Gardaí voice concern over wide use of stop and search powers

Gardaí at all ranks have expressed concern to the Garda Inspectorate regarding the widespread use of drug-related stop and search powers to search people for other suspected offences.

The gardaí also said the searches can be a “stain” on a person’s character as they are recorded on the Pulse system, even when no drugs are found.

The Inspectorate’s Crime Investigation report reveals 145,776 searches were conducted over 13 months — more than 11,200 on average a month. The bulk are thought to be under “stop and search” legislation.