This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7325663.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Top Catholic officer to step down Top police officer to step down
(19 minutes later)
Northern Ireland's most senior Catholic police officer is stepping down from the PSNI to become chief executive of Co-operation Ireland. One of Northern Ireland's top police officers is stepping down from the PSNI to become chief executive of Co-Operation Ireland.
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. Assistant chief constable Peter Sheridan, who is the PSNI's most senior Catholic officer, joined the police over 30 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.
He said he looked forward to a time when 50/50 recruitment of Catholics and Protestants was no longer needed in the PSNI.He said he looked forward to a time when 50/50 recruitment of Catholics and Protestants was no longer needed in the PSNI.
"Until such times that the police service is reflective of society out there, it will be necessary," he said."Until such times that the police service is reflective of society out there, it will be necessary," he said.
"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.""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 relationsBetter 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.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.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.