Call for probe into garda record system

GARDA representatives want an independent examination of the troubled PULSE computer system which is used to record offences.

They have repeatedly expressed frustration at the system, which has cost over €60 million since it was introduced in November 1999.

The issue is to be debated at the annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), which will be attended by Justice Minister Michael McDowell tonight.

Representatives from three separate garda divisions want the PULSE computer system “audited by a competent, independent contractor with a view to identifying the shortcomings of the system and thereafter to initiate remedial action to address these shortcomings”.

The call comes from gardaí in the Dublin Metropolitan Region north, Laois/Offaly and Waterford/Kilkenny. The motion is expected to get strong support at the AGM.

Both AGSI and the Garda Representative Association have repeatedly raised garda frustration with PULSE with the Garda Commissioner and the Justice Minister.

Last January, a district court heard that the PULSE system had “collapsed”.

Judge John Neilan told Mullingar District Court that gardaí had been forced to resort to hand-written documents.

“Gardaí have to rewrite all the new charges,” he said. “They are telling me PULSE has collapsed. If that’s the case, somebody has to take the blame.”

Gardaí have said that problems with PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively) were causing a backlog in the number of cases being brought to court.

Gardaí have complained that the system has crashed for up to a day and a half at times.

In 2003, Judge Gerard Haugh told the Dublin District Court that PULSE appeared to be “totally and utterly unreliable”.

He said he was frequently given details of convictions which could not be correct and he wondered what effect they were having on overall crime figures.

Last month, Fine Gael justice spokesman Jim O’Keeffe called for the system to be replaced because it was unsatisfactory, out of date and only reached a quarter of garda stations.

Mr McDowell said 75% of all gardaí had direct access to a PULSE system in their station.

He said it would be “wholly irresponsible” to scrap the system and said it could be modified and amended.

In a separate motion to the AGSI conference, gardaí representing Kerry and Longford/Westmeath criticise the “appalling condition” of the garda communication system. They are calling for station mobile phones to be issued to those on outdoor duty.

“In the event of a failure to issue phones, members should cease using their own phones for operational matters,” they said.