Garda Inspectorate finds force in critical need of modernisation

A Garda Inspectorate report into the way the Garda Siochana investigates serious crime has found a force in critical need of modernisation.

The report by the Inspectorate, which advises the Government and Garda on policing reform, was published today following a detailed two-year examination by the Inspectorate of crime investigation by gardai.

Garda Inspectorate chief inspector Robert K Olson said the report – which has more than 200 recommendations and runs to almost 500 pages – should be viewed as a “watershed opportunity”.

The report found a police service in “critical need of modernisation of its crime investigation operational and support infrastructure”.

It said the absence of up-to-date technology and “dated inefficient investigative processes and policies, combined with poor internal audit controls, inconsistent case management and poor supervisory practices have led to the systemic operational deficiencies identified in this and other recent government initiated reports.

“As a result, potentially hundreds of thousands of Garda staff hours and resources, which should be spent on front-line policing, are currently allocated to those inefficient processes.”

The report also identified deficiencies in how crimes are recorded.

It said the “veracity of crime recording in Ireland must be addressed immediately.”

According to the report 8.5 per cent of all crimes recorded on PULSE were reclassified over a seventeen month period from January 2011 to May 2012.

The Inspectorate selected eight crime categories and examined 2,372 crimes reclassified between January 2011 and May 2012 in the seven divisions visited.

Six of the eight categories significantly moved to a lesser crime type.

In 83 per cent of cases the reclassification resulted in a crime moving to a less serious offence.

The greatest percentage movement to a lesser crime took place in the categories of burglary, robbery and assault harm.

Domestic disputes showed the highest percentage change to a more serious offence.

A large number of incidents were moved to the non-crime category of Attention and Complaints, with assault minor incidents and domestic disputes featuring highly in these figures.

Conversely, a number of incidents initially classified as Attention and Complaints moved to crime categories.

Mr Olson said the Inspectorate had found “committed and dedicated people” and many elements of good practice.

“But we also found that these elements of good practice are not being shared or employed across the country.

“In any organisation of this size, you must ensure that good practice is consistently observed. That requires strong leadership, strong supervision, and strong governance.

“Many of our recommendations depend on the acquisition of modern technology used by most international police services. This technology can provide the modern tools the Garda needs to inform more efficient and effective operational decisions.

“Technology cannot, however, take the place of strong management practices, strong supervision and strong governance in the investigation of crime.”

Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald said the report raises “serious concerns” and represents a “highly challenging” analysis of Garda processes and systems.

Ms Fitzgerald has said the report will inform her ongoing reform of policing in Ireland.

In the report, the Inspectorate said that “despite poor technology, some weak processes and gaps in supervision” gardaí work very hard on a daily basis to deliver a good policing service.

It also said the Garda is in need of modernisation in terms of its crime investigation operational and support infrastructure. The report identifies the absence of up-to-date dispatch technology as well as deficiencies in practices, supervision and governance relating to the recording, classification and investigation of crime.

The report examines the current system for counting and categorising recorded crime and the level of recorded detections for those crimes; and highlights concerns in this area.

Ms Fitzgerald added the report was a “vital piece of work” and welcomed the “comprehensive recommendations” on the need for upgraded technology, effective systems and changes to management practice.

The report recommends the Department of Justice and Equality establish and task a criminal justice service group, comprised of the agencies and stakeholders that are responsible for community safety in Ireland, with overseeing the implementation of all of the recommendations accepted from the report.