The new uniform for the new Police Service of Northern Ireland is unveiled.
A new uniform for the Police Service of Northern Ireland is launched as part of a policing reform.
This is the new image for the police service in the North which replace the RUC.
Five different uniforms were unveiled including formal wear, rural patrol and public disorder. Members of the police force will wear name badges and not numbers. The first new recruits will graduate next week when the public will get the first look of the new uniforms.
The Policing Board Chairman Professor Desmond Rea said that the new uniform was a symbol of a new beginning in policing in Northern Ireland. However, the Police Federation, representing rank and file members has expressed reservations about the inclusion of name badges as part of the uniform.
Alan McQuillan, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable, hopes the Garda commissioner Pat Byrne would be able to attend next week's graduation for new recruits. However, some unionists object to him playing any role in the ceremony.
We have been working very closely with An Garda Síochána for many many years.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 27 March 2002. The reporter is Michael Fisher.
