Two police officers in Ireland and Northern Ireland have switched forces on temporary placements, it was announced today.
The exchange scheme is part of the policing reform measures that were introduced north of the border and followed the signing of joint protocols last February.
Joe Stewart, head of human resources with the PSNI
The officers have not been named or details of their duties released.
Under the scheme, any officer from the PSNI reporting for duty within the Garda Síochána remains under the control of chief constable Sir Hugh Orde and will not exercise police powers within the Republic.
But if they move into the Republic on secondment, they would wear the uniform of the Garda Síochana and have the same powers as officers in the Republic working under the control of the Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy.
The same rules apply to officers transferring north on exchange placements, which can last for up to a year, and on secondments, which can run for up to three years.
Joe Stewart, head of human resources with the PSNI, said: "Officers within the police service already benefit from an exceptionally close working relationship with their colleagues in An Garda Síochána and this special relationship can only be enhanced by these opportunities.
"We have been working on the development of this scheme for a number of months and I am delighted to see it reach fruition."
PA