other countries’ experience

FORCE SIZE: 7,200 police officers.

Population 1.8 million.

OFFICERS across the water faced greater challenges than mere restructuring when they created the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

The road started with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and many officers chose to retire rather than be part of an organisation which was no longer known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary after 2000.

In an effort to create a respectable image in the eyes of all residents, the PSNI tried to recruit 50 per cent of trainees from each of Catholic and non-Catholic backgrounds, as well opening itself to extensive scrutiny.

ACC Alistair Finlay, of the PSNI, said: “Internal and external oversight became a burgeoning business.

“The focus was on measuring, not delivering.”