
Public trust in gardaí now at 89%
A new garda report shows that 700 body-worn cameras are now in operation across five stations in divisions in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, while 15,000 mobility devices have also been issued to gardaí.
That's according to the 'Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024' report which is published today, Monday, by Garda Headquarters.
It also shows:
567 Garda stations are providing public services in communities;
3,672 vehicles are now in operation making it the largest fleet in garda history;
Public trust of An Garda Síochána is now at 89%.
The report sets out the journey of the transformation and growth taken by the gardaí since the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) in 2018 which was guided by 10 key principles.
Programme of reform
It reflects a broad programme of reform from operational structures and systems to governance and standards as well as the ongoing transition and progress to date by gardaí — bringing about the biggest structural change in the gardaí.
It details how divisional protective service units are now staffed by highly-trained specialist detectives and how this change has delivered for communities in particularly for victims of child abuse, serious sexual assault, and domestic abuse.
The report also shows how:
75% of respondents agree that gardaí are community-focused;
82% say gardaí are focused on human rights and community-based approaches to policing;
4,000 Garda personnel have completed a University of Limerick-accredited course in policing and human rights law.
New technology
The report found that the issuing of 15,000 devices has minimised the time it takes to retrieve information on vehicles and people, as well as the issuing of fixed-charge notices.
It also outlines how the development and implementation of new technology systems has ensured that when gardaí are dispatched to an incident all relevant information is available to them.
Staff levels have also increased by 51% since 2018 which has helped release gardaí to front line duties as well as provide additional support to operational gardaí.
Garda vetting
The Garda vetting bureau is turning vetting applications around within eight days.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "This report serves to document our transformation journey, while highlighting some key changes implemented by An Garda Síochána under A Policing Service for Our Future.
"It provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done over these past seven years to bring about really meaningful change in our organisation.
While we have made progress, there is more to do.
"And so, An Garda Síochána will continue to adapt to the needs of the public and we remain committed to delivering a modern, community-focused policing service to the people of Ireland.'

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Two young men arrested after drive-by shooting in Limerick
Two young men have been arrested after the discharge of a firearm in Limerick. Gardaí from the Limerick Crime Functional Area arrested the men as part of ongoing investigations into an incident where a firearm was discharged in the Hyde Avenue area, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick city on Thursday, May 8. During the incident, three houses were targeted during a drive-by shooting. In Tuesday's operation, gardaí also seized suspected controlled drugs with an estimated street value in excess of €28,000 at a domestic residence. The two men, aged in their 20s and late teens, have been conveyed to Garda stations in Co Limerick and are currently being detained under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007. It comes as Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan recently spoke in the Dáil about the issue of criminal gangs in Limerick. He mentioned the ongoing feud in Ballinacurra Weston, where a string of feud-related incidents have been taking place. Mr Quinlivan had told the Irish Examiner: 'There's an ongoing feud in the Ballinacurra Weston area, which diverts the resources from the King's Island area. Other areas need attention at the moment because of ongoing issues on the back of drug dealing, particularly crack cocaine.' Read More Limerick residents alarmed over 'prevalence' of open drug use in city


Irish Times
an hour ago
- Irish Times
Cyclist (80s) dies after collision with vehicle in Co Kerry
A cyclist in his 80s has died following a collision with a vehicle in Kilgarvan, Co Kerry . The fatal incident occurred shortly after 1.40pm on the R569 road. Gardaí and emergency services responded, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination is due to take place, a Garda spokesperson said. The road remains closed at this time. Drivers travelling to and from Kenmare are advised to travel via Killarney and Moll's Gap on the N71. READ MORE Gardaí are appealing for any road users with camera footage, including dash-cam, who were travelling in the area between 1pm and 2pm to make this footage available to them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact gardaí.


