Hugh Orde was typically blunt when he said that those who killed almost 2,000 people during the troubles are unlikely to be caught.
And while frankness is preferable to equivocation, there is no doubt this message will cause anger among the many families of victims who have not given up hope of finding justice.
Mr Orde may be presenting a realistic picture in terms of the difficulties of gathering evidence and achieving convictions.
But while there is widespread acceptance that the passage of time means a significant number of murders will remain unsolved, people are entitled to expect that the police will not give up the pursuit of those responsible for the heinous crimes committed during the years of violence.
The chief constable pointed to the possibility of a truth and reconciliation process as one way forward. He believes some type of truth forum is needed, where paramilitaries, victims and security forces can come forward and speak about the past.
This is a difficult and complex issue and
it is unlikely a method of public reconciliation can be found which will satisfy every person bereaved or injured during the past 30 years.
The South African model has been suggested, but there are as many opinions against it as for it.
Nevertheless, there is much that can be learned from post-conflict resolution processes which have taken place across the world.
It is important that this matter is properly debated with input from as wide a range of people as possible.
There needs to be discussion as to the form any such process might take, or even if it should take place at all.
Issues such as time and cost limitations, and compulsion of witnesses to attend, need to be fully explored.
Above all, those who have suffered during the past 30 years must have their views taken into account.
