Frances Fitzgerald T.D. – Policing in Northern Ireland: Delivering the New Beginning?
Channel: IIEA
Date: 05/03/2015

About the Speech:

Policing in Northern Ireland: Delivering the New Beginning?, a new book by Desmond Rea and Robin Masefield, will be launched by the Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald T.D. The launch will be followed by a discussion on policing involving the two expert authors. 
 
In 1999, the Independent Commission On Policing For Northern Ireland, headed by Lord Patten, concluded that ‘A new beginning for democratic accountability is key to a new beginning for policing and to involving the community as a whole in the delivery of policing.’ This book deals with that new beginning, reflecting on the changes that have taken place in policing in Northern Ireland, particularly in the area of accountability. It offers lessons and contemporary insights for law enforcement officers, accountability bodies and academics worldwide, in areas such as the need for a police service’s composition to reflect the community that it serves; promoting public confidence in policing and policing with the community; upholding human rights in the context of policing civil unrest and terrorism; holding a police service to account while providing the support it requires; and dealing with the legacy of inter-communal violence. 
 
About the Speaker:
 
The book will be launched by Frances Fitzgerald T.D., Minister for Justice and Equality since
May 2014. 
 
The subsequent discussion will feature the book’s co-authors:
 
Professor Sir Desmond Rea was Chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board’s Chairman for seven and a half years, from its establishment in 2001.
 
Robin Masefield headed the British Government’s team implementing the recommendations of the Independent Commission.