Irish Independent
2 hours ago
- Irish Independent
Far-right causing ‘huge concern' as counter terror detectives dedicated to probe violent political extremism
Deputy Commission Justin Kelly also told politicians this afternoon that they have put significant resources into investigating the online activities of these groups. The Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance was appearing before the Justice Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migrations this afternoon. He was joined by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Deputy Commissioner for Operations Shawna Coxon. During the meeting Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon questioned the senior gardaí about the threat of far-right violence and the garda response to this. Deputy Commissioner Kelly said that the force has put considerable investment into targeting groups involved in violent political extremism, including investigating their online activity. Mr Kelly added that they have gardaí in the four regions who can look at activity ahead of a protest to help identify problematic areas, as well as the garda's national security and intelligence network. 'The far-right of course is a huge concern for us,' he said, and that they have officers in the counter terror Special Detective Unit solely dedicated to investigating this. 'That's all they do,' he added. Deputy Gannon also said that while prosecutions have been brought against people involved in violence during the Dublin Riots in November 2023, he said that those who instigated the violence and have large followings online have got away 'Scot free'. Commissioner Harris said that part of these investigations includes following through on social media posts and individuals where it could meet the threshold for incitement to violence. In his opening remarks the Garda chief briefed the committee on issues around recruitment, the operating model, and roads policing. As of April 3, the organisation's strength stood at 18,194 people, including 14,221 sworn gardaí, 304 reserves, and 3,669 garda staff. Mr Harris said the rate of resignations has slowed and retirements were at their expected rate, while a small number of gardaí who resigned have since rejoined the force. In the last recruitment campaign 41pc were over the age of 30, with the force 'determined' to meet the government target of 5,000 gardaí passing through Templemore. He also said they are working out a plan to meet that target which includes looking at accommodation. The Garda Commissioner also referenced the new operating model which has shifted the organisation's focus from a local district model to a district model. Its rollout has been condemned by all garda representative bodies for gardaí, sergeants, inspectors, and superintendents. Mr Harris told the committee that An Garda Síochána's structure was unchanged since 1922 and that this 'was not sustainable' at a time of rapid and constant change in the country. He described it as the biggest organisational change the force has seen, and that it was 'done in order to enhance the service we provide to the public'. He pointed to the establishment of dedicated protective service units in each division which investigate sexual offences and domestic violence. In the last two years there have been 67 prosecutions for non-fatal strangulations, 52 for coercive control, and 12 for stalking. The Garda Commissioner said that this 'great work makes a difference to victims'. The operating model has also seen a Detective Superintendent appointed to each of the 21 divisions to oversee investigations into serious criminality. Mr Harris also said that the death of Garda Kevin Flatley on May 14 'serves as a stark reminder of the risks our gardaí face while on duty but also puts into sharp focus the danger that exists on our roads today'. So far this year 72 people have lost their lives on Irish roads, down 6 from the same time last year, though Mr Harris acknowledged that this reduction 'is no consolation for the bereaved families'. Over the last 12 months gardaí have rolled out a range of road safety measures including safety cameras, unmarked vehicles, and issuing mobile devices to gardaí to that they have access to the national driver database while on the beat. Garda Commissioner Harris also told the committee that a cadaver dog was brought in to search for missing Kerry farmer Michael Gaine before his remains were found. Mr Harris said that the canine searched Mr Gaine's land and farm in the third week of the investigation but gave no indication of anything being there. Mr Gaine was reported missing on March 20 with his remains not found until May 16. Fianna Fail TD Michael Cahill criticised the Garda response and said that 'there should have been a proper search of the slurry tanks, it seems it didn't happen in this case, and raised concerns about why a review into an active murder probe is taking place. Mr Harris said it was standard practice that a peer review is undertaken in a murder investigation. There were also calls during the committee for gardai to retain their own cadaver dog. Mr Harris yesterday said that they had only been required three times during his seven year tenure. Politicians were today told that gardai had a cadaver dog until 2012, but found its skills faded because it was not utilised enough. He said there had been considerable effort made to retrain that dog because they work best when consistently used.