Kernaghan to Stephen Pattison FCO Iraq and the UK police service

Our ref: CC/smg 17 April 2003 Mr Stephen Pattison Head - United Nations Department Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Via email) Dear Stephen, IRAQ AND THE UK POLICE SERVICE I have been reflecting on the Iraq situation and the need to ensure a 'joined up' response by the UK with particular reference to any potential police involvement. It may well be that HMG does not contemplate any police response other than seeking to place an officer within ORHA. However, I felt I would suggest that you might care to convene and chair a meeting of FCO, Home Office, ACPO and MDP representatives to discuss the situation, at an appropriate moment. I would personally represent ACPO at any such meeting. I am aware that the two MDP officers who conducted a reconnaissance visit on behalf of their Chief Constable have returned to force and have briefed Mr Clarke accordingly. I have discussed this issue with him and we are agreed that an integrated response between all elements of the UK police service is the best approach. I feel a meeting as outlined above is the best way to ensure a single authoritative response to any requests, which may be formulated by field commanders or HMG more broadly. Yours sincerely, Paul Kernaghan Chief Constable ACPO International Affairs Portfolio copy: Mr Clarke, Chief Constable MDP Mr Stephen Rimmer, Home Office , Home Office IPU