SENIOR PSNI officer Mark Hamilton has been appointed as the new Deputy Chief Constable.
Mr Hamilton, who joined the RUC in 1994, has served as Assistant Chief Constable since July 2013.
His appointment was approved by justice minister Naomi Long yesterday after the Policing Board backed the choice of its appointment panel on Thursday.
Mr Hamilton was one of four candidates, including Assistant Chief Constable Barbara Gray, who were shortlisted for the post.
However, Stephen Martin, who was appointed temporary Deputy Chief Constable in 2018, did not make the shortlist.
Mr Martin, who retired earlier this week, has said he has "taken legal advice" over not being shortlisted for the £168,582-a-year post.
Ulster Unionist MLA Alan Chambers later withdrew from the panel to appoint a new deputy, saying he was concerned by "some aspects of the recruitment process".
Policing Board Chair Professor Anne Connolly said yesterday Mr Hamilton had been appointed as the new deputy "following a rigorous, fair and lawful selection process".
"ACC Hamilton, who is currently responsible for District Policing Command in the PSNI, brings wide ranging experience to the role, having served in a range of posts during his 25 year career in policing," she said.
"We are looking forward to working with Mark and wish him well in this key position of support to the Chief Constable."
The board said a report from an independent advisor on the appointment process will be published.
