DUP demands retention of PSNI reserve

The DUP is understood to be demanding the retention of a full-time police reserve as a prerequisite for the devolution of criminal justice powers to Stormont.

The disbandment of the reserve was part of the Patten proposals on police reform that formed a key part of the peace process.

The move is supported by PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde, who says the reserve force should be phased out before March 2011

However, the DUP is understood to be arguing that, because Mr Orde is about to be replaced, the final decision should be up to his successor.