LESSONS LEARNED ON ALL SIDES IN WAKE OF BOMB REPORTS ROW, SAYS POLICE BOARD
Lessons learned on all sides in wake of bomb reports' row, says Police Board
LESSONS have been learned on all sides following the row between the Chief Constable and Police Ombudsman over the Omagh bombing investigation, the Police Board has said.
After two days of discussions, the Police Board issued a report and series of recommendations, which, it said, had the unanimous support of all members.
Keys aspects of the Board's discussions include the appointment of a senior police officer from outside Northern Ireland to have an overview of the investigation. Overall command will remain with the PSNI. And the Board has asked for a review of the role of Special Branch within the PSNI.
Political reaction to the Board's decisions was, predictably, mixed. During the discussions political appointees to the Board appeared to be dividing along party lines, and, indeed, afterwards both unionist and nationalist politicians were claiming their positions had been vindicated.
The Board said it was difficult to begin to comprehend the immense suffering inflicted by the Omagh bombing, which it described as an "act of
depravity". What was understandable was the pain, anger and frustrations of those who have had to cope and come to terms with the aftermath.
The Board also acknowledged that the report of the Police Ombudsman, followed by the report of the PSNI and the widespread media coverage, had undoubtedly exacerbated the feelings of all who have been affected by what was one of the worst terrorist incidents since the start of the Troubles.
As a result of the discussions between the Board, the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, it was recognised by all that, on the basis of the information available, the Omagh bombing could not have been prevented.
Little comfort
Noted the Board: "This, however, can be of little comfort to all those who have been affected".
Giving their recommendations, members of the Board said they believed that continuity in the investigation was essential, but to satisfy itself and wider opinions that all the lessons had been learnt, the Board had decided to appoint a Deputy Chief Constable, or Assistant Chief Constable, from another police force to oversee the investigation.
The appointee would not have overall operational control, but would have an overview of all matters.
The role of the senior officer would be:
-To critically examine the resources and skill levels needed to conclude the investigation
-To undertake a quality assurance role on the content of the bomb review report
-To monitor progress, including implementation of the review report
-To enhance working practices between the PSNI and Garda Siochana
-To identify obstacles in the way of progress
-To report to the Policing Board at agreed intervals.
The Board said the appointee would have regular contact with the senior investigating officer, and the officer appointed by the PSNI to liaise in the investigation.
Full co-operation
The Chief Constable, the Board said, should give the appointee full cooperation, as well as access to members of the PSNI and all information.
The Board went on to accept that operational command of the investigation would remain in the hands of a senior PSNI officer.
In addition, the external officer appointed by the PSNI from another police service would have responsibility for:
-Scrutinising the current enquiry and the Omagh bomb review report to ensure that all opportunities to gather information are maximised and
all recommendations fully addressed.
-Exploring any outstanding lines of enquiry into potentially linked incidents identified in the bomb review report.
-Determining the relevance of the investigative opportunities presented in connection with similar incidents in 1998.
-Making decisions as to whether or not any such offences should be investigated separately or absorbed into the ongoing investigation.
-Determining whether or not the appointment of another officer to investigate these incidents is appropriate.
Identifying any obstacles to progress.
The Board has insisted that the PSNI senior investigating officer and the external senior officer will have equal status, with neither subordinate to the other.
"The Board believes that since unique circumstances demand unique solutions, these arrangements satisfy the joint requirements for continuity in the investigation, whilst injecting crucial independent elements," a statement said.
The Board has set up a committee to monitor all follow-up action, and has undertaken to keep Omagh families appraised of progress.
Lessons had been learned on all sides, the Board said, and it believes these will enhance the professionalism and service of all officers in the PSNI.
Deep regret
A statement added: "It remains the Board's deep regret that there are those within our society who have the will to shatter ordinary people's lives through such mindless acts of terrorism. We should never forget the human loss and suffering that has been endured by so many as the result of such acts."
The Board has asked the PSNI to request a full review of terrorist liked murder inquiries by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies., and has adopted the Association of Chief Police Officers policy.
Crucially, the Board accepted there was a need for Special Branch to enable the police to have the capability to counter terrorist threats.
It has, though, said confidence in the process of disseminating information would be enhanced by a review of current structures, and has requested HMIC to carry out a focused review into Special Branch.
