Police deny disability discrimination

The Northern Ireland Police Service tonight denied a ban on disabled people joining the police amounted to discrimination.

The claim came after the Equality Commission called for an end to the bar on those with disabilities joining the police, prison and fire services.

Chief Commissioner Joan Harbinson said the issue must be included in the Single Equality Bill due to be presented to the Assembly early next year.

‘‘We believe there should be an end to exempt categories of employment for example the police, fire service and prisons,’’ she said.

‘‘There are many reasons why we believe these categories should no longer be exempt from the legislation.’’

However, a police spokeswoman pointed out that the service employed disabled people in civilian support roles.

‘‘There are numerous roles in support of us and we employ plenty of disabled people in office jobs,’’ she said.

But the spokeswoman added that all police officers had to be able to perform operational duties.

‘‘We have to pass a medical and a fitness test. If you have a disability that restricts you from passing that test.’’

Mrs Harbinson was appearing before the Committee of the Centre which scrutinises the Office of First Minister and Deputy First Minister (OFMDFM).

Afterwards, she said: ‘‘Organisations such as the police and the Fire Authority are increasingly being civilianised.’’

‘‘There are all sorts of jobs that people with disabilities could do but they are being excluded.’’

The Chief Commissioner pointed out that an end to the ban would not mean people with disabilities applying for posts demanding specific physical requirements.

‘‘We do accept there are certain operational roles within these services where it would not be appropriate to have someone who is blind or in a wheelchair,’’ she added.

But she added that serving officers severely injured in the line of duty were redeployed in policing roles that took account of their disability.

‘‘They may well have people who are disabled within their ranks on the civilian side but the legislation specifically excludes police officers and we are saying that is too restrictive and unnecessary.’’