The Irish Independent's View: New Garda chief must focus on strategic challenges
As assistant commissioner – the position he held before becoming deputy – Mr Kelly was head of the force's organised and serious crime division, covering the specialist crime bureaus, including drugs, fraud and cyber.
He is said to have advanced policies in combating crimes against vulnerable people
He is well aware of the issues confronting the force in relation to investigating major crimes, as well as the increasingly advanced methods being used by criminals.
Mr Kelly is credited with developing international partnerships to tackle drugs and organised crime and cyber and economic crime. He is also said to have advanced policies in combating crimes against vulnerable people, and responding to the needs of victims.
The new commissioner does face operational challenges, including recruitment and retention in the force. Morale and HR issues within the organisation – including rows over rosters – have taken up far too much bandwidth when the focus should be on policing.
The Programme for Government has committed to providing funding to recruit at least 5,000 new gardaí over the next five years. The new commissioner will have to keep reminding the Justice Minister of this promise and ensure it is delivered.
In his brief stint as deputy commissioner, Mr Kelly played a role in delivering the often contentious new operating model. It reformed garda structures with the intention of providing more frontline officers, increasing garda visibility and providing a wider range of policing services for people in their local areas. After taking so long to implement, the new model is one particular can of worms it would be unwise for the new commissioner to reopen.
The appointment of a new garda chief gives certainty to the organisation, but his time cannot be taken up with operational matters when there are so many strategic challenges.
The difficulties facing police forces across the world are rapidly evolving due to technological advances, the interconnectivity of organised crime and the breakdown of global security. The policing of protests and rise of disinformation are also problems, as bad actors seek to damage relations between the force and communities.
Public confidence in the leadership of the force will be enhanced with the appointment of a decorated, respected and capable commissioner.
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