Following news on her decision to retire in March 2014, the Secretary of State has thanked Deputy Chief Constable Judith Gillespie for her service both to policing and to the public. She said:

During her distinguished career, Judith has offered leadership to both the PSNI, RUC and the wider community. Her commitment to public service has been rightly recognised both by her colleagues and the community across Northern Ireland. I wish her well for the future.