CRITICISM OF the Garda Ombudsman Commission over delays in the investigation of complaints is understandable. But the new president of the Garda Representative Association (GRA), Michael O'Boyce, did his members no favours by accusing the commission of "blundering incompetence"; of disturbing evidence and of endangering the chain of evidence in criminal prosecutions. The intemperance of the remarks was reminiscent of the GRA's threat to target vulnerable government seats in the last election because of its opposition to the establishment of a police reserve.
The sooner members of the Garda Siochána recognise that the work of the Garda Ombudsman Commission is in their own long-term interests, the better. The public wants it. And the force needs it. It was established as an independent investigative agency because the old Garda complaints board was incapable of doing the job and because some members of the Garda had begun to behave as if they were above the law. In some instances, citizens were intimidated into dropping complaints.
On its establishment in 2007, the commission expected to receive between 4,000 and 5,000 cases a year. It has received less than 3,000 but has struggled to cope and a considerable backlog has developed. It has made representations to Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan for legislative amendments that would reduce its workload and allow it to concentrate on serious cases. As things stand, it has referred nine cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions while 750 allegations of criminal conduct, mainly involving assaults, are being investigated. Those are worrying figures.
Dramatic changes have taken place in Garda structures and disciplinary procedures following investigations by the Barr tribunal and in response to drug-related crime and best international practice. The question of an armed police force is never far away but, thankfully, a strong antipathy towards such a development remains within the force. Deputy general secretary of the GRA John Healy spoke of arming Garda motorbike riders this week, but the majority of his members were opposed. And the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors recently voiced its concern over the arming of regional support units.
The Garda Siochána has a proud history and its members have served this society well. In recent years, a small number have engaged in criminal conspiracies while others behaved like bully-boys, damaging its reputation. Reforms have been introduced to deal with those issues. And, as with all essential change, the measures have caused a degree of upset within the force. There is nothing to be gained by dwelling on the past. The future offers improved professionalism and an opportunity to create a stronger bond with the public. Discipline, accountability and transparency are necessary ingredients. Commission member Carmel Foley felt some Garda members had difficulty with the law that allows its investigators walk in to a police station with a search warrant and question suspects. They had, she said, better get used to it.