THE long awaited British government White Paper on policing in Northern Ireland is published today. It is expected to propose a reshuffling of responsibility at top level for substantial aspects of RUC operations.
The discussion document is also expected to suggest new guidelines aimed at ensuring, impartial and even handed, policing and locally based, costed and performance related policing plans similar to arrangements introduced in England and Wales.
The White Paper should be followed by legislation, in the form of a new Northern Ireland Police Order, after consultation, and submissions.
Most interest will centre on whether the White Paper proposes to change the arrangements for accountability of the police. It is expected to redefine the relationships between the Chief Constable, the Police Authority for Northern Ireland (PANI) and the Northern Secretary.