NEW management structures for the RUC are proposed in a British government White Paper published yesterday. But the challenge of achieving consensus on practical reforms of policing in the North is left to the political talks due to start on June 10th.
The White Paper proposes that day to day control of the £600 million sterling RUC budget be transferred to the Chief Constable, giving the Police Authority for Northern Ireland (PANI) the role, chiefly, of setting policy objectives and acting as watchdog.
The paper makes no proposals on the RUC's name, badge, oath or uniform. These considerations were irrelevant to most people the North's Security Minister, Sir John Wheeler, said yesterday. People were interested in quality of service rather than in symbols, he asserted.
Explicit legislation is promised, however, to enforce a requirement for all police officers to act "impartially, without favour or affection, malice or ill will, without regard to status, gender, race, culture and tradition, religious belief, political beliefs or aspirations, and with an understanding of differing views".
Officers will be required to treat all persons "with courtesy, consideration and dignity, recognising the individuality and value of every person."
The main proposals in the White Paper, whose publication has been delayed since last year, concern the overall management of the force, and specifically the tripartite relationship between the Northern Secretary, the Chief Constable, and PANI.
The government proposes to give the Chief Constable control of the RUC budget, but to make him accountable to PANI for implementing policing objectives.
An annual plan with medium term goals or objectives would be at the core of the relationship. The Northern Secretary would set strategic objectives; the Police Authority would add others, including some based on the views of the community, and the Chief Constable, in consultation with PANI, would draw up the strategic plan.
It is admitted, however, that while the Chief Constable would have to have regard to the policing plan, he would not be bound rigidly by it. He will remain free to respond to "changing operational priorities as and when necessary".
The White Paper says: "The Police Authority will be responsible for ensuring that the views of the community are properly represented in the police planning process, by setting objectives. The Police Authority will also hold the Chief Constable to account for the policing service provided to the community and thus be responsible for securing an efficient and effective police service."
The paper claims PANI's role in providing a voice for the community and in holding the Chief Constable to account will be strengthened. It says: "The operational independence of the Chief Constable will be strengthened but this will be balanced against clear and strong accountability mechanisms.
"The Chief Constable will become fully responsible and accountable for the management of police resources. The Secretary of State's role in establishing police strategy and funding for the service will be clarified."
Other than in this general way the White Paper offers no suggestions for overcoming the disaffection of the minority community with both the RUC and the police authority. Neither Sinn Fein nor the SDLP participates in or cooperates with PANI. Sinn Fein demands total disbandment of the RUC; the SDLP wants radical reform of the force.
According to the White Paper, the government has "noted" the outcome of PANI's extensive community consultation. It said the findings generally reflected a lack of political agreement and no consensus to support legislative change on the RUC's name, badge, oath and uniform.
According to the paper: "The government therefore is not minded to propose legislation in these areas, but will reflect on the nature of any political agreements reached in the course of political talks which might impact on these matters."
Other reviews on aspects of policing are in train and will influence the final legislation major review of emergency legislation is under way, a review the police complaints process, and an internal RUC Fundamental Review Of Policing, all of which are due to report by this summer.
In a foreword to the White Paper, the Northern Secretary, Sir Patrick Mayhew, says it proposals for the basis of legislation.
"This legislation would be informed by the forthcoming discussions on policing in all party political negotiations, to take place on an open agenda, and would be shaped to reflect any agreements which emerge.