Parents in criminal feuds ‘wearing bulletproof jackets bringing their kids to school’

Imagine the jarring scene: parents donning bulletproof vests, escorting their preschoolers to school. This grim reality, a stark result of simmering gang violence, underscores a deeply unsettling trend. Garda Deputy Commissioner justin Kelly highlights the chilling implications: “We have organised criminal groups who do all sorts of intimidation against each other. The reality is, we’ve had cases where people went to school…wearing bulletproof jackets bringing their kids to school.” This grim scenario reveals a disturbing truth – even the moast innocent spaces aren’t immune to the clutches of organized crime.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris paints a picture of the escalating threat: “Those ‘simmering feuds’…manifest themselves in serious assaults, attacks on homes… and regrettably, we’ve had instances where there’s a specific mention of threats to children. And connected to that, the one place you’re sure a child is going to be, at school.” According to Harris, this disturbing reality necessitates proactive measures. “It’s meant the Garda to work with schools locally to ensure the safety of those children and other pupils there.”

While acknowledging the rarity of these occurrences, Harris aptly describes the situation as “awful reality” underscoring the pervasiveness of criminal conflict reaching into seemingly sanctuary spaces.

However, the creation of intelligence files on preschool-aged children sparks crucial questions: Does monitoring protect, or are we creating unnecessary anxieties?

These anxieties are echoed by the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) which advocates for safeguarding childhood innocence. Their concerns point to the chilling possibility of potential overreach. The long-term implications on these children remain unclear, prompting calls for ethical considerations and meticulous oversight. Is creating intelligence profiles on vulnerable toddlers truly necessary or does it breach fundamental rights and potentially scar generations to come? These weighty questions demand thoughtful introspection and robust discourse.

It’s a stark reminder that even as we strive for safety, there’s a delicate balance between security measures and the preservation of childhood innocence.

When School Runs Turn Perilous: Garda Intelligence Files on Young Children

The comforting routine of a school morning school run takes on a chilling undertone in certain inner-city neighborhoods. Parents, forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of gang rivalries, sometimes don bulletproof vests, a stark reminder of the dangers children face in these volatile environments. This harsh reality, as depicted by Garda Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly, sheds light on a concerning practice: the creation of intelligence files on preschoolers by Ireland’s police force.

Interview with Dr. Fiona Byrne, Irish Council for Civil Liberties

Dr. Byrne, thank you for joining us today. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris recently came under fire for highlighting the creation of intelligence files on children as young as preschool age.Could you shed light on the Irish Council for Civil Liberties’ stance on this practice?

“The ICCL has serious concerns about the creation of intelligence files on children, especially those as young as preschool age. While we understand the Garda Síochána’s need to protect children from harm, we believe this practice raises meaningful ethical questions and potential for abuse. These files, once created, become permanent records that can follow a child throughout their life, potentially impacting their future opportunities and perceptions,” Dr. Byrne states.

Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly acknowledged that these cases are rare, but emphasized the necessity of monitoring potential threats, even those aimed at the youngest members of society. How do you reconcile the need for security with the potential for harm to innocent children?

“It’s a challenging balance. While we recognise the gravity of the threats posed by organized crime, it’s crucial to ensure that the rights of every child are protected. We must ask ourselves: is there a less intrusive way to address these threats while safeguarding the fundamental rights of children?” dr. Byrne explains.

Dr. Byrne from the ICCL points to previous Garda Inspectorate reports showing intelligence files created for children as young as days or even less than a year old. “But one intelligence report on a young child is something quite serious as that’s a Pulse record that’s with that child for the rest of their days,” she warns. This underscores the lasting consequences these files can have, potentially shaping a child’s future opportunities and perceptions.

While acknowledging a decrease in the number of such files – from 400 four years ago to seven currently – Dr. Byrne remains vigilant. “A new regime now” is in place,she says,which seems to be addressing previous concerns. However, she stresses the need for continuous oversight and openness to ensure that the protection of children is not jeopardized by overly broad or indiscriminate intelligence gathering practices.

