The Chief Constable of the PSNI has defended the force’s handling of the Drumcree stand-off, insisting officers have acted “independently and impartially” and warning that the dispute “must not be resolved on the streets”.
In a detailed statement on Monday evening, Jon Boutcher addressed mounting criticism since Portadown District Loyal Orange Lodge No. 1 notified a contentious procession along the Garvaghy Road on September 3.
He noted that on September 25 the Parades Commission issued a determination permitting the parade, subject to conditions, but stressed this “did not mean, as many people have suggested, that the police had to ensure the parade could proceed at all costs”.
Urgent judicial review proceedings were launched that same evening to challenge the determination, with the decision ultimately upheld after High Court and Court of Appeal hearings that ran into the early hours of Sunday, September 27 – the day of the proposed march.
“The Police Service of Northern Ireland has continued at all times to operate independently and impartially,” the Chief Constable said.
He said the PSNI had planned and resourced “for all potential outcomes from a peaceful procession through to serious and sustained disorder”, with a policing plan built around facilitating the determination while also respecting the human rights of all parties and meeting his “independent legal obligations to protect life and property”.
“From Sunday 27th September my officers were required to respond with a large scale policing operation. The response of officers on the ground throughout has been exemplary,” he added.
Mr Boutcher said all options had been “continually reviewed” and that the PSNI had engaged with “all parties” as tensions rose.
“It was my ongoing assessment that short of a major public order operation, that would require substantial numbers of protected officers and specialist capabilities with a likelihood of prolonged disorder resulting in injuries to the public and officers, with an impact beyond Portadown, the parade could not be safely undertaken,” he said.
“My overriding responsibility is to keep people safe, that includes members of the Orange Order, the Garvaghy Road residents and communities beyond Portadown.
“Such a major public order operation would have presented risks to both parties and had long term consequences for trust and confidence in policing and the peace process.”
He added: “The place for resolving this dispute must not be on the streets of Northern Ireland.”
The Chief Constable acknowledged “considerable public and online commentary about the rule of law and trust and confidence in policing and the Executive”, saying that given Northern Ireland’s history and the “loss of life associated with such disputes”, heightened emotions were “inevitable”.
Mr Boutcher appealed for restraint and responsible leadership as the wider political row around Drumcree continues.
“I ask that people be respectful and consider the views of everyone and to not let a minority of bad actors incite any criminality or allow Northern Ireland to go backwards,” he said.
“I also want to be very clear about the need for everyone to act in a responsible and measured fashion at times like this.”
He confirmed he has directed that “the criminal justice process continue at pace regarding those who engaged in unlawful protest”, stressing that “the courts are the place to address such behaviour”.
Despite the tensions of recent weeks, the Chief Constable highlighted the absence of trouble at the Drumcree flashpoint last weekend.
“On Sunday, October 11 the Garvaghy Road and Drumcree Hill had no protesters or members of the Orange Order present,” he said.
“The overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland want to live happy, prosperous and safe lives and are dismayed that we are back in this position.
“I appeal to everyone to use moderate and sensible language, and to act lawfully in seeking a way forward to resolve the dispute. We all have a responsibility to ensuring a peaceful future for Northern Ireland, especially those in leadership roles. There has been no disorder at Drumcree which should be viewed positively by everyone.”
Mr Boutcher concluded by noting there are “ongoing legal proceedings” linked to the dispute, and urged people to “respect those processes and act with decency towards those who attend court.”
