Agreement reached on devolution of policing and justice powers

Northern Ireland’s biggest parties, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Fein, have reached an agreement that could see policing powers devolved by April 12.

After ten days of discussion, an agreement was reached late last Thursday (February 4). A cross-community vote on devolving the powers will take place on March 9.

The agreement states: “We believe that the independence of the judiciary is essential in a democratic society which supports the rule of law.”

It adds public confidence requires that judicial decisions are taken in a fair, impartial, objective and consistent manner.

The devolved policing arrangements mean the chief constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will be operationally responsible for directing and controlling the police. The PSNI will have operational responsibility for policing, and for implementing the policies and objectives set by the Department of Justice and the Northern Ireland Policing Board (NIPB).

PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott said: “I welcome the agreement to devolve responsibility for policing and justice as this now provides the PSNI with the certainty required to plan for the future.

“I also welcome the security of the devolution financial package offered by the Prime Minister last autumn. This will better enable us to move forward with personal, professional and protective policing, while also funding a number of legacy issues such as hearing loss claims.

“I want to place on record again my commitment to continue to work closely with the NIPB and my recognition of the importance of its accountability role in the overall delivery of an effective police service in Northern Ireland.

“I do believe that devolution is a step to a safer, secure, more peaceful Northern Ireland and look forward to working with the new minister and the department of justice in due course.”

Chairman of the NIPB, Barry Gilligan, said: “The agreement reached on the transfer of policing and justice powers marks another historic milestone for policing and for politics; and devolution day itself on April 12, 2010 will be another defining moment in Northern Ireland’s recent history.

“The Board and the PSNI are ready for devolution and look forward to building on the substantial progress made in policing in recent years. Central to all of this is ensuring the delivery of a first class policing service to the people and further building public confidence.

“While the Board’s oversight role and powers will remain unchanged following devolution, the working relationship that develops between the Board, the Minister for Justice and the Statutory Committee will be of critical importance. It is also imperative to ensure the protection of the chief constable’s day-to-day operational independence.

“Of course, with democratic accountability also comes responsibility. Over the last number of years the Board has worked diligently to ensure the successful delivery of independent policing oversight and the delivery of a major policing reform programme. While this work will continue, devolution will undoubtedly bring some new challenges and opportunities for policing, and in working with the wider criminal justice sector the Board looks forward to playing a full role in ensuring the success of the new devolved arrangements.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: “This momentous journey from division to dialogue, from conflict to cooperation, could be successfully brought to a conclusion only when Northern Ireland’s parties agreed to complete the devolution of policing and justice.

“We are closing the last chapter of a long and troubled story and opening a new chapter for Northern Ireland.

“Let it be said of times to come that after decades of violence, years of talks, weeks of stalemate, this is the day we have secured the future. A lasting peace. Power being where it should be, in the hands of the people of Northern Ireland. The strongest answer to those who w