-line policing role, he said his mental health deteriorated after moving to a desk.
“When I came out of the service, it was much more difficult as you don’t have that group of work colleagues around you,” he said.
Addressing the Chief Constable, he said: “People feel he’s the first man in a long time that’s actually doing something with the service, is actually prepared to stand up to the politicians and to give us his ear and listen.
“He spoke to us while other high-ranking officers chose the back door and avoid us; they almost seem embarrassed.
“But he seems to recognise there’s a job to be done.”
Alan Gawne is the chair of Blue Lights NI, which provides support to officers transitioning to civilian life.
“I told the Chief Constable today that he’s responsible for all of his officers, not just the fit ones,” he said.
“We’re happy to say that he’s trying to turn the ship around. We know his resources are finite and he needs extra support from the Policing Board and DoJ.”
He added: “Some officers are waiting for three years for their appeals in relation to their medicals. While they get through the first part of it, the appeals service goes to the Department of Justice and it all appears to stop with them, we believe because of a lack of doctors to assess and review.”
A PSNI spokesperson said the health and welfare of officers and staff was taken “extremely seriously,” with significant resources allocated to ensure people are provided with help and support as soon as possible.
“The Chief Constable recently met with representatives from the Blue Light organisation to discuss ill-health retirement,” they said.
“Officers and staff who are going through the ill-health retirement process are still able to avail of all services within Occupational Health and Wellbeing however the services are not available to retired officers.
“Other support mechanisms outside of PSNI, such as the Police Rehabilitation and Re-Training Trust (PRRT) and Police Family Care Forum can be accessed for support and advice.
“We recognise the important public role that our workforce performs and we continue to invest and support our people throughout their career in policing.”
A DoJ spokesperson acknowledged the backlog over appeal appointments.
“In recent years appeal appointments were suspended due to a range of issues including the Covid pandemic,” they said.
“There is a high demand for occupational health physicians which has resulted in significant difficulties in recruiting suitably qualified medical practitioners.
“In February 2024, the Department successfully secured a contract with an independent supplier. Officials continue to engage with the supplier to source additional resources to address the waiting list.
“We are pleased to confirm that appeal appointments have recommenced and the backlog is being addressed as quickly as possible with the resources available.”