THE MET POLICE’S Simon Byrne has been confirmed as the PSNI’s new Chief Constable.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board unanimously agreed to appoint Simon Byrne as Chief Constable following the retirement of George Hamilton at the end of June 2019.

Byrne has 36 years of policing experience, 21 years as a Chief Officer and almost 8 as a Chief Constable serving the Metropolitan Police, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. 

Board Chair Anne Connolly confirmed the appointment this evening, saying that it comprised “a rigorous selection process” involving a panel of seven board members. 

Based on the key principles of merit, fairness, openness and transparency, independent scrutiny was incorporated at all stages of the competition to provide added probity and assurance.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney congratualted Byrne on his appointment.  

I can assure him of the full support and cooperation of the Irish government as he builds on the work of his predecessors in delivering on the Patten vision for policing in Northern Ireland.

“I am sure that the excellent cross border cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána will continue to be built on.”

The DUP’s Mervyn Storey congratulated Simon Byrne on becoming the next PSNI Chief Constable, adding that he was looking forward to working with him.

“Importantly, this was unanimous appointment,” he said.

“The real work commences now as we seek to improve policing and tackle those issues which need addressed so our communities feel safe in their homes and proud of their police force.”