PSNI chief constable announces retirement
Northern Ireland’s chief constable Matt Baggott is to retire.
He has led the PSNI since 2009 and faced an upsurge in violence from dissident republicans opposed to the peace process, loyalists protesting against flag restrictions and contentious marches.
Mr Baggott’s contract ends later this year.
He said it had been a real privilege to lead the PSNI through the immense changes of the past few years.
Mr Baggott told the BBC: “I am deeply proud of the courage and commitment of my colleagues and the enormous progress they have made on behalf of everyone.
“In my remaining months as chief, my priorities will be to ensure the PSNI has the resources to deal effectively with the many challenges ahead and that our very personal, professional and protective service goes from strength to strength.”
