Garda reform - Public and force need reassurance

GARDA COMMISSIONER Noel Conroy yesterday announced a range of reforms designed to strengthen the force’s hand in its fight against crime.

Any initiative that will reassure the public about our police force’s ability to contain ever more violent criminals is to be welcomed.

It is equally important that the members of the force be reassured and that they see the reforms as additional resources that will enhance their ability do their job effectively.

The instinctively conservative nature of Garda management has not always convinced the public that the organisation has utilised modern management practices or exploited technology to the best effect.

The less-than-anticipated impact of the points system, designed to take dangerous drivers off our roads, is an example. There remain processes where the force interacts with the public using Victorian methods.

Just last month the Irish Human Rights Commission said the gardaí were “some distance” from being human rights compliant. Commissioner Conroy acknowledged the criticism saying he was working to change things. The force still resists a government-sponsored report that recommended that people outside its ranks be considered for top-rank positions.

Nonetheless, it is all too easy to criticise the gardaí but the reality is that most of the time they do a fine job and fully deserve the support of society.

Thankfully, they are in general unarmed and hopefully Commissioner Conroy’s initiatives will allow that proud and sensible tradition to continue.