Northern Ireland Office

The manner in which the PSNI has embraced change has earned it respect and recognition by other police forces across the world, Security Minister Paul Goggins MP said today.

The Minister was speaking today following the final publication of the Oversight Commissioners Report which details the progress made on the implementation of the 175 Patten recommendations over the past seven years.

Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson reported that 140 of the Patten recommendations have been implemented in full with a further 16 substantially completed and with the remainder being delivered when policing and justice is devolved to the Northern Ireland Executive.

Paul Goggins said: “The dedication and commitment of all officers and staff within the PSNI has been instrumental in following through the Patten recommendations and in changing the history of policing in Northern Ireland, I would like to pay tribute to all those involved.

“Embracing change and implementing the Patten recommendations has earned the PSNI respect and recognition by other police services throughout the world.

“Today’s report by the Oversight Commissioner underlines the vital part he has played in monitoring the implementation of the Patten recommendations.

“I would like to thank Al Hutchinson and his team of evaluators for their invaluable and personal contribution and for their independent oversight of the progress that has been made.”

Note to Editors

Al Hutchinson replaced Tom Constantine as Oversight Commissioner on January 1 2004. Today’s report is the nineteenth and final by the Oversight Commissioner. The Commission’s term of office came to an end today – 31 May 2007.