07/06/2005

Hain acknowledges 'vital' role of Police Oversight Commissioner

Secretary of State Peter Hain has described the role of Police Oversight Commissioner, Al Hutchinson, as vital “in monitoring the remarkable pace of change in policing envisaged by Patten”.

Speaking following a meeting in Belfast with the Police Oversight Commissioner and the Security Minister, Shaun Woodward, Peter Hain said he believed the Commissioner plays a vital independent role in monitoring the implementation of the Patten recommendations.

“There has been remarkable progress in policing with community policing delivering the results across Northern Ireland,” Mr Hain said. “Through the Policing Board, the work of the Police Ombudsman and District Policing Partnerships, policing in Northern Ireland has accountability arrangements second to none.

“I am confident that all the desired changes in policing will be fully met within this decade as predicted by Patten.”

Mr Hain said he and fellow Minister Shaun Woodward found the meeting “extremely useful” and was glad to be able to express to the Commissioner their gratitude for the “contribution, expertise and dedication that he and his office bring to the vitally important oversight of policing here”.

(MB/SP)

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