USI AND THE British based National Union of Students are cohosting a Belfast conference on "Policing a Divided Society" this month.

The conference, part of the two unions' community relations programme, will address issues including contentious parades, complaint procedures and RUC reforms. Presentations will be made by relevant authorities and local political parties; the conference will also frame proposals dealing with drug abuse, security and safety on campus.

"We have a number of big training conferences each year, but this is a specific information event," says Peter O'Neill, manager of the NUS/USI, Northern Ireland Student Centre. "With the release of the Hayes and North reports, it is an opportune time to address students' attitudes to the proposed changes to policing here and to encourage them to look at the political process."

O'Neill says the issue has resonance beyond the border - campus policing, for example affects all students; in that light, students from the Republic and Britain are being encouraged to attend.

The conference runs from February 14th to 16th at the Balmoral Centre, Belfast. The cost of attendance is £10, which covers food and documentation. The NI Student Centre will help students find accommodation. All enquiries to (08) (01 232) 244641 or to local students' unions.