Ms Lois West:

Even in the PSNI there was a period of adjustment. The practice of civilian people coming in with particular expertise is a very new thing. The policing culture is a very strange one. It is like a family and anybody coming in as the in-law or whatever takes a little time to gain acceptance. There were difficulties there too but for the most part the analysts have been embraced and there has been a very good working relationship, even where we are considering very sensitive information. There are, certainly, occasions where there really is a difference, and this is highlighted. I will not go off on another tangent but it is particularly to be seen in industrial relations issues and different terms and conditions. None of these things helps. People need to feel that they are equally valued, not just in having their voices heard but also in the recognition and compensation for the work they do. It does not help and it creates a little bit of a them and us scenario when people do not feel they are on a level playing field.