Gardai concerned that walkie talkie sets pose risks to their health

Gardai believe their Tetra radio system poses risks to their health.

The annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors heard that the force may have been used as “guinea pigs” for the introduction of the system here, without proper studies being carried out in advance on health and safety grounds.

The conference was told there were particular concerns about using the hand-held terminals, or walkie talkie sets, in garda patrol cars or stations.

Association vice president Willie Gleeson said Tetra was an encrypted and safe radio system, that could not be hacked.

But he said members were concerned about the health issues and an investigation should be carried out now to determine if action should be taken.

He said some experts had warned that using the Tetra sets indoors was similar to being in a microwave oven.

The only protection for gardai using their sets in a patrol vehicle was to wind down the windows.

He also said people living near radio masts or aerials could be at risk and that needed further study….