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Top Catholic officer to step down Top Catholic officer to step down
(about 3 hours later)
Northern Ireland's most senior Catholic police officer is expected to announce he is stepping down to become chief executive of Co-operation Ireland. Northern Ireland's most senior Catholic police officer is stepping down from the PSNI to become chief executive of Co-operation Ireland.
Peter Sheridan started his career as a cadet with the RUC 32 years ago and rose to the rank of assistant chief constable with the PSNI five years ago. Peter Sheridan began his career as a cadet with the RUC 32 years ago and rose to the rank of assistant chief constable with the PSNI five years ago.
He was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours last year.He was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours last year.
Mr Sheridan was considered a possible successor to Sir Hugh Orde as chief constable.Mr Sheridan was considered a possible successor to Sir Hugh Orde as chief constable.
It is understood that he will take up his new post in September. Co-operation Ireland aims to promote better relations between people on both sides of the border. He said he looked forward to a time when 50/50 recruitment of Catholics and Protestants was no longer needed in the PSNI.
Mr Sheridan has been a police officer for almost 30 years and started his career as a cadet officer in 1978. "Until such times that the police service is reflective of society out there, it will be necessary," he said.
He spent much of his service in the north-west, where he rose through the ranks from Constable to Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Rural Region. "As soon as that requirement is reached, there will be no further need for it. People should be selected because of their skills and because they want to be a police officer."
Better relations
He is leaving the PSNI to work at Co-operation Ireland, which aims to promote better relations between people on both sides of the border.
Mr Sheridan spent much of his service in the north-west, where he rose through the ranks from Constable to Assistant Chief Constable responsible for Rural Region.
In February 2006, he assumed responsibility for the Crime Operations Department, made up of officers investigating serious crime, organised crime and intelligence.In February 2006, he assumed responsibility for the Crime Operations Department, made up of officers investigating serious crime, organised crime and intelligence.
In 1999, Mr Sheridan graduated from the FBI Academy.In 1999, Mr Sheridan graduated from the FBI Academy.