[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (1999, Book II)]
[September 9, 1999]
[Page 1517]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Recommendations of the Patten 
Commission
September 9, 1999

    I welcome the unanimous recommendations of the Independent 
Commission on Policing (the Patten Commission), which represent an 
important outcome of the Good Friday agreement. While it is up to the 
people of Northern Ireland to address the specific proposals, I strongly 
endorse the report's guiding objective: to take politics out of policing 
in Northern Ireland. The benchmarks identified--effectiveness, 
efficiency, impartiality, accountability, representativeness, and 
respect for human rights--are the guideposts for good policing 
everywhere. The Commission's recommendations focus on assuring a 
professional police service in Northern Ireland that meets the highest 
possible standards and that enjoys the support of the community as a 
whole. The Commission's approach draws on best practices from other 
police forces, including those in the United States. I am pleased that 
two distinguished Americans served on the Patten Commission, and I 
commend Chris Patten and all the members of the 
Commission for their efforts.