The chairman of the North's Police Authority, Mr Pat Armstrong, has accused the British government of failing to provide enough money to deliver ordinary policing services.
With 29 district command units due to start operating on April 1st as part of the new policing arrangements proposed in the Patten Report, Mr Armstrong wants additional financial aid to strengthen organisational effectiveness.
In a speech to be delivered today, Mr Armstrong says: "We strongly believe that in tackling this immense task the police need the backing of adequate resources. Unfortunately, we do not feel that government is doing all that it could in this area.
"Although extra money has been made available to deal with projects arising from the Patten reforms, not enough money is being provided to deliver ordinary policing services. That situation must be rectified and soon."
He says an estimated shortfall of around £20 million in the budget for next year would make it difficult to satisfy community expectations.
Today Mr Armstrong launches the Authority's policing plan for 200l-02, produced in conjunction with the RUC. He pledges that tackling racketeers will be among the main targets.
The plan contains nine objectives and 21 performance targets.
The first 150 recruits to the new police force are due to begin training in September and begin duty next spring.
Mr Armstrong calls on all sides to back the service and end the uncertainty over future policing. "While some may feel that certain issues remain to be resolved, I would encourage signs of good faith and trust from everyone involved."
In a foreword to the policing plan the Chief Constable, Sir Ronnie Flanagan, says the danger of paramilitary violence remains, yet police simultaneously face the challenge of effectively managing a monumental programme of change which would continue for some time.
But despite the difficulties, he writes, the force would strive to meet the demands and provide a professional service with a performance delivered within a philosophy of continuous improvement.
"The goal for us all is a society where we can all live together in peace, free from crime. To achieve this we need everyone's support. We must build upon the co-operation we have from all sections of the community, using as our foundation stones the working partnerships that already exist.
"If we have this support then we can all face the challenges of the year ahead and move to make our society a safer, more peaceful and just place for everyone to live."