As a society we still have work to do

The images of violence recently broadcast across the world have highlighted that, as a society we still have work to do.

The totally unacceptable attacks on police officers over the 12th July period, which resulted in injuries to more than 80 of my colleagues, are a clear indication of that fact.

Communities the world over ask an immense amount from police officers and no more so is that the case than in Northern Ireland.

Once again my officers have placed themselves between the differing voices on our streets, and paid a high price. The cost of protecting the legitimate rights of those who wanted to walk and those who wanted to protest has run into millions of pounds.

In the current financial climate, when public money should be spent on personal policing, hospital beds, nurses, school places, teachers, the list goes on, the public purse is stretched and money has been diverted away from delivering critical services.

I recognise the efforts of community representatives, politicians, and those in other positions of authority, who have engaged tirelessly with each other to resolve these issues, and I encourage and exhort those involved to continue and indeed increase these efforts.

There has been a great deal of time and effort spent in addressing these issues in recent years, but there is still much to do.

For our part we are determined to work with anyone to help bring about a resolution to the issue, but in the absence of such a resolution we will continue to protect communities and individual human rights.

As evidence of this commitment, to date we have arrested over 40 people in connection with the violence and I assure you that more arrests and charges will follow.

The recent disorder will not deter us from delivering the personal, professional, protective service which everyone in our community expects and indeed deserves.

The words of support we have received include messages from members of our communities and beyond, who registered their shock and disgust as events unfolded and felt compelled to voice their anger at the violence, and their support and sympathy to the injured officers.

They included people who stepped forward from within the affected communities to say enough is enough and that the rioters do not represent them.

If ever there was an indicator of the desire for a quality policing service then this is it, and we will continue to deliver that personal, professional service to everyone.

The restraint and professionalism displayed by each of the officers involved in the policing operation in the face of extreme danger, and the response of the service as a whole was once again outstanding.

The praise, which has been loudly voiced locally, nationally and internationally is tangible. Their actions have been commended in the highest forum through the words of praise from Prime Minister, David Cameron. Add to that the words of the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, at last week’s Police Officer Graduation ceremony, who quite rightly highlighted that police officers are all 'active leaders' within the peace process.

We will continue to play our part.

Others must now, more than ever, do the same.