Lack of Gardaí Cyber Crime Unit Unacceptable

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has described revelations in the Garda Inspectorate Report Changing Policing in Ireland, that there is no Cyber Crime unit in An Garda Síochána as unacceptable.

Crowe claimed there is a serious backlog in the Computer Crime Investigation Unit in analysing computers and other technology and that has led directly to serious charges against alleged sex offenders and other alleged criminals being dropped.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“The latest Garda Inspectorate’s report has highlighted serious failings within An Garda Síochána including the failure to adequately resource the Computer Crime Investigation Unit of An Garda Síochána and the revelation that there is still no Cyber Crime unit established.

“18 months ago, my colleague Pádraig Mac Lochlainn TD raised his concerns about the huge backlog in case work within the Computer Crime Investigation Unit with Minister Fitzgerald in the Dáil chamber and was assured that it was receiving the urgent attention of her Department and senior Gardaí.

“Minister Fitzgerald now needs to clarify what progress has been made since it was revealed that the backlog in cases being examined by the unit was  well over 1000, and equally worrying that potential sex offenders and other criminals were as a consequence having serious charges against them dropped.

“The Minister needs to update crime victims about the status of the Computer Crime Investigation Unit and if it has been provided with the modern equipment that they clearly need to analyse and read encrypted computers.

“She also needs to reassure the public that those individuals that exploit and peddle the most horrendous images of children and engage in criminal activity are being pursued and not  given free rein because of a lack of expertise or technical resources.

“It doesn’t make any sense and is beyond my understanding as to why An Garda Síochána has not established a dedicated Cyber Crime unit considering that this is considered to be the biggest threat to state security right across the globe. I  raised this threat  directly on a trip to the Curragh Military Camp only a week ago  where I met with senior Defence Force officers.

“The delay in resourcing and tackling these threats is unacceptable and is leaving our State and some of its most vulnerable young citizens open to the most horrendous exploitation.”