Sir, - The most important problem in Northern Ireland for many years has been the provision of an acceptable and impartial police force. The RUC is largely acceptable in nationalist areas in matters that do not come under special powers' and emergency laws. This is despite the fact that there are many skeletons in their cupboard.
There is pressure on the Catholic community to reject the RUC completely, including intimidation of communities by the Provos. Attempts (unsuccessful) are made to influence governing bodies of Catholic schools not to allow the RUC to talk about drugs (the Drug Squad is very good), traffic, child abuse and welfare matters.
Leaving aside the political structures of the force as a matter for future political consideration, there are some signals of reform which should give confidence to the Catholic community that fair and even handed treatment is intended. I know the good intentions of the Chief Constable and Mr Ronnie Flanagan, but it is all too slow and recent events have created urgency. I put these suggestions forward over 12 months ago.
First, a double name Royal Ulster Constabulary the Northern Ireland Police Service. These two names are already in use, and many newspapers, regiments of the British Army, political parties, and even the IRA, have two titles.
Close the notorious interrogation centres. Remove the steel and wire fences on all RUC stations.
Cease to recruit members of the Orange and Masonic Orders and create an RUC register of interests (membership of these orders) available to the public.
The RUC should not allow or escort Orange marches through Catholic areas where they are unwelcome. There are too many marches.
Release a large number of prisoners to make up for the fact that no RUC person has served a day, in jail since 1968 for killing persons with lead or plastic bullets while on duty, or for ill treating persons arrested under emergency legislation.
Suspend emergency laws. For 75 years, Catholics were ill treated in a bigoted sectarian fashion under these laws.
Disarm the police to a large extent.
Confine the Special Branch to diplomatic duties.
Curb severely the atrocities and behaviour of the DMSU (riot police).
Add a month or two to the training period directed to the study of Irish history, the Catholic religion (or Protestant for Catholic recruits), the different style of life and traditions of both sides of the community. This would prevent much bad mannered behaviour and one sided activity.
These signals would indicate to the Catholic community that change is on the way, that their interests and point of view are being taken into account in an even handed way. None of these changes would ruffle the Protestant people, who hold the RUC in high esteem. Neither would these changes annoy the 300 RUC men's families who lost their husbands or sons in the Troubles," and whose feelings must be considered. - Yours, etc.,
St Patrick's Academy,
Dungannon.
Co Tyrone.