Soon-to-retire police officers are being asked to defer their final day in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief constable Simon Byrne said the service has written to a number of officers who were due to hang up their uniforms for good on the summer.
But, ultimately, he said the decision is theirs.
The PSNI boss explained: “Following a retirement survey undertaken in October to assist PSNI with succession planning, a number of individuals were identified who would be eligible for retirement in summer 2020.
“In light of the unprecedented societal challenges posed by the global pandemic Covid-19, PSNI has written to those individuals to ask that they consider staying on for a period to help provide essential policing services during this worldwide emergency to keep our communities safe.
“These officers have a wealth of experience and have made invaluable contributions to policing throughout their careers and the Service could only benefit by retaining their expertise, however the decision of each individual officer will be respected and no one will be compelled to defer their retirement if they do not wish to do so.”
The PSNI has posted officers at tourist spots across Northern Ireland following public concerns about citizens flocking to beaches, parks and forests last week.
They have been given additional powers to enforce Public Health guidance to stay home unless it is “absolutely essential”.
People should not be driving long distances for daily exercise, but they can travel for work.
You can also leaves home for supplies, medicine, to provide care, donate blood or attend the funeral of a close family member.
