Police staff to move

THE police are to relocate a number of back-office civilian jobs from Lurgan to a central facility in Newry.

The move is part of a pilot project for E District which will see a number of civilian posts move from the town's station, as well as stations in Banbridge and Armagh to join staff already located in Newry.

It's thought around 15 to 20 staff will be affected locally.

The 'MAIL' understands a number are concerned about the move - particularly with greater travel time and the expense of getting to Newry.

Chief Inspector of operations, Mike Kirby is the project leader and is based in Lurgan station, he said: "Not all the civilian staff are to move from Lurgan police station.

"This project is aimed at streamlining the process with which we deal with files following arrests.

"There will be around 15 to 20 staff affected locally by the move, and there are similar numbers involved in the other three areas.

"There will, in time, be a reduction in numbers but it will be a very small number - maybe the equivalent of four staff.

"Unfortunately there are people involved that have worked in Lurgan for many years and we are working and consulting with them on a one-on-one basis."

Chief Inspector Kirby said the project should begin in June, he continued: "The people on the street will not see a huge change in the way we work.

"This is a pilot project, while we would hope it will go live across the whole service there is a long way to go.

"It is a massive project and there will be incremental improvements - there will be no big bang moment.

"We are constantly reviewing how we operate and how we can deliver a better, more effective, police service.

"The primary goal is improving service delivery, we want more officers in contact with victims of crime and spending less time filling in forms.

"The chief constable is committed to putting more officers on the street and this project is aimed at working towards that goal."

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