RUC plan at a glance

The government's revised plan to complete the reform of the Royal Ulster Constabulary is a long and complicated document.

While most of its measures are already known - and many are already being implemented under the previous scheme - it includes a number of key changes to complete reform:

Policing Board to meet in October to make appointments to the District Policing Partnerships

Oversight Commissioner (responsible for monitoring reform) to conduct a review of reforms starting in March 2002 and published in October 2002.

The new name of Police Service of Northern Ireland to come into force with the passing out of the first new recruits

New badge, symbols and flags to be decided by the government after consultation with the new policing board.

Government to reconsider the disqualification from district policing partnerships of people with serious convictions.

Phasing out of the Full-time reserve as "the prevailing security situation and policing requirements allow"

Increase size of the Part-time reserve to 2,500

Gough Holding Centre to close in September

Amended legislation, following a review, to clarify that policing with the community is to be a core function.

Special branch will be cut by 50% by September 2001 as units are merged with wider police force.

Planned amendments to provide for the Chief Constable to "take account" of the policing plan drawn up by the policing board

Government to change the wording regarding the circumstances under which a chief constable can appeal a demand from the policing board to report on the actions of the force

Number of members of the board required to sanction an inquiry reduced to eight - less than a majority of the 19 members.

Government to change the powers of the Ombudsman so that he or she "investigates" police policies and practices rather than "reports" on them.

Devolution of responsibility for policing to take place "as soon as practicable", subject to completion of reforms to police and criminal justice system.

Functions of the Belfast district partnerships to be considered further as part of the review

New recruits to the police service will not be trained in the use of plastic baton rounds for first two years. Research programme to find a suitable replacement for the weapon continuing and will be subject to scrutiny by the Oversight Commissioner.