Garda reserve ‘could jeopardise prosecutions’

FUTURE criminal prosecutions could be jeopardised if police powers are given to a new garda reserve, a legal expert said yesterday.

Garda representatives also warned there would be an upsurge in compensation claims against the State as a result of abuse of powers by these volunteers.

The Garda Voluntary Reserve - introduced by Justice Minister Michael McDowell - will have powers of arrest, search and detention broadly similar to powers enjoyed by gardaí.