I QUIT…ACC Alistair Finlay is reitring from the PSNI after nine years

A SENIOR PSNI officer is quitting the force after nine years.

Scots-born Assistant Chief Constable Alistair Finlay is to retire from the PSNI after 33 years in policing, it was announced tonight.

ACC Finlay began his career as a police officer in 1982.

He joined the PSNI in 2006 and has held a number of senior command posts.

ACC Finlay was responsible for co-ordinating the huge policing operation for the G8 summit in July 2013.

He was appointed as interim deputy chief constable last year to fill in after Judith Gillespie left the force.

There has been internal speculation that he was not entirely happy in his new position with responsibility for Human Resources and job cuts due to budget constraints.

On Tuesday night, PSNI Chief Constable George Hamilton said: “On behalf of the PSNI’s Service Executive Team I want to place on record our sincere appreciation for the huge contribution and dedication Alistair Finlay has made to policing in Northern Ireland.

“He has been with the PSNI since 2006 and during his time has held a number of highly challenging roles.”

Policing Board chairman Stuart MacDonnell said: “ACC Finlay has made a significant contribution to policing in Northern Ireland and the board wishes him well for the future.”