The reputation for independent investigation by the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's office has spread so far that it has been asked to give advice on a probe into the actions of police officers in Los Angeles during a riot, it was revealed today.
The LAPD Commission — the civilian body which oversees police in the US city — contacted Ombudsman Nuala O'Loan's senior director of investigations, Justin Felice, after the city police chief publicly acknowledged "inappropriate behaviour" by some of his officers during the May Day rally.
Ms O'Loan said she was more than happy for her officers to advise the commission.
"I am please that the police complaints system we have developed here in Northern Ireland has such an international reputation that people are looking to us," she said.
More than 250 baton rounds were fired by the LAPD when immigrants from the Hispanic community rioted at a workers rights' rally.
Police in riot gear moved in after people began throwing bottles and rocks at LAPD lines.
The riots and much of the police reaction to them was captured on television — 24 people including 10 journalists were injured.
Amid accusation that the LAPD went over the top, community leaders in Los Angles have called on the police to release copies of all documentation they hold on the event in order to prevent what they fear could be a cover-up.
The LAPD Commission contacted Mr Felice for advice because they had seen a presentation he had given on rioting in the Whiterock area of Belfast in 2005 and the issues it raised for policing and realised there were similarities, particularly given the large number of baton rounds fired.
Mr Felice said one of the main concerns of the LA Police Commission was whether their investigation into events would stand up to the scrutiny of the diverse community in the city.
PA