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Police Federation calls on Chief Constable withdraw ‘offensive’ tweet

The Police Federation for Northern Ireland (PFNI) has called on Chief Constable George Hamilton to withdraw comments he has made on social media about pressures facing police officers.

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'Twitter spat officer' accepts Chief Constable's apology

Credit: Twitter/PSNI

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A Twitter user, who says he is a serving police officer of some 12 years standing, has accepted the apology made by Chief Constable George Hamilton, saying it takes "a big man to come out and apologise".

However, he believes other officers on the ground may not think he has gone far enough.

Mr Hamilton received criticism for suggesting on social media that officers overwhelmed by the job should "dry your eyes" or "move on".

The Police Federation accused Mr Hamilton of being “out of touch” with officers who endure “monstrous” pressures and called on him to withdraw the comments.

Mr Hamilton responded by posting a video in which he apologised.

Speaking to UTV's Jane Loughrey, the man said he fully supports the Chief Constable and is in no way calling for his resignation.

But he believes that having not served 'on the beat' for many years, Mr Hamilton may not fully understand the pressure policemen and women face.

The anonymous officer said he loved his job and intended to continue in the force "for many years".

But he said there were simply not enough officers on the ground and that was causing undue stress

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