Police ombudsman takes up post

Mr Hutchinson is an ex-Canadian Mountie

Northern Ireland's new Police Ombudsman is set to take up his position later.

Al Hutchinson replaces Nuala O'Loan, who for the past seven years headed the body which investigates complaints against the police.

She pioneered the role, aimed at providing an independent complaints service for the public about the conduct of the police.

Mr Hutchinson, an ex-Canadian Mountie, is the former police oversight commissioner for Northern Ireland.

He said Mrs O'Loan and her team of officers had won an international reputation for independence and impartiality.

'Committed to working'

Mr Hutchinson, a former assistant commissioner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, said the ombudsman's office was "independent, impartial and effective".

Both the public and the police alike can have confidence that complaints will be dealt with properly and where lessons can be learned and things improved, this will happen," he said.

"In doing this, I hope we can contribute to helping ensure every resident in Northern Ireland receives their entitlement to the best possible policing service.

"I am committed to working with all those that share that vision."

Nuala O'Loan held the post for seven years

Mrs O'Loan described Mr Hutchinson as "a man with a strong reputation for integrity".

"I have no doubt that he and the staff I leave behind will not shirk from the challenge of continuing to provide a police complaints system which is independent, impartial, evidence-based and accountable," she said.

Mrs O'Loan was appointed police ombudsman in October 1999 and started work in the job the following summer.

The ombudsman's office has 128 staff and a budget of about £10m.