Garda reserve ‘could attract people looking to settle a score’

THE Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) last night warned that the proposed garda reserve force could attract people who want to go on a power kick and settle old scores with neighbours.

AGSI president Joe Dirwan said: “We fear it will become a haven for people attracted by the idea of having police powers over their neighbours and settle old scores under the pretext of police action.”

Speaking after a national executive meeting, Mr Dirwan said that members of the new reserve would have full powers of arrest after only 24 hours’ training.

He said members of the force, after 54 weeks’ study and on-the-job training, do not even have such powers.

Mr Dirwan asked how the public will react to being arrested by members of a part-time ‘pretend’ police force.

He said the reserve could compromise security as people would have access to the garda information network, the Pulse.

Mr Dirwan accused Justice Minister Michael McDowell of engaging in ‘Alice in Wonderland’ thinking with what he described as a mad hatter proposal.

“We are horrified by these proposals. Gardaí will have to act as nurse maids to the reserve while on duty and clean up botched arrests.”

He said they were told by the Department of Justice that the present bill was enabling legislation only.

“Instead they are going ahead with the establishment of a reserve post haste, without the AGSI having a proper opportunity of telling the minister our views on the issue. We feel we have been dealt with in underhand fashion,” he said.

Mr Dirwan said the way forward was to bring the Garda Siochána up to the same numerical levels per 100,000 of population as pertains in other European states.

He said when they meet the minister later this month they will set their concerns in stark terms.

He said no thought had been given to the dangers presented to members of the new reserve, their families and their homes.

Mr Dirwan said the minister’s proposal was effectively policing on the cheap.

“This would have the potential to create endless trouble for the gardaí and the State,” he said.

He said the minister was expecting ordinary citizens to get involved in a highly dangerous profession without reward.