Jon Boutcher, a former Metropolitan Police officer, has been appointed the new chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Boutcher, who is currently the interim chief constable of the PSNI, will take up his new role in January 2024.
Boutcher has a long and distinguished career in policing. He has served with the Metropolitan Police for over 30 years, during which time he has held a number of senior positions, including Deputy Commissioner of Counter Terrorism. He is also the lead investigator for Operation Kenova, a series of historical investigations into murders during the Troubles.
Boutcher’s appointment has been welcomed by the Policing Board and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. The Policing Board said that Boutcher was an “excellent candidate” for the role and that he had a “clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the PSNI”.
Boutcher himself has said that he is “honoured” to have been appointed chief constable of the PSNI. He has said that his priorities for the PSNI will be to “protect the community, uphold the law, and maintain public order”.
Boutcher’s appointment comes at a time of significant change for the PSNI. The force is currently undergoing a major reform program, which is aimed at making it more efficient and effective. The PSNI is also facing a number of challenges, including a rise in crime and a shortage of officers.
Boutcher has said that he is confident that he can lead the PSNI through this period of change and challenge. He has said that he is “committed to working with the community to build a safer Northern Ireland”.
Here is a timeline of Boutcher’s career:
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- 1988: Joins the Metropolitan Police
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- 2000: Promoted to Detective Inspector
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- 2003: Transfers to the Anti-Terrorism Branch
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- 2005: Leads the investigation into the 7 July bombings
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- 2009: Promoted to Assistant Commissioner
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- 2012: Appointed Deputy Commissioner of Counter Terrorism
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- 2015:
Appointed interim chief constable of the Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI)
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