THE introduction of "zero tolerance" policing in this State would consign many young people to a future of never obtaining public service jobs and debar them from visiting countries such as the United States for the rest of their lives, a Garda conference has heard.
The public would have to consider the "very serious long-term" consequences of supporting such a policy, as advocated recently by Fianna Fail in its election material, the general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors said.
The AGSI conference heard that "zero tolerance" would mean the prosecution of every breach of the law, no matter how minor.
Mr George Maybury described "zero tolerance" as "an absolute concept, and there is no room for discretion".
In New York, where the notion first arose, police numbers were increased from 31,000 to 38,000. A similar increase here would mean an additional 2,000 gardai.
Many more prison spaces and additional courts would be needed. The staffs of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Chief State Solicitor's offices would need to be substantially increased.
The public would also be required to support such a policy by being willing to give evidence.
He added: "Zero tolerance would also eliminate the use of Garda discretion in terms of warning, cautioning, advising or prosecuting.
"It would mean that people dashing into a shop to purchase the morning paper would receive a ticket for parking on a yellow line, that pubs would have to close on the dot of time. I could go on and on.
"In terms of juvenile crime or offences does it mean the caution system is finished? Would pursuit of a zero-tolerance policy mean that all juveniles will be prosecuted?
"We all have to bear in mind the fact that the Juvenile Liaison Caution system has saved many a young person from a lifetime of misery. Conviction at such a tender age would mean no chance of ever obtaining any public service job or could mean, in certain circumstances, prohibition on receiving visas to enter certain countries."
Zero tolerance was "certainly desirable" but required "a lot of resources" and "very careful consideration."