Gardaí to get training on handling of informants
The Garda Commissioner Noel Conroy has pledged to provide training for gardaí in the handling of informants, it emerged today.
The procurement of information from criminal and paramilitary sources is one of the most secretive and sensitive practices in the force.
Mr Conroy said, in response to a call by the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), that a policy document on informant handling was being complied.
“That document will be soon completed and training courses will follow. Suitable training courses will be provided for key personnel,” he said.
The AGSI said it had been ‘shocked’ by the interim report of the Morris Tribunal last year into Garda corruption in the Donegal Division. It detailed how garda informants had been involved in making extortion phone calls, false allegations against innocent people and hoax explosives finds.
The report said there were major pitfalls in dealing with informers, who could be treacherous and dishonest in working for their own ulterior motives.
The report recommended an urgent review of the handling of informants, which should include an independent Garda officer to assess the credibility of the source.
Gardaí currently supply information from informants to the Crime and Security division in Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, using forms called C77s.
ASGI general secretary Pat Flynn said guidelines were needed for the handling of informants because it was a very sensitive area.
“We want to be sure that our members don’t cross any lines and that they are fully versed in the pitfalls,” he said.
The AGSI is also calling for the establishment of a national database to store DNA information on serious criminals.
Deputy General Secretary John Redmond said it would be a ‘major leap forward’ for crime-solving in the country.
“I would think that there’s probably concerns about civil liberties. But it certainly wouldn’t be used in a negative way,” he said.
He added that the system had been used in other jurisdictions and had worked very effectively.
In Britain, the National DNA Database holds around 2.5 million DNA profiles taken from suspect offenders, as well as 230,000 DNA profiles taken from crime scene samples.
According to the British Home Office, the average number of DNA matches per week is 750. The detection rate for domestic burglary rose from 14 per cent overall to 48 per cent after introduction of the database.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell has expressed his support for the establishment of a national DNA database. It is expected that proposals will be included in the forthcoming Criminal Justice Bill.
