Northern Ireland's Oversight Commissioner has stated his concern that some issues have yet to be resolved in transforming the police force.
In his final assessment before standing down, Mr Tom Constantine said that he has asked for evidence of progress in several key Patten recommendations without success. The former New York police chief was appointed to monitor reforms to the force in the North four years ago.
He said that while overall progress towards transforming the overwhelmingly Protestant force had been excellent he expressed concern that some issues had yet to be resolved.
Mr Constantine stated his concern over police accountablility and intimidation by republican dissidents but was confident all 175 recommendations in the Patten report would be implemented in time. He said the public's commitment to achieving a fully accountable force would overcome the intimidation.
The Oversight Commissioner also stated his concern at delays in locating and building a new training college to replace the crumbling Garnerville academy in East Belfast.
Although moves to restructure the controversial Special Branch and merge it with CID have still to be finalised, the assessment confirmed police chiefs have now forwarded a detailed plan.
Despite his concerns, Mr Constantine praised those who undertook a daunting transformation of the contentious Royal Ulster Constabulary.
Mr Constantine decided against continuing until the oversight commissioner's role was due to end in May 2005, so he could spend more time with his family.
He will be succeeded by his chief of staff Mr Al Hutchinson, a retired assistant commissioner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Additional reporting PA
