Sir, - The launch of the anti-crime drive "Operation Recovery" raises a number of questions for any person with an interest in getting an efficient and professional police service.
First, what logic was used to select the Shannon as the arbitrary line on which traffic movements would be screened? Even if we assume that traffic will be screened in both directions, what use will this be in detecting roving criminals who work locally? Did those who recently attacked a house in Clarecastle, Co Galway have to cross the Shannon? I don't think so.
Is it not likely that this operation will simply force criminals to "shop at home", where the chances of detection will be even lower than normal with so many gardai tied to the Shannon bridges? And how does the Air Corps monitor vehicle traffic from the air? Will it follow every suspect vehicle detected crossing the Shannon? Will the Gardai be able to persuade the suspect drivers to paint the roofs of their vehicles with fluorescent paint, so that they can be monitored by the Air Corps at night?
Do the Gardai have the right to demand from citizens details of where they have been and where they plan to go, or indeed even to ask for identification where there is nothing to suggest a connection between the vehicle and any crime? I doubt it.
The whole operation sounds more like a public-relations gimmick than a properly designed crime prevention and detection scheme; it would be nice to know whether it has been imposed by the Government, the administration or the Garda authorities themselves. However, I hope the Gardai will at least use the opportunity to strengthen their relations with the general public. They must have the confidence of the people if we are to see real progress in the fight against crime. - Yours, etc.,
Ballyboden, Dublin 16.