The RUC Chief Constable has said he hopes to merge the force's Special Branch with its CID as soon as April next year, writes Paul Tanney, in Belfast.
Speaking on the BBC, Sir Ronnie Flanagan said he hoped to fully implement all aspects of police reform, including amalgamating the 800-strong unit, but reiterated the Patten report's caveat that such change would only be made "if the prevailing situation allows".
