AGSI to call for body cams, criticise new policing bill

Middle ranking gardaí are set to strongly criticise proposed new policing legislation on the first day of their annual conference.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors will say that new powers to be granted to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission under the forthcoming Policing and Security Bill are not justified and will encroach on the rights of gardaí as citizens.

The conference, which begins in Killarney, Co Kerry, will also hear calls for the introduction of body-worn cameras and drone technology as a priority.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee will this evening tell the delegates that her department is examining the possibility of introducing a standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation to help tackle domestic abuse.

Security and law reform, training and transport as well as pay and equipment are among the issues for debate at the annual AGSI conference.

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The sergeants and inspectors are scathing of the forthcoming Policing and Security Bill and will tell the Minister for Justice that it creates confusion and provides complex and ambiguous responsibilities to an array of oversight bodies with different visions for the garda organisation.

They are particularly concerned about the new powers to be granted to GSOC and the President of AGSI will tell Ms McEntee they are "without justification" and will encroach on the basic legal, constitutional and privacy rights of gardaí as citizens.

Members are also calling on the minister to amend the law (Section 10 (4) Petty Sessions (Ireland) 1851 Act) to extend the time limit for initiating proceedings from six to 18 months.

As well as the introduction of body-worn cameras and drone technology, the union is seeking to ensure all operational units are trained and issued with tasers.

It also wants a certification policy implemented for gardaí using lethal and less lethal weapons, including ballistic vests and handcuffs.

The Minister for Justice has said she is considering introducing a new standalone offence of non-fatal strangulation to tackle domestic abuse.

The crime is currently prosecuted under the Non Fatal Offences against the Person's Act.

Ms McEntee said non-fatal strangulation and asphyxiation are common features of domestic violence and often an indication that victims are at risk of further potentially lethal attacks.

She will tell the AGSI conference that she believes there is a case for providing greater clarity with a standalone offence which could encourage victims to come forward.

She has asked the Department of Justice to examine the implications of such a move.