IT IS quite shocking to learn that, in this day of near-instantaneous communication, almost 40 per cent of Garda stations are not “networked” and lack such basic facilities as internet and broadband connections. It reflects a failure by various authorities to respond to changing demands and circumstances and to embed the use of new technologies in the training and work practices of members of the force. It also raises the question of whether all these Garda stations are required.
Fianna Fáil spokesman on justice Dara Calleary found it “absurd that such a basic necessity for the operation of any office would be so lacking within the Garda Síochána”. Who could argue with that? But apportioning political blame is another matter. His own party was in power for 13 of the past 15 years. In any event, with such a large number of part-time stations, where does the need for a fully integrated internet service come in the priorities facing Garda management? Not very high, it would appear.
Three years ago, the McCarthy report on how government savings might be made recommended the closure of half of the 702 Garda stations. Savings arising from such a dramatic downsizing were estimated at €1 million. The political sensitivity of the issue was reflected by the public protests that followed a Government decision in December to close just 31 stations.
Losing a local Garda station may not rank with the loss of a hospital or a school. But it does stir up emotional baggage linked to community status, reassurance and security. As the McCarthy report made clear, many smaller stations are in a poor state of repair and operate limited opening hours. Not only do they lack internet access, the majority have not even been equipped with old-technology fax machines. In contrast with the situation in the Republic, the Police Service of Northern Ireland operates out of just 84 stations.
All Garda divisional and district offices are networked and, according to the Department of Justice, provide all members of the Garda access to the internet and the Pulse database through secure radio equipment. That may be so. But there is no provision for members of the public to communicate with these stations through the internet, although a pilot study involving online application forms is under way.
The process of modernising the force, its structures and its practices is urgent. Cutting costs should not mean a halt to necessary reforms.