'What those officers did was wrong' PSNI Chief slams Armagh police for All-Ireland celebrations

The actions of police officers who joined celebrations after Armagh won the all-Ireland Gaelic football championships on Sunday were not professional or independent, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has told the Policing Board.

Mr Boutcher also said that, while he did not support the actions of the officers, nobody would be suspended or dismissed.

The PSNI has launched an internal investigation after video footage emerged that appeared to show police vehicles driving through the village of Camlough sounding their sirens as people cheer from the footpaths.

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Fans could be seen passing an Armagh flag to the driver of one of the vehicles, who holds it out of the window and drives on.

The footage emerged hours after Armagh had defeated Galway at Croke Park in Dublin to win the county’s second ever all-Ireland championship.

A number of unionist politicians have raised concerns, both from a road safety perspective and on issues around impartiality.

Asked about suggestions a file had been forwarded to prosecutors related to the incident, Mr Boutcher made clear that no file had been sent to the Public Prosecution Service.

The region’s top officer also warned he would not allow his organisation to be used as a “political football”.

He told the board: “On Sunday evening various people sent me footage of police vehicles with emergency lights and sirens sounding celebrating Armagh’s All Ireland Final victory with the people of Camlough.

“My reaction to that footage is very straightforward: we are the police and that privilege and responsibility demands that, at all times, we act professionally and independently.

“That did not happen on Sunday night in Camlough.

“I am very alive to the polarised commentary which has taken place since the footage came to light which again demonstrates that policing in Northern Ireland remains a lightning rod for societal views.”

Mr Boutcher said he had received many phone calls, both in condemnation and support of the officers.

He said: “Some have asked for the officers to be suspended and even dismissed whilst others have supported the officers and called for commendations for them.

“Let me be crystal clear, no one is being suspended or dismissed, however, nor do I support what the officers did.”

He added: “It is not lost on me that earlier on Sunday evening we issued a post on local Armagh social media channels rightly congratulating Armagh on winning the All Ireland Final and putting details of our Fatal Five road safety messaging, reminding drivers to stay safe.

“Then, later that evening, police vehicles were seen being driven in Camlough in a manner which was irresponsible.

“I, of course, understand the sentiment of what those police officers were seeking to do in supporting the local community in Armagh’s brilliant win, but there are many other ways to show that support, driving in that manner is not one of them.

“We are conducting an internal investigation into what happened which will be proportionate and will not be unduly influenced by anyone.

“Policing is independent.”

Mr Boutcher also called for people to show perspective following the events in Camlough and referenced the fatal stabbing attack in Southport.

He said: “Having seen the reports of those awful, murderous attacks on children I immediately reached out to the local Chief Constable of Merseyside to offer my support and all of our condolences.

“I am also disheartened by the public disorder that has occurred due to misinformation on social media about the tragic events in Southport.

“The dangers of inaccurate and unsubstantiated claims being spread around should not be lost on anyone and I know that especially should be well understood here in Northern Ireland.”

During later questioning by board members, the DUP’s Keith Buchanan asked whether impartiality no longer mattered to the PSNI.

However, the SDLP’s Mark H Durkan said perpetuating the “myth” that there was “two tier” policing in Northern Ireland could undermine the ability of officers to uphold the law.

Mr Boutcher said he was not prepared to allow the PSNI to be caught in the middle of political “point scoring” in Northern Ireland.

“What I won’t allow is for the PSNI to be a political football, as some of you will probably have realised since I’ve arrived,” he said.

“I’m not going to sit here and and have point scoring from one side or the other. The driving shouldn’t have happened.”

The chief constable also made reference to the strides the police have made in south Armagh to improve relations with the local community.

“We all know where this service and people around this table and in this organisation were with the community in the area not that many years ago,” he said.

“We have come a huge distance but what happened that night in what those officers did was wrong.”

He added: “You do not see officers in the Met, let’s say when the Olympics were all successful, waving flags and Union jacks. That should not have happened.”

Mr Boutcher said the issue around the driving of the officers involved would be examined independently.

“Independence does matter,” he added.

“And that’s why I won’t have anybody telling me what we’re going to do to those officers.”

He continued: “I won’t let us be kicked around – let the review happen. The officers are not going to be unduly punished, but they should not have done what they did.”

Mr Boutcher was also asked about an incident in Lurgan where Armagh flags were erected on the building during the celebrations.

He said that was also being examined for potential criminal offences.

“Obviously, the items on the police station, the flags etc, were taken down that night,” he said.

“I think, quite frankly, that caught us unawares. I mean, we’re used to having things fired at the police station, not flags put on there and celebrations, but that will be dealt with regarding any public order or criminal damage offences in the review that I’ve asked to be undertaken.”