10/10/2005

PSNI and An Garda Síochána trade officers

Two police officers from the PSNI and An Garda Síochána have switched forces in the first ever temporary placement between the two services.

The exchange scheme, aimed at enhancing the close working relationship enjoyed by the two forces, represents another step forward in the implementation of recommendations contained in the Patten Report, a joint statement said.

Senior Director of Human Resources with the PSNI Joe Stewart said officers within the PSNI had already benefit from an "exceptionally close working relationship" with their southern colleagues.

"We have been working on the development of this scheme for a number of months and I am delighted to see it reach fruition," he added.

Details of the initiative were announced back in February when PSNI Chief Constable Hugh Orde and An Garda Síochána, Commissioner Noel Conroy signed joint protocols at Hillsborough Castle in the presence of the former Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Paul Murphy and Irish Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

The framework for the setting down of joint protocols was established on 29 April 2002 when the British and Irish Governments signed the Intergovernmental Agreement on Policing Co-operation.

(MB/SP)

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