PSNI Appoints Bobby Singleton as Deputy Chief Constable

Bobby Singleton has been named the new deputy chief constable for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). This appointment received ratification from the Policing Board and approval from Justice Minister Naomi Long. Mr. Singleton was part of the initial group of recruits to join the PSNI following its establishment in November 2001. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher expressed his pleasure in welcoming him to this position. Chief Constable Boutcher stated, “Bobby is dedicated to policing in Northern Ireland and he brings a wealth of knowledge, skill, leadership and experience to the job.” He further added, “Like myself, I know that Bobby truly understands the importance and responsibility that comes with this role and what a privilege it is to be a part of this organisation.” Mukesh Sharma, who chairs the Policing Board, conveyed that the board “look forward to working with him in this key position of support to the chief constable.” Sharma also noted, “The appointment process was progressed on the key principles of merit, fairness, openness and transparency.” Throughout the past 23 years, Mr. Singleton has occupied diverse positions within the PSNI, such as overseeing the provision of community policing services in Belfast. Between April 2016 and May 2019, while serving as a detective superintendent, he acted as the service’s principal officer for drugs, organized crime, and the recently formed paramilitary crime task force. In May 2019, he received an appointment as the head of the PSNI’s legacy investigation branch. Subsequently, in December 2021, he was named assistant chief constable.