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PSNI Chief says more officers are needed

The PSNI Chief Constable has told MPs that he needs more officers to deal with the current threat level of further violence.

Matt Baggott told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee on Thursday that ongoing protests are “stripping out district policing”.

The NI Police Federation has been warning for months that the PSNI is under resourced and needs a further 1,000 officers.

So far 174 people have been arrested and 124 charged after disorder following loyalist flag protests.

Protests started in December after Belfast City Council voted by 29-21 to only fly the Union flag on designated days above the City Hall.
As the Chief Constable was speaking, the PSNI issued advice to protestors to keep marches peaceful.

A statement said: “It is unlawful to block roads or prevent free flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic and doing so leaves you liable for prosecution. Protesters should not conceal their identity by covering their face and obviously must remain peaceful, ie do not use violent or threatening behaviour against public or police.”

Mr Baggott told MLAs at MPs at the House of Commons on Thursday: “I think we need to review again, in the light of the last six months of protest followed by protest followed by protest, the level of resourcing we have.

“We are no longer 15,000 strong, plus the army.

“We are 7,000 strong and tackling a significant threat from terrorism, dissident republicanism, dealing with organised crime, managing public protection, delivering personal policing.

“I want those police officers delivering neighbourhood policing and all the things that go with a modern police service that’s operating in a democratic framework.”

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