Chairman on the Forum on Europe, Mr Maurice Hayes, paid the ultimate tribute to a Police Chief, in his article, "Orde's a hard act to follow and net must be cast wide". (Irish Independent 210th April 2009.
Describing Sir Hugh Orde's achievements as Chief Constable of the Police Servic e of Northern Ireland, (PSNI), Mr. Maurice Hayes, states
"Hugh Orde's achievements has been to stabilise the police, to restore morale, to provide leadership, to embed human rights, to manage the increasing diversification of the service and to provice transparency and accountability.
At the same time, he defined the relationship between police and politicians, keeping decent distance between them while also being prepared to be answerable and accountable to the Policing Board and the wider political system."
This is a very appropriate and well deserved tribute to a very professional police leader. This model of leadership is in short supply but it is important to recognise it and pay tribute to it and its achievements.
Policing is difficult at any time in any part of the world. At a time of increasing concern and anxiety about the state of world's finances and the impact that has on national economies, it is important to be mindful of the inevitable increase in crime, public disorder, political disorder, black economies and increasing criminal exploitation of the opportunities it presents. This places increasing pressure on police and generates additional and serious problems for them to address. As governments find themselves having to face down public anger and protests they rely on and call on the police to restore public order. Perspective is needed and strong, independent police leadership to create and chart a high standard of professional response and not a knee-jerk reaction to the political expediency of the day.
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