New Police Ombudsman announced

A former Canadian Mountie is to take over as the new Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland.

The Secretary of State Peter Hain today named Al Hutchinson as the replacement for Nuala O’Loan starting from November 6 of this year.

Mr Hutchinson, 59, oversaw police reform in Northern Ireland and had been favourite to take the £122,000-a-year job, which he can hold for up to seven years.

The Secretary of State said it the position was one of the most challenging within the public sector and he was pleased to confirm the appointment of Mr Hutchinson.

“Nuala O’Loan has done an outstanding job in establishing a reputation for rigour and independence and has set a template for the future,” he said.

“This appointment was made after a rigorous selection process which adhered to public appointment guidelines. I am impressed by the strong public record and extensive knowledge of policing issues in Northern Ireland that he will bring to the post.

“The role performed by the office of the Police Ombudsman and the accountability arrangements are viewed as a modern day model for police forces across the world and have set a very high standard for others to follow.”

Before his appointment as Oversight Commissioner in 2004, Mr Hutchinson served nearly 34 years in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), retiring at the senior executive rank as the Assistant Commissioner responsible for operations in Ontario, Canada’s largest province.

He said he was pleased to have been selected for such a vital and challenging position and was looking forward to it, adding: “As Oversight Commissioner I have witnessed first hand the tremendous changes made in policing within Northern Ireland.”

(JM)