Policing Board Supports 'Hot Pursuit' Proposal

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has thrown its weight behind enhanced cross-border cooperation in a bid to fight organised crime.

Commenting on DUP proposals which, if approved, could allow PSNI and gardai officers to pursue suspects across the Irish border, Policing Board spokeswoman, Lorraine Calvert, said:"The board haven't discussed the issue yet but any measure which will enhance cross-border cooperation and deal with gangs operating across the border is to be considered."

A PSNI spokeswoman said they are awaiting the outcome of the proposals before they comment.

At present, PSNI and gardai officers have to stop when they reach their respective sides of the border.

It has been reported that Ian Paisley Jnr wants to raise the issue at the next meeting of the British Irish Council in December, reflecting the way that other European countries allow police forces to cross their borders in pursuit of criminal suspects.

The Irish Justice Minister Brian Lenihan is currently hedging his bets on the issue and said that while not participating in the Schengen agreement – which allows cross-border pursuits in other countries – "this was not a barrier to effective cooperation between the PSNI and the gardai".

However, he said the Irish government was drawing up procedures to participate in some parts of the agreement.

A gardai spokesman said: "We can't give opinions whatsoever on that kind of matter. When the legislation comes up we will apply it."

(GK/BMcC)