A stark warning has been issued by the Policing Authority about the future of An Garda Síochána, highlighting an urgent need to boost recruitment as the force faces a wave of retirements in the coming years.
The comprehensive assessment reveals that current recruitment levels at the Garda College will barely offset ongoing resignations and retirements, with retirement numbers expected to “fall off a cliff” within five years. This crisis stems from a combination of mandatory retirement rules and the surge in recruitment during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Current Garda numbers stand at 14,100, well below the pre-Covid target of 15,000. The situation is further complicated by significant sick leave rates, with one division reporting 23% of members on long-term leave. These staffing pressures have led to soaring overtime costs, projected to exceed €200 million in 2024 – far above the allocated €132 million.
While there have been some positive developments, including improved digital device examination for child abuse cases and increased road policing effectiveness, the report identifies several concerning areas. These include a decline in sexual crime reporting to Gardaí in Dublin despite increased disclosures to the Rape Crisis Centre, inconsistent domestic violence follow-ups, and lengthy suspension cases affecting officer wellbeing.
According to The Irish Examiner, the report also highlights minimal progress in tackling economic crimes due to resource constraints, with a crucial resourcing plan submitted three years behind schedule.
The findings underscore a critical need for comprehensive workforce planning to maintain effective policing services across Ireland in the coming decade.