A NOTE of frustration infused the comments of departing PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde this week when he called on political and community leaders to engage fully in the creation of a more integrated society in Northern Ireland. Intolerance, he said, was embedded in Northern society and there was an over-reliance on the police service to fix it. Racism, paramilitarism and unresolved issues from the Troubles should be addressed and resolved on a much broader, community basis, he told our northern news editor Dan Keenan.
Seven years as head of the PSNI has given Sir Hugh a unique position from which to consider the successes and disappointments of the peace process. A power-sharing Executive is in place. The Provisional IRA has disarmed and loyalist paramilitary organisations are following suit. Representatives from Sinn Féin participate on policing boards. And there is broad community support for the PSNI. But policing and justice powers have yet to be devolved to Stormont. And while that exercise will not resolve the problems alluded to by the chief constable, it will offer politicians and administrators an opportunity to build greater community trust through the integration of law enforcement and other public services.
An internal PSNI document, drawn up by senior officers, anticipates that terrorism will remain a threat for some years. Equally worrying is a suggestion that less than half of all crimes are being reported to police because the public believe they cannot achieve anything. Concern is also expressed that too much police time is being spent on paperwork, when officers should be out in the community investigating crime. Visible policing, particularly on foot, has always been the most effective way of promoting law and order. In spite of such concerns, significant progress has been made. The PSNI now attracts broad community support. It is increasingly reflective of the community it serves. And the level of crime has fallen.
Understandable unease exists in some quarters concerning the transfer of policing and justice powers from Westminster. And the PSNI is not immune. Senior officers worry about how a tripartite relationship between the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the department of justice will operate in practice and how it will affect their work. Change is always difficult. But acceptance of responsibility for domestic affairs, particularly in matters of law and order, represents a vital step towards normality and a sharing of values in Northern Ireland.
A dangerous stage has been reached. Peace and normality, although not finally secured, are being taken for granted. Dissident republicans have become more active in their attempts to re-ignite sectarian conflict. In loyalist communities, racial hatred has led to attacks on foreign nationals.
The PSNI has a duty to protect all vulnerable groups. But local politicians and civic leaders hold prime position. To protect gains already made, they must become more active in promoting a culture of tolerance and an acceptance of diversity.