[Scan-DC] Security fears put new garda radios on hold

[Alan Henney]

Sunday Tribune (Ireland)

May 24, 2009



Security fears put new garda radios on hold



BYLINE: Ali Bracken, Crime Correspondent



SECTION: NEWS; Pg. N05



LENGTH: 327 words



The new garda EUR100m digital mobile radio service cannot yet be
rolled out because if lost, the devices cannot be switched off,
leading to serious potential problems if they fall into the wrong
hands.

The new Tetra radio service was due to be rolled out countrywide for
use by the garda and emergency services on 15 April.

However, it still has not been introduced and the Sunday Tribune
understands one reason for this is that it is not yet known how to
switch the radios off when lost.

"A number of technical difficulties were discovered on initial testing
in April of this year. Work is currently on-going to resolve these
difficulties," said a garda spokesman.

Despite the problems, the new radio system is expected be vastly
superior to the existing garda radio system and is encrypted, ensuring
criminals cannot use scanners to monitor police communications.

This newspaper reported last week that the EUR100m communications
system will play havoc with television reception around the country.

Garda stations are preparing for hundreds of complaints from
householders over severe disruption to their TV services.

The Tetra system, which has been promised by successive governments
for more than 10 years, is scheduled to be in place in all garda
divisions within two years, not taking into account the current
delays.

The old analogue system was built 25 years ago and didn't work in
parts of the country. It could easily be listened into by criminals
with cheap and easily available scanners.

Gardai on the ground regularly use their personal mobiles for work.

"This new system has been a long time coming but it's really a safety
issue. We need to be confident when using these radios that no one can
listen in. It's a security issue," said a senior garda source.

Tetra Ireland, comprising Eircom, Motorola and Sigma Wireless, will be
responsible for the maintenance of the technology.

The Garda Siochana paid for the phones and will pay Tetra for use of
the system.