The Commission on the Future of Policing is visiting Belfast on 14 November for discussions with individuals and organisations involved in policing in Northern Ireland.

The Commission was established by the Irish Government in May 2017 to carry out a fundamental review of the role, structures, leadership and management, ethos and culture of policing and existing oversight arrangements in the Republic. 

The Chairperson of the Commission, Kathleen O’Toole said: “This visit is an important part of our consultation. We are meeting people and organisations who have been involved in the transformation of policing in Northern Ireland. We want to understand that transformation process, and its successes and challenges, so that we can learn from their experience.”

Ms O’Toole was a member of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland: “I was honoured to serve on the Patten Commission which delivered a new beginning for policing in Northern Ireland. I want our Commission to have the same transformative impact. We are approaching our work as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to influence the future of policing in Ireland.

“The demands placed on police services in all corners of the world are truly unparalleled in their range and complexity.  These include dealing with drugs and organised crime, rapidly changing societies, and terrorist threats at home and abroad. As well as those global trends, each jurisdiction has its own history and challenges. 

Ms O’Toole concluded: “I know at first hand the work that was done to create a police service in Northern Ireland that would be effective, operate in partnership with the community, cooperate with other police forces and be accountable both to the law and the people it serves.”