The transformation to policing in Northern Ireland in recent years has been "remarkable", according to a report published today.
In his latest assessment, Policing Oversight Commissioner Mr Al Hutchinson, who monitors reforms
The first recruits of the PSNI at the parade ground at Garnavellie police station in Belfast
recommended in the Patten Report, said although no meaningful organisational change was simple "the deep change that the police service will undergo is beginning to take root".
"Police reform of such magnitude did not occur in a vacuum but in an environment of real people with genuine concerns and expectations," he said.
The former top Canadian police officer said given a social backdrop devoid of full community and political support, as well as the absence of a functioning assembly, "the progress that has been made to date is therefore all the more remarkable".
Policing Oversight Commissioner Mr Al Hutchinson on police reforms in NI
In clear reference to Sinn Féin's refusal to play its part in supporting policing, he said the Policing Board and District Policing Partnerships were still not able to benefit from the full range of political representation necessary for true accountability and effectiveness.
Equally, full community support had also been withheld from a range of other difficult issues, including 50:50 Catholic-Protestant recruitment.
All the difficulties represented a significant barrier to effectiveness, he said.
Mr Hutchinson said: "Those who resist or deny change should understand that the absence of full community support will only impede the necessary reforms, which in turn will only benefit the criminal activities of a few."
The Policing Board and the Ombudsman had also diligently performed their roles and been "pivotal in supporting change and as important institutions of governance and accountability," he said.
The Policing Board today published its annual report assessing police performance in the year to the end of March 2004.
Board chairman Professor Desmond Rea said during the year the police recorded reductions in vehicle crime and domestic burglary - overall figures showed there were 14,500 fewer victims of crime.
PA