Gardai told they need to get rid of Pulse

Gardai on duty.

By Philip Ryan Political Correspondent

GARDAI have been advised to get rid of their Pulse system for recording crimes as it is "1990s technology".

The call came from the Garda Inspectorate, which previously criticised the system in a damning report on garda investigations into serious crimes.

Speaking at an Oireachtas Justice Committee hearing yesterday, Garda Inspectorate chief inspector Robert K Olson said the system should be replaced as soon as possible with more advanced technology.

"It's time to retire Pulse. It needs to be phased out," he said.

Mr Olson was attending the hearing to discuss his report on crime investigation, which was published last November.

failings

The report found serious failings in how crimes are investigated and recorded.

It also found the force was lacking the technology to meet international standards in policing.

Garda Inspectorate deputy inspector Mark Toland said the force needed an "offender management service" to track people on bail or who are required to sign on at garda stations.

He said people are failing to sign on when required and this is not being noticed or addressed by gardai.

Mr Olson said the inspectorate's recent report was a "watershed" moment for policing, but if garda management implemented its 200 recommendations the force will exceed international best practice.

hnews@herald.ie