Irish policing expert Professor Dermot Walsh criticised the appointment process for Ireland’s new independent Policing Authority chief in an article published by the Irish Examiner today.
In the article entitled Selection of police authority chief criticised, Professor Walsh, who is described by the Irish daily newspaper as a ‘leading legal expert’, said he was disappointed ‘the appointment process seems heavily orientated towards secrecy and government control’.
He goes on to say: ‘It seems clear the process is not based on a transparent and competitive interview conducted by an independent body incorporating relevant expertise.
‘The appointment seems to be within the exclusive patronage of the Government.
‘None of this sits easily with the concept of an independent police authority. I would much prefer to see an independent, transparent and competitive process overseen by an appropriate Oireachtas committee.’
Earlier this year, Professor Walsh was interviewed by the Irish Examiner following the Government’s decision to establish the new Policing Authority, a decision which Professor Walsh described as ‘momentous’.
He was also interviewed by the Irish Examiner in April following the sudden departure of the head of the Irish police force.
Professor Walsh’s main research interests focus on policing and criminal justice; criminal procedure; human rights; and European criminal law and procedure. Read more about his publications on his staff profile.