The RUC Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, has again stressed that security considerations will influence the implementation of some sections of the Patten proposals for the future of policing in the North.
Responding to a report on his force by the inspector of constabularies, Sir Ronnie said that the security situation, along with the outcome of the dialogue on policing, would influence elements of the commission's proposals.
Sir Ronnie was speaking on Wednesday at a monthly briefing with the Northern Ireland Police Authority. The authority's chairman, Mr Pat Armstrong, said he accepted Sir Ronnie's view.
The inspector's report outlines 11 management recommendations for the RUC, addressing issues of civilianisation, sickness management and financial planning. However, the first section also calls on the force to "without delay, formulate and implement" a programme of organisational change.
This change should be based on the RUC's own Fundamental Review of Policing, the views of the inspector and "most importantly", the Patten Commission report, according to the inspector's recommendation.