Reaney appointed new NI police board chief

The Northern Ireland Policing Board tonight appointed Trevor Reaney as its new chief executive.

Mr Reaney, 44, is quitting Craigavon Borough Council to take the post on the body that holds PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde to account.

He is replacing Bob McCann who quit earlier this year and will begin work early next year.

His main responsibilities will involve offering support to the 19-member body and ensuring the PSNI provides effective community policing.

Mr Reaney will also lead a 50 strong team who support members and ensure the board runs smoothly.

Strategic planning, policy formulation and change management for the organisation will be under his control as well.

Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea said the new man was taking on a major challenge.

He said: “Mr Reaney joins us at a time when the Board will be dealing with a number of key issues while continuing to move the core policing function of Policing with the Community forward in partnership with the PSNI.”

Mr Reaney has been chief executive of Craigavon Borough Council since October 1996. Before that he held a number public and private sector management posts.

A keen sportsman, Mr Reaney has also worked extensively with young people through various youth projects and is involved in his local church.

Craigavon Mayor, Ignatius Fox, said he was sad to see the chief executive depart.

“He has made a tremendous contribution to the council over the last seven years and we shall miss him greatly,” Cllr Fox said.

“However, we do understand that people need to fulfil their career aspirations and we are delighted that he has secured such a high profile position. We wish him all the best for the future.”