An Garda Síochána Policy Document : Management and use of CHIS in An Garda Síochána

Abstract

The purpose of the ‘Management and Use of CHIS in An Garda Síochána’ Policy and associated documents is to provide direction on the management of individuals who have or appear to have information of intelligence value to An Garda Síochána. It sets out the processes for the management of those individuals by An Garda Síochána in a manner that safeguards the community and ensures operations of this nature are conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and associated documents. Operations which involve the use and conduct of a Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) must be conducted in accordance with Law and must be carried out in compliance with Human Rights obligations under the Irish Constitution and the principles of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This legislation provides a basis for conducting enquiries, covert or otherwise, in relation to a wide variety of crimes and offences and work within the confines of proportionality, legality, accountability and necessity.