66 gardaí investigated over pepper spray use

DOZENS of gardaí are being investigated for alleged assault or abuse of power when using pepper spray.

Almost four in every 10 cases brought before the Garda watchdog alleges a non-fatal offence, or assault, which for the most part requires a criminal investigation.

Another 26 complaints involve allegations of abuse of authority while a smaller number deal with claims that officers neglected their duty or were discourteous while using the spray.

Garda headquarters said the force had used the weapon on 208 occasions.

Figures show there were five complaints against the force about pepper spray involving children aged up to 17 years.

A Garda spokesman said it could not comment on any matters before the Garda Ombudsman but suggested pepper spray was reducing assaults on officers.

“Incapacitant spray provides an additional tactical option that may be available to gardaí in the resolution of an incident,” he said.

“Its use should be seen in the context of the conflict management model as a whole.

“Anecdotal evidence would suggest that its use has reduced the number of ‘would-be’ physical encounters had it not been available to members.”

So far, two-thirds of the complaints remain under investigation while the remainder have been closed because there was no evidence of wrongdoing, it was found there was no misbehaviour or the complaint was withdrawn.

The Ombudsman’s office also revealed:

* 69% of complaints were from members of the public aged between 18 and 30.

* Some 85% of complainants were males, with the figures suggesting higher incidences of pepper spray use at the weekend.

When used, the pepper spray, which fires a liquid containing compressed chilli powder, causes irritation to the eyes.