A chara, - Any proposal to give the Garda new equipment, without at the same time instituting reforms in training and oversight through an ombudsperson will exacerbate the separation of policing from the public.
In addition, Garda reform requires the decentralisation of command structures, statutory reporting to local authority police oversight committees and depoliticisation of appointments.
After the police riot in Dublin on the May bank holiday, the public will look with dismay at the issuing of a telescopic baton of which, its proponent says, if it "were to be swung with wild abandon, striking the head, neck or other vulnerable areas, the resultant injuries would be devastating, even fatal" (Ian Doyle, The Irish Times, May 27th).
As this letter is coming from a Sinn Féin representative it will undoubtedly evoke a knee-jerk reaction. In am sure, however, that there are many (including some in the Garda) who will see the dangers inherent in Ian Doyle's simplistic solution to real policing problems - more and better weaponry which can cause fatality or devastating injuries .
The police need to earn the trust of the community through action in the community, not reaction on the streets. - Is mise,
Cllr NICKY KEHOE,
(Sinn Féin),
Dublin 7.