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Matt Baggott to step down as NI chief constable Matt Baggott to step down as NI chief constable
(35 minutes later)
Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Matt Baggott has announced his decision to retire from the post.Northern Ireland's Chief Constable Matt Baggott has announced his decision to retire from the post.
He took up the job as head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in August 2009 and his contract ends in September 2014.He took up the job as head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in August 2009 and his contract ends in September 2014.
Mr Baggott, who has been a police officer for 37 years, could have sought a two-year extension.Mr Baggott, who has been a police officer for 37 years, could have sought a two-year extension.
He said it had been "a real privilege to lead the PSNI through the immense changes of the past few years".He said it had been "a real privilege to lead the PSNI through the immense changes of the past few years".
Mr Baggott added: "I am deeply proud of the courage and commitment of my colleagues and the enormous progress they have made on behalf of everyone.Mr Baggott added: "I am deeply proud of the courage and commitment of my colleagues and the enormous progress they have made on behalf of everyone.
"In my remaining months as chief my priorities will be to ensure the PSNI has the resources to deal effectively with the many challenges ahead and that our very personal, professional and protective service goes from strength to strength.""In my remaining months as chief my priorities will be to ensure the PSNI has the resources to deal effectively with the many challenges ahead and that our very personal, professional and protective service goes from strength to strength."
It is understood he will not leave immediately.
BBC Northern Ireland Home Affairs Correspondent Vincent Kearney said during his time as PSNI chief constable, Mr Baggott secured an additional £0.25bn from the Treasury and Northern Ireland Office to deal with the increased security threat.BBC Northern Ireland Home Affairs Correspondent Vincent Kearney said during his time as PSNI chief constable, Mr Baggott secured an additional £0.25bn from the Treasury and Northern Ireland Office to deal with the increased security threat.
He said Mr Baggott had "invested heavily" in increasing the public order policing capability with 600 extra officers on the streets.He said Mr Baggott had "invested heavily" in increasing the public order policing capability with 600 extra officers on the streets.
Mr Baggott also forged ahead with streamlining the justice system.Mr Baggott also forged ahead with streamlining the justice system.
During his time as chief constable, more than 600 people were charged for public order offences as a result of flag-related protests.During his time as chief constable, more than 600 people were charged for public order offences as a result of flag-related protests.
The appointment of a new chief constable is made by the Northern Ireland Policing Board and is subject to the approval of Justice Minister David Ford.
Policing Board chair Anne Connolly paid tribute to Mr Baggott's leadership.
"The chief constable of the PSNI is undoubtedly one of the most demanding jobs in policing and, during his tenure, Matt has dealt with some of the most challenging issues in ensuring the safety and security of our community," she said.
"A strong advocate for community policing, Matt has worked to make sure his officers and staff deliver the best possible service to the community and build on the considerable policing change programme here."
The current deputy chief constable Judith Gillespie is due to leave her post in March.