LESSONS have been learned on all sides following the row between the Chief Constable and Police Ombudsman over the Omagh bombing investigation, the Police Board has said.
After two days of discussions, the Police Board issued a report and series of recommendations, which, it said, had the unanimous support of all members.
Keys aspects of the Board's discussions include the appointment of a senior police officer from outside Northern Ireland to have an overview of the investigation. Overall command will remain with the PSNI. And the Board has asked for a review of the role of Special Branch within the PSNI.
Political reaction to the Board's decisions was, predictably, mixed. During the discussions political appointees to the Board appeared to be dividing along party lines, and, indeed, afterwards both unionist and nationalist politicians were claiming their positions had been vindicated.
The Board said it was difficult to begin to comprehend the immense suffering inflicted by the Omagh bombing, which it described as an "act of
depravity". What was understandable was the pain, anger and frustrations of those who have had to cope and come to terms with the aftermath.
The Board also acknowledged that the report of the Police Ombudsman, followed by the report of the PSNI and the widespread media coverage, had undoubtedly exacerbated the feelings of all who have been affected by what was one of the worst terrorist incidents since the start of the Troubles.
As a result of the discussions between the Board, the Police Ombudsman and the Chief Constable, it was recognised by all that, on the basis of the information available, the Omagh bombing could not have been prevented.
Little comfort
Noted the Board: "This, however, can be of little comfort to all those who have been affected".
Giving their recommendations, members of the Board said they believed that continuity in the investigation was essential, but to satisfy itself and wider opinions that all the lessons had been learnt, the Board had decided to appoint a Deputy Chief Constable, or Assistant Chief Constable, from another police force to oversee the investigation.
The appointee would not have overall operational control, but would have an overview of all matters.
The role of the senior officer would be:
-To critically examine the resources and skill levels needed to conclude the investigation
-To undertake a quality assurance role on the content of the bomb review report
-To monitor progress, including implementation of the review report
-To enhance working practices between the PSNI and Garda Siochana
-To identify obstacles in the way of progress
-To report to the Policing Board at agreed intervals.
The Board said the appointee would have regular contact with the senior investigating officer, and the officer appointed by the PSNI to liaise in the investigation.
Full co-operation
The Chief Constable, the Board said, should give the appointee full cooperation, as well as access to members of the PSNI and all information.
The Board went on to accept that operational command of the investigation would remain in the hands of a senior PSNI officer.
In addition, the external officer appointed by the PSNI from another police service would have responsibility for:
-Scrutinising the current enquiry and the Omagh bomb review report to ensure that all opportunities to gather information are maximised and
all recommendations fully addressed.
-Exploring any outstanding lines of enquiry into potentially linked incidents identified in the bomb review report.
-Determining the relevance of the investigative opportunities presented in connection with similar incidents in 1998.
-Making decisions as to whether or not any such offences should be investigated separately or absorbed into the ongoing investigation.
-Determining whether or not the appointment of another officer to investigate these incidents is appropriate.
Identifying any obstacles to progress.
The Board has insisted that the PSNI senior investigating officer and the external senior officer will have equal status, with neither subordinate to the other.
"The Board believes that since unique circumstances demand unique solutions, these arrangements satisfy the joint requirements for continuity in the investigation, whilst injecting crucial independent elements," a statement said.
The Board has set up a committee to monitor all follow-up action, and has undertaken to keep Omagh families appraised of progress.
Lessons had been learned on all sides, the Board said, and it believes these will enhance the professionalism and service of all officers in the PSNI.
Deep regret
A statement added: "It remains the Board's deep regret that there are those within our society who have the will to shatter ordinary people's lives through such mindless acts of terrorism. We should never forget the human loss and suffering that has been endured by so many as the result of such acts."
The Board has asked the PSNI to request a full review of terrorist liked murder inquiries by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularies., and has adopted the Association of Chief Police Officers policy.
Crucially, the Board accepted there was a need for Special Branch to enable the police to have the capability to counter terrorist threats.
It has, though, said confidence in the process of disseminating information would be enhanced by a review of current structures, and has requested HMIC to carry out a focused review into Special Branch.
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1015
Published Date: 14-Feb-02
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