Informer vetting code to root out fake agents

SWEEPING reforms of covert handling of garda informers are to be introduced in a bid to root out fake agents.

In a radical move to address the corruption and negligence in An Garda Siochána uncovered by the Morris Tribunal, would-be agents will in future be subjected to extensive vetting.

The measures, proposed by a working group headed by Deputy Commissioner TP Fitzgerald, were designed to ensure informers’ safety, smoother handling operations and better understanding of the value of covert information.

It is hoped the code of practice, drawn up after months of international research, will guarantee the best agent handling systems anywhere in the world.

In a submission to the garda corruption inquiry, chaired by Mr Justice Frederick Morris, the informant management working group recommended:

* Detailed source handling units to be created dedicated to running informers.

* A compulsory system of registration of informers by every officer along with a full and detailed assessment of the proposed agent.

* A full and detailed background and risk assessment, and, if needed, a face-to-face interview with the would-be informer.

* A separate and complete file containing all records and dealings with informers to be kept by the Crime and Security Unit in Phoenix Park.

* A superior officer to keep a high level of supervision on dealings and relationship of officers with the informer.

The recommendations were made to the tribunal following alarming findings of how gardaí in Donegal dealt with informers during the early 1990s.

In his report Judge Morris revealed there was no official garda manual governing the handling of informers.

He pointed to the role played by Adrienne McGlinchey, an alleged IRA informer, who passed on information of subversive activities in Donegal.

But Mr Justice Morris noted there was no method of tracing the history of the handling of Ms McGlinchey. And other than by word of mouth there was no way this basic information was recorded.

He also noted the Garda handbook Crime Investigation Techniques does not set out any useful procedures for the cultivation and handling of an informer.

The tribunal’s first report highlighted that officers had indiscreet and at times unacceptable meetings with the alleged informer.

The working group proposals have so far met 11 of the 17 recommendations made by Mr Justice Morris.

The group said improved facilities were needed at garda headquarters and at training colleges to implement the radical changes.

A modern training network was proposed to highlight the dangers of running agents and the group also called for a National Central Source Unit to manage informant handling.