Gardaí must have access to computers

IN this era of high-speed communications, it is incredible that the vast majority of garda stations in Ireland lack computers to access the internet.

Apart from the internal PULSE system, most stations do not have basic facilities for sending images which could help in tracing missing persons or apprehending suspects..

Surely, in the 21st century, the computer would be an invaluable weapon, not alone in the fight against crime but also in day-to-day garda activities.

The glaring omission has come to light in the case of Dolores McCrea whose disappearance led gardaí to the discovery of skeletal remains at a house in the Ballintra area of Donegal, which have turned out to be human. Gardaí were last night keeping an open mind whether the remains were those of Mrs McCrea.

When this newspaper asked gardaí for Mrs McCrea's picture last Thursday, a spokesman explained that one was available in Donegal but the station had no means of transmitting it.

Apparently, gardaí usually rely on local business premises or on their own home computers when sending pictures on to garda headquarters.

However, the resulting time-lag could make a crucial difference in tracing missing people. At present, the

garda website carries pictures of 39 individuals who have been missing since 1991.

It is clear that the lack of a basic computer system in garda stations is counterproductive.

Against a backdrop of repeated calls for a more

effective system, including the creation of a dedicated garda unit to carry out investigations when people go missing, this glaring omission must be remedied.