The Police Service of Northern Ireland has been given the power to publish the mugshots of criminals who receive sentences of over 12 months. 

The decision was made after the families of victims criticised the PSNI for not doing so in a review of the practice. 

Commissioner designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said the change would "strengthen public confidence in our justice system".

On Newstalk Breakfast, former Garda Sergeant Christy Galligan said An Garda Síochána should give “consideration” to introducing similar rules in the Republic. 

“We see it on the media there, or even on what we call Crime Call, where Garda seeking information on certain suspects are shown their mugshots, or CCTV images are shown of people involved in criminal offences,” he argued.

“So, it wouldn't be unusual, but there seems to be a reluctance by legislators releasing mugshots.”

A man in handcuffs. Picture by: Alamy.com.

One concern Mr Galligan does have is that the publication of mugshots could lead to convicted criminals being targeted by vigilante paramilitary groups. 

“The release of mugshots has to be given serious consideration by a number of superintendents ranked upwards before the mugshots are released - because you're really putting a target on somebody,” he said. 

“Especially in Northern Ireland, where we've seen those punishment shootings that are still ongoing.”

Mr Galligan added that it would be a “plus” for the mugshot of  a “serial sex offender or a serious criminal” to be published, but not those convicted of minor crimes. 

“In Great Britain, we see those mugshots being shown for very serious criminal offenders,” he said.

“We've seen serial offenders, recidivists, terrorists, etc. 

“So, I'm wondering that this 12 months or more seems to be a very minimal sentence.” 

Main image: An arrested woman in handcuffs. Picture by: Laura Hutton/RollingNews.ie.