Diverse views can enhance legislation on policing reform

It is important that momentum for change is maintained, even if there are unavoidable arguments about what ‘change’ means, writes Professor Donncha O’Connell

The momentum for change within the force must be maintained.

The publication of extracts of Garda Commissioner Drew Harris’ submission on legislative schemes to give effect to recommendations by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland has led to concerns that the reform process may become stalled by Garda opposition or diverted by political controversy. 

This level of alarmism is probably not justified.