The British government yesterday advertised for a Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland. The introduction of the post is an attempt to develop a more independent system of handling complaints against the RUC. The Independent Commission for Police Complaints is to be abolished.
The seven-year post has a salary of between £70,000 and £90,000, or more for an exceptional candidate. The office will have a staff of around 60 and a budget of £3 million. The British Home Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, is to monitor the new scheme with a view to introducing a similar scheme in Britain.
Launching the advertising campaign for the job, the Northern Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam, said: "This is a unique post and will require a person of outstanding ability, but I know we can, and will, find the right person, someone who has leadership skills and who can not only manage the introduction of a new complaints system but can also manage the system itself effectively. We want someone who can command the confidence of both the public and the police in the new system."
Dr Mowlam made a special appeal to women and those from ethnic minorities to consider putting themselves forward. She hoped the appointment will be made by March 1st next year.
The Ombudsman will be empowered to carry out investigations into serious complaints against police officers and to make recommendations on prosecutions to the Director of Prosecutions. He or she will investigate death or serious injury caused by police actions, examine police conduct and intervene in police affairs in the public interest.