The Northern Ireland Policing Board has confirmed the appointment of Jon Boutcher QPM as the next Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) following receipt of approval by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Jon Boutcher has over 35 years’ experience as a police officer serving level in a number of services as Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and Chief Constable. Mr Boutcher is the former Chief Constable of Bedfordshire Police and led the Operation Kenova investigation.
Speaking about the appointment on Tuesday evening (7th November), Board Chair Deirdre Toner said:
“I am pleased to confirm that Jon Boutcher QPM is the successful candidate from this appointment competition.
"Jon takes on the leadership role for one of the most important public sector services in Northern Ireland. He is clearly committed to the challenges ahead, to tackling crime and criminality and to providing a policing service that is community based and focused on delivery to the public.
"There are also significant pieces of work to be progressed to manage and mitigate the serious financial pressures currently facing policing, and deal with confidence and other issues arising from recent events.
"As a Board we look forward to working with him as Chief Constable in dealing with the challenges faced.”
Following his appointment this evening, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher QPM, said:
"I am very honoured to be selected as the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
"This position carries great responsibility and is a huge privilege. I look forward to leading the dedicated officers and staff of this exceptional organisation.
"There is much to do and I am fully committed to delivering an outstanding policing service to address the issues which matter most to our communities.
"The officers and staff of the Police Service do an extraordinary job and will have my full support."
The NI Policing Board highlighted the "leadership position carries extensive responsibilities, and the appointment necessarily comprised a rigorous selection process. Based on the key principles of merit, fairness, openness and transparency, independent scrutiny was incorporated at all stages of the process to provide added probity and assurance."
The recommendation of the appointment panel was unanimously ratified by the Board at a special meeting and was subject to approval by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Appointment panel comprised Board Chair Deirdre Toner, Independent Member Mukesh Sharma & Political Members Joanne Bunting, Gerry Kelly and Nuala McAllister. The panel received specialist independent Human Resources selection and appointment advice to support the design, delivery and quality assurance of the Chief Constable process. Wendy Williams from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services acted as External Policing Advisor to the appointment panel.
The PSNI Chief Constable salary is £219,894 plus benefits. The appointment will be for a fixed term of five years with the possibility of extension in accordance with legislation.