Map for New Policing in Ulster

To improve policing in turbulent Northern Ireland is no easy undertaking, but that was the task set forth in the Good Friday agreement, achieved in multi-party negotiations in April 1998. The job fell to former Hong Kong Gov. Chris Patten, and he has now released a report with 175 recommendations that could help set the foundation for policing in a time of peace.

These proposals could improve almost any police force, but perhaps not without a radical overhaul of law enforcement and security practices. And that’s precisely what’s called for in Northern Ireland, where the heavy-handed Royal Ulster Constabulary, a largely Protestant force, enforces the law.

Nevertheless, the vast majority in Northern Ireland understands that the population must embrace these proposals or risk what few political gains have been made. Real community policing can take place only if the composition of the police force reflects the community. As Patten has pointed out, “efficiency, acceptability and accountability of the police service” are the paramount requirements. Past inquiries and reports on the constabulary have shown patterns of sharp discrimination against the Roman Catholic minority.

The report calls for a recomposition of the force, making it more inclusive, and addresses other critical issues such as recruitment and training, respect for human rights and transparent accountability. For instance, it recommends changing the look of police stations to make them less fortress-like and more accessible and welcoming to members of the communities they represent. Patten would also require patrolling the streets in police cars, not armored vehicles. Clearly there are risks involved in changing security operations, but these are risks worth taking.

The report’s proposals would also change the name, badge and symbols of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, dubbing it instead the Northern Ireland Police Service.

All of these are smart recommendations and would reflect the outlooks of the various communities. The Patten report is a road map to sensible security.