Latest news with #GardaReserves
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Garda vehicle numbers rise to more than 3,600 after force transformation
An Garda Síochána has the largest fleet of vehicles in its history as well as new technology systems following what has been described as the biggest ever shake-up to the force. Following a transformation process which started in 2018, an information-led policing approach has seen the issue of 15,000 mobility devices which minimise the time it takes to retrieve information. Advertisement Some 700 body-worn cameras are being piloted by officers while vehicle numbers have risen to 3,672 including new specialist vehicles such as two water cannon along with public order and community engagement vans. Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024 was formally launched at the Innovation Centre, Garda Headquarters, Phoenix Park, on Monday. The Garda Emergency Response Unit and Regional Armed Support Units have received investment. Photo: Niall Carson/PA It was compiled to provide an organisational account of the implementation of A Policing Service For Our Future (APSFF) programme. It records the force's strength as of November 2024 as 14,054 Garda members, 3,689 Garda staff along with 319 Garda reserves. Advertisement Among the changes recorded include a new operating model rolled out across 21 divisions which has established four functional areas within each division. These are community engagement; performance assurance; crime; and business services functions, and is described as the biggest structural change in the history of the organisation. Meanwhile the organisation's latest Public Attitudes Survey records public trust in An Garda Síochána at 89 per cent. In the area of human rights, approximately 4,000 Garda personnel have become human rights champions having completed a University of Limerick accredited course in Policing and Human Rights Law in Ireland. Advertisement In terms of health and well-being support, a 24/7 independent helpline and counselling service has been established, as well as 17 full-time employee assistance officers, 1,164 peer supporters, and 3,500 personnel have received mental health first aid training. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris. Photo: PA Ireland Limerick Garda breaks silence after acquittal in '... Read More Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the report documents the transformation journey. '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,' he said. 'And so, 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.' Advertisement
RTÉ News
04-05-2025
- General
- RTÉ News
Thousands attend Dublin's annual Sikh Parade
Over 2,000 people have gathered in Dublin for an annual Sikh Parade to mark Vaisakhi - one of the holiest days in the Sikh calendar. The parade, known as a Nagar Kirtan, made its way through Sandymount and Ballsbridge, and features traditional Sikh music, martial arts, and free vegetarian meals, reflecting the Sikh value of seva or "selfless service". First held in 2018, the event is organised by Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, Ireland's only Sikh temple in Sandymount. Gardaí were in attendance this afternoon to direct traffic during the parade, which spans over four kilometers and typically lasts around two and half hours. Among those on duty was Ravinder Singh Oberoi, the first Sikh to become a member of the Garda Reserves. Mr Oberoi has lived in Ireland since 1997, and joined the reserves in 2021. He almost completed garda reserve training in 2007, until he discovered he would not be allowed to wear his turban as part of the garda uniform. He brought the matter before an Equality Tribunal and the High Court in 2013, which ultimately ruled that An Garda Síochána was not guilty of employee discrimination. However, in 2019, alterations to the garda uniform code were announced, allowing members to wear clothing relating to religious groups, prompting Mr Oberoi to try again. Now over four years in the role, Mr Oberoi believes the Irish and Sikh communities are more cohesive than ever, and he is proud to have played a role in that integration. "It's quite a proud moment for me to be able to police these kinds of events now as part of the community. I'm kind of the linkage between the community and An Garda Síochána." "When I came here first back nearly 28 years ago now, the Sikh community was very small, but since then it has grown quite big. Like today, you will see around 2,000 people congregating together for this parade. "And when I'm out and about on the beat as well, I get that positive vibe back again.
