PSNI Deputy Chief Constable to retire from policing after three decades

Northern Ireland's Deputy Chief Constable is to retire after three decades in policing.

Mark Hamilton was appointed in 2020 and faced a stormy period in 2023 after a number of controversies in the Police Service of Northern Ireland, which led to the resignation of then Chief Constable Simon Byrne.

These included a major data leak and a Belfast High Court ruling which found that the disciplining of two junior officers over an arrest at a Troubles memorial event had been unlawful.

The Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers, passed a vote of no confidence in Mr Hamilton and two other senior staff over their handling of the latter issue.

Mr Hamilton spent some time away from September 2023, when he underwent an unplanned medical procedure, and had been due to serve a secondment which involved work with Stormont's Department of Justice and the National Police Chiefs' Council.

The Northern Ireland Policing Board confirmed on Thursday that Mr Hamilton will retire from policing later this year.

In a statement, the board thanked Mr Hamilton for his dedicated service and for the significant contribution he has made to policing and leading police reform in Northern Ireland in a 30-year career.

They said his retirement is "in line with contractual entitlements".

The board has started the process to appoint a new deputy chief constable.

Liam Kelly, chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, said they wished Mr Hamilton well for his future.

"We note this announcement by the Northern Ireland Policing Board," he said.

"Clearly, we had our differences over the handling of the Ormeau Rd controversy, but I think it important to recognise Mr Hamilton's thirty years of policing service and his significant contribution to our communities.

"On behalf of the PFNI I wish him and his family well for the future."