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01/05/2002
Commissioner’s report finds police revamp falls short of target
Plans for the reorganisation of Special Branch do not appear to have met targets set out by Patten according to the American Oversight Commissioner Tom Constantine.
Mr Constantine, who is charged with overseeing police reform made the observation in his fourth report published on Wednesday May 1.
In this latest report, Mr Constantine said there had been “outstanding progress” on recruitment and an “excellent start” for the Policing Board.
But he added, police plans to reorganise Special Branch did not live up to the recommendations on Northern Ireland police reform made in 1999 by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten, the Oversight Commissioner said.
However responding to the report the Assistant Chief Constable Sam Kinkaid said the report reflected the situation that existed on 7 January 2002 and did not include recent developments such as the graduation of the first PSNI trainees and the first annual PSNI/An Garda Siochana conference.
The Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Desmond Rea said they welcomed the report’s encouraging comments about the Policing Board’s role. But Mr Rea added the Board, “will also no doubt recognise that there is still much work to do in ensuring the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “The Oversight Commissioner’s report praises the Policing Board for its professionalism and strength. This vindicates the SDLP decision to join the Board and highlights its success. The report also praises the “outstanding progress” of the recruitment programme. This again vindicates the SDLP decision to encourage young nationalists to join the police.”
Meanwhile Sinn Féin have said the report has highlighted the reasons why they have refused to take up their positions on the Policing Board.
“The Special Branch remains ‘a force within a force’ and that is not acceptable,” Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly said.
“The gap between Patten and the current arrangements remain significant. Sinn Féin will continue to pursue the requirements of the Agreement on this issue until they are achieved.”(AMcE)
Mr Constantine, who is charged with overseeing police reform made the observation in his fourth report published on Wednesday May 1.
In this latest report, Mr Constantine said there had been “outstanding progress” on recruitment and an “excellent start” for the Policing Board.
But he added, police plans to reorganise Special Branch did not live up to the recommendations on Northern Ireland police reform made in 1999 by former Hong Kong Governor Chris Patten, the Oversight Commissioner said.
However responding to the report the Assistant Chief Constable Sam Kinkaid said the report reflected the situation that existed on 7 January 2002 and did not include recent developments such as the graduation of the first PSNI trainees and the first annual PSNI/An Garda Siochana conference.
The Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Desmond Rea said they welcomed the report’s encouraging comments about the Policing Board’s role. But Mr Rea added the Board, “will also no doubt recognise that there is still much work to do in ensuring the delivery of an effective and efficient policing service.”
SDLP leader Mark Durkan said: “The Oversight Commissioner’s report praises the Policing Board for its professionalism and strength. This vindicates the SDLP decision to join the Board and highlights its success. The report also praises the “outstanding progress” of the recruitment programme. This again vindicates the SDLP decision to encourage young nationalists to join the police.”
Meanwhile Sinn Féin have said the report has highlighted the reasons why they have refused to take up their positions on the Policing Board.
“The Special Branch remains ‘a force within a force’ and that is not acceptable,” Sinn Féin’s Gerry Kelly said.
“The gap between Patten and the current arrangements remain significant. Sinn Féin will continue to pursue the requirements of the Agreement on this issue until they are achieved.”(AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
