Unionists want PSNI recruitment rules scrapped

Unionists in the North have demanded that the policy of recruiting an equal number of Catholics and Protestants to the PSNI be scrapped as early as possible.

The old RUC was 97% Protestant and the Patten proposals on reform of the police service said Catholics and Protestants should be recruited on a 50:50 basis to help address the problem.

Unionists have pointed out that the system discriminates against Protestants who qualify for a place in the PSNI but cannot join up unless a corresponding Catholic applies.

The SDLP has defended the policy, saying it was necessary to help achieve a truly impartial police service.

The Women's Coalition said it is also opposed to ending the 50:50 recruitment scheme, insisting it was vital to bringing about a change in the culture of policing in the North.