The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) came into being last November to replace the RUC, as recommended by Mr Chris Patten. Mr Patten chaired a comprehensive review of policing needs in Northern Ireland.
The new service, under the leadership of Chief Constable Mr Hugh Orde who replaced Sir Ronnie Flanagan in September, is to be radically different from its predecessor.
Recruitment now takes place on a strict 50:50 Protestant/ Catholic basis in an effort to correct the significant religious imbalance inherited from the RUC. Officers wear redesigned uniforms complete with a new crest. Training for recruits is given an emphasis on equality and human rights.
The service is run and held to account by a newly created Policing Board. Monitoring is provided by a Police Ombudsman and by an Oversight Commissioner. The service is also subject to reviews by other agencies, such as Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary.
The Policing Board comprises 19 members, including independent members and those nominated by the North's political parties. Representation is decided by the level of popular party support.
Sinn Féin boycotts the board, unhappy at the legislative foundation supplied by the former Northern secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson. Yesterday's draft legislative amendments are an attempt to address these issues.
Other ongoing changes relate to the operation of Special Branch which handles intelligence-gathering and sharing, and which Patten referred to as a "force within a force". New proposals centre on the role of the intelligence wing and relationships with other aspects of the service.
The Police Ombudsman, Mrs Nuala O'Loan, has a substantial force of detectives drawn from around the world and has the power to investigate complaints against police officers. She is also empowered to launch inquiries, as was the case with the Omagh bombing investigation.
The Oversight Commissioner, Mr Tom Constantine, reviews progress on implementation of the Patten proposals.