Police chiefs in Northern Ireland are under renewed pressure today to complete a radical overhaul of their anti-terrorism unit.
As the new Oversight Commissioner Al Hutchinson took charge of monitoring massive reforms to the force, he warned there would be no let up in checks on Special Branch changes.
Transforming the controversial Special Branch has been at the centre of the Patten blueprint for a new police service in Northern Ireland.
Nationalists and republicans who denounce the unit as an unaccountable force within a force want it scrapped.
But with a restructuring plan now in place, Mr Hutchinson - Mr Hutchinson, a former Royal Canadian Mounted Police chief - spoke of the need to complete the transition smoothly.
"It's important to have a source capable for counter terrorism, but at the same time manage those talents into criminal investigations.
"Particularly some of those issues that plague the people of Northern Ireland, violent crime and organised crime."
Mr Hutchinson has taken over as Oversight Commissioner from ex-New York Police chief Tom Constantine.
As Mr Constantine's chief of staff, he worked closely on the monitoring process, and does not plan to make any major changes before the post ends in May 2005.
By then it is expected that the overwhelming majority of Patten's recommendations will be implemented.
Despite significant achievements to date, Mr Hutchinson echoed his predecessor's view that complete backing for the force could be a huge breakthrough.
So far republicans have refused to endorse the new Police Service of Northern Ireland or recommend it as a career for young Catholics.
But the new commissioner said: "It's important that the entire community sign up to endorsing a policing regime that's acceptable to all the community."
Mr Hutchinson, who will carry out intensive checks during quarterly visits to Northern Ireland, described the job as the biggest challenge of his career.
Part of his focus will be on ensuring the 26 district policing boards provide the level of accountability Patten wanted.
He added: "The oversight team will also focus on issues relating to police personnel and management, and the police service's training infrastructure."
PA