[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 36 (Monday, September 13, 1999)]
[Pages 1720-1721]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.

[[Page 1721]]

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.