This study was commissioned by the Policing Authority in 2023 and published in March 2025. It was conducted independently with the Irish Network Against Racism.
The study presents the most detailed evidence to date of the negative experiences of policing among these communities. It includes accounts of traumatic stop-and-search incidents, including strip searches, wrongful arrests, and property damage. There is evidence of long-lasting psychological effects and ongoing impacts on employment, study, and family life. The findings also note the prevalence of vexatious charges brought after traffic stops, particularly against Black drivers.
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Research team
Lucy Michael, Shane O Curry, Rodrigo Souza Silva, Nedson N’goma, Maria Elena Costa Sa, Daniel Reynolds.
Acknowledgements
We would like to especially thank the participants in this project, whose contributions were necessarily anonymous. They put their trust in us by responding to the survey, by participating in our focus groups, and by agreeing to be interviewed by us.
Thanks to the Advisory Group for overseeing the project, reviewing drafts and supporting the authors in their work: Ayodele Yusuf, Karen Aguiar, Balume Dube, Professor Aogan Mulcahy, and Doireann Ansbro. The Advisory Group bear no responsibility for the content of the report.
Thanks also to Patrisha Munatsi for material from recent consultations for the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), and to Amaya Aten and Gordon Ogutu for their assistance in reviewing the final report.
This research project was originally conceived by Dr Vicky Conway, who was tragically and suddenly taken from us in July of 2022. Vicky had a formidable intellect and possessed a great depth of knowledge on policing in Ireland, especially on policing through the lens of human rights, social justice and accountability. We dedicate this report to the memory of our dear friend and colleague.