Money not stress solution - Orde

Hugh Orde says proper treatment is the answer for officers suffering stress

Money is not the solution to stress suffered by police officers, Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde has said.

About 5,000 former and serving officers started legal action on Monday over trauma they say they suffered during the troubles.

Tens of millions of pounds in compensation could be paid out by the government if their case is successful.

"Money may not be the solution, the solution is to make sure these people are properly treated," Sir Hugh said.

Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Nolan Show, he said the PSNI's "occupational health system, is without doubt the best in the United Kingdom, because we still have officers we ask to face extreme dangers".

He said the action was being taken against an organisation which has "moved on".

About 2,000 serving officers are among those taking the case.

The claimants say the police service failed to diagnose or treat post-traumatic stress disorder.

The chief constable said if officers were suffering from stress to the extent where they should not be on the streets then they would not be.

He dismissed suggestions that the 2,000 serving officers taking part in the case were "compromised".

"Officers are delivering, are reducing crime and if a fifth of them were not team players that would not be the case," Sir Hugh said.