Garda culture needs to be recast

THE “current crisis of confidence” in members of An Garda Síochána will not be solved by the establishment of a police ombudsman, the Irish Human Rights Commission has warned.

IHRC chairman Maurice Manning said there was a need for a “human rights revolution” at all levels within the force to tackle problems with existing policing.

Speaking at the launch of the Commission’s annual report in Dublin yesterday, Dr Manning said it was essential that garda culture be recast around a human rights agenda which should be placed at the heart of policing. Dr Manning said such an aim could best be achieved through greater education at all levels in the force, particularly among senior-ranking gardaí.