SDLP delegation discuss policing with RUC Chief Constable

An SDLP delegation has met with RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan to discuss policing issues facing the province’s new Police Service.

Following the meeting with the Chief Constable on Tuesday August 28, SDLP Chairman Alex Attwood said he would welcome a debate with Sinn Fein on the issue of policing: “The SDLP has opened up a front within parliament, within the community, and internationally to ensue that Patten was, in spirit and in substance, reflected in the law and practice. We have now opened up a ‘fourth front’ in the Policing Board we are hitting the ground running while others are beginning to stumble.”

Issues raised on the future of policing in Northern Ireland under the proposals announced two weeks ago by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid included:

• A code of ethics for police officers



• Officers declaring affiliation to secret societies



• The tenure policing in Special Branch



• The adoption of neutral policing policies



• Training and education strategies



• Withdrawal of plastic bullets



• The entry of Gardai officers



• The new police college

It is understood that during the meeting with the Chief Constable the delegation also raised concerns about Loyalist ceasefires.

Speaking before the meeting SDLP Assembly Member for East Derry John Dallat said the SDLP had met with the Chief Constable four weeks ago about the validity of the UDA/UFF ceasefires. He said that the SDLP would again stress to the Chief Constable that in at least three of the six loyalist paramilitary command areas the ceasefire was “not being honoured”.

The SDLP delegation sought assurances that UDA/UFF commanders would be “held accountable” for the actions of its members released on licence and that any breach of licence conditions would be taken into account. (SP)