What are the Potential Long-Term Consequences for Children Who Have Intelligence Files Created on Them at a Young Age?

The creation of intelligence files on young children raises serious ethical and practical concerns. These files, even if initially created with good intentions, can have a chilling effect on a child’s life. The potential long-term consequences are profound and multifaceted:

• Stigmatization and Discrimination: A child labeled as “at risk” or “connected to criminal activity” can face prejudice and discrimination from schools, employers, and even social circles. These labels can follow them throughout their life, limiting opportunities and shaping perceptions.
• Psychological Impact: being subjected to surveillance and being perceived as a threat at a young age can have a profound psychological impact on a child. It can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and mistrust.
• Erosion of Trust: Constant monitoring can erode a child’s trust in authority figures, including police officers and educators. This can hinder their ability to seek help when needed and create an environment of fear and suspicion.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The label of “at risk” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Children may internalize these negative perceptions and engage in behaviors that reinforce the initial assessment.

The creation of intelligence files on young children is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. It demands careful consideration of the balance between security and individual rights,and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society from undue harm.

Protecting Childhood: A Conversation on Intelligence Monitoring

The debate surrounding intelligence monitoring of children has become increasingly heated, raising crucial questions about the balance between security and individual rights. Dr. Byrne, a leading advocate for children’s rights, expresses deep concern about the implications of such practices, notably when targeting young, vulnerable preschoolers. “we believe targeting preschoolers raises serious concerns about proportionality and potential overreach,” Dr. Byrne states. “These children are notably vulnerable, and subjecting them to intelligence monitoring could have lasting negative consequences. We urge the Garda Síochána to explore less intrusive methods for addressing these threats, prioritizing child protection and safeguarding their rights.”

gards Commissioner Harris has reported a significant decrease in the number of intelligence files on children. While this is encouraging news, Dr. Byrne cautions that even one file on a child is a matter of grave concern. “While the decrease in the number of files is encouraging, it’s crucial to remember that even one intelligence file on a child is deeply concerning,” Dr. Byrne emphasizes. “We need ongoing transparency and oversight to ensure these files are not created arbitrarily and that robust safeguards are in place to protect children’s rights. Self-reliant scrutiny is essential to prevent potential misuse and ensure accountability.”

For parents worried about their children being subjected to such monitoring, Dr. Byrne offers a clear message: “Parents should be aware of their rights and advocate for their children’s protection.Open dialog with schools and the Garda Síochána is crucial. If parents suspect their child is being unfairly targeted, they should seek legal advice and contact organizations like the ICCL for support. We will continue to challenge practices that we believe violate basic rights and strive to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, particularly those most vulnerable.”

Dr. Byrne’s insights underscore the vital importance of continuous dialogue and scrutiny to ensure security measures do not infringe upon the rights of the most vulnerable members of our society. It’s a conversation that demands our attention and careful consideration.

How can parents protect their children from potential intelligence monitoring by law enforcement?

When School Runs Turn perilous: Garda Intelligence Files on Young Children

The comforting routine of a school morning school run takes on a chilling undertone in certain inner-city neighborhoods. Parents, forced to navigate the treacherous landscape of gang rivalries, sometimes don bulletproof vests, a stark reminder of the dangers children face in these volatile environments. This harsh reality, as depicted by garda Deputy Commissioner justin Kelly, sheds light on a concerning practice: the creation of intelligence files on preschoolers by Ireland’s police force.

Interview with Dr. Fiona Byrne,Irish Council for Civil Liberties

Dr. Byrne, thank you for joining us today. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris recently came under fire for highlighting the creation of intelligence files on children as young as preschool age.could you shed light on the Irish Council for Civil Liberties’ stance on this practice?

“The ICCL has serious concerns about the creation of intelligence files on children, especially those as young as preschool age. while we understand the Garda Síochána’s need to protect children from harm, we believe this practice raises meaningful ethical questions adn potential for abuse. These files, once created, become permanent records that can follow a child throughout their life, potentially impacting their future opportunities and perceptions,” Dr. Byrne states.

Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly acknowledged that these cases are rare, but emphasized the necessity of monitoring potential threats, even those aimed at the youngest members of society. How do you reconcile the need for security with the potential for harm to innocent children?

“It’s a challenging balance.While we recognise the gravity of the threats posed by organized crime,it’s crucial to ensure that the rights of every child are protected. We must ask ourselves: is there a less intrusive way to address these threats while safeguarding the fundamental rights of children?” dr.Byrne explains.

Dr. Byrne from the ICCL points to previous Garda Inspectorate reports showing intelligence files created for children as young as days or even less than a year old. “But one intelligence report on a young child is something quite serious as that’s a Pulse record that’s with that child for the rest of their days,” she warns. This underscores the lasting consequences these files can have, potentially shaping a child’s future opportunities and perceptions.

While acknowledging a decrease in the number of such files – from 400 four years ago to seven currently – Dr. Byrne remains vigilant. “A new regime now” is in place,she says,which seems to be addressing previous concerns. However, she stresses the need for continuous oversight and openness to ensure that the protection of children is not jeopardized by overly broad or indiscriminate intelligence gathering practices.

What are the Potential Long-term Consequences for Children Who Have Intelligence Files Created on Them at a Young Age?

The creation of intelligence files on young children raises serious ethical and practical concerns. These files,even if initially created with good intentions,can have a chilling effect on a child’s life. The potential long-term consequences are profound and multifaceted:

• Stigmatization and Discrimination: A child labeled as “at risk” or “connected to criminal activity” can face prejudice and discrimination from schools, employers, and even social circles. These labels can follow them throughout their life, limiting opportunities and shaping perceptions.
• Psychological Impact: being subjected to surveillance and being perceived as a threat at a young age can have a profound psychological impact on a child. it can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and mistrust.
• Erosion of Trust: Constant monitoring can erode a child’s trust in authority figures, including police officers and educators. This can hinder their ability to seek help when needed and create an environment of fear and suspicion.
• Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: The label of “at risk” can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Children may internalize these negative perceptions and engage in behaviors that reinforce the initial assessment.

The creation of intelligence files on young children is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences. It demands careful consideration of the balance between security and individual rights,and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society from undue harm.

Protecting Childhood: A Conversation on Intelligence Monitoring

The debate surrounding intelligence monitoring of children has become increasingly heated, raising crucial questions about the balance between security and individual rights. Dr. Byrne, a leading advocate for children’s rights, expresses deep concern about the implications of such practices, notably when targeting young, vulnerable preschoolers. “we believe targeting preschoolers raises serious concerns about proportionality and potential overreach,” Dr. Byrne states. “These children are notably vulnerable,and subjecting them to intelligence monitoring could have lasting negative consequences. We urge the Garda Síochána to explore less intrusive methods for addressing these threats, prioritizing child protection and safeguarding their rights.”

gards Commissioner Harris has reported a important decrease in the number of intelligence files on children. While this is encouraging news, Dr. Byrne cautions that even one file on a child is a matter of grave concern. “While the decrease in the number of files is encouraging, it’s crucial to remember that even one intelligence file on a child is deeply concerning,” Dr. Byrne emphasizes. “We need ongoing transparency and oversight to ensure these files are not created arbitrarily and that robust safeguards are in place to protect children’s rights.Self-reliant scrutiny is essential to prevent potential misuse and ensure accountability.”

For parents worried about their children being subjected to such monitoring, Dr. Byrne offers a clear message: “Parents should be aware of their rights and advocate for their children’s protection.Open dialog with schools and the Garda Síochána is crucial. If parents suspect their child is being unfairly targeted, they should seek legal advice and contact organizations like the ICCL for support. We will continue to challenge practices that we believe violate basic rights and strive to ensure the safety and well-being of all children, notably those most vulnerable.”

Dr. Byrne’s insights underscore the vital importance of continuous dialog and scrutiny to ensure security measures do not infringe upon the rights of the most vulnerable members of our society. It’s a conversation that demands our attention and careful consideration.