Public confidence in An Garda Síochána has reached an all-time high of 89 percent, according to a comprehensive transformation report published by Garda Headquarters that details sweeping changes implemented across the force since 2018.
The ‘Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024’ report, released on Monday, showcases the most significant structural overhaul in the history of Irish policing, driven by recommendations from the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
The dramatic improvement in public trust comes alongside substantial technological upgrades and operational changes. The report reveals that 700 body-worn cameras are now operational across five stations in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, while 15,000 mobility devices have been distributed to gardaí nationwide to streamline their work.
The force has also achieved record levels in fleet capacity, with 3,672 vehicles now in operation representing the largest garda fleet in history. Additionally, 567 garda stations continue to provide public services in communities across the country.
Beyond the headline trust figures, the report demonstrates strong public approval for garda approaches to policing. Three-quarters of respondents agree that gardaí are community-focused, while 82 percent believe the force is committed to human rights and community-based policing methods.
This transformation has been underpinned by significant investment in training and professional development. The report highlights that 4,000 garda personnel have completed University of Limerick-accredited courses in policing and human rights law, reflecting the force’s commitment to modernizing its approach.
Operational improvements have been equally substantial. Staff levels have increased by 51 percent since 2018, allowing more gardaí to be deployed to frontline duties while providing enhanced support to operational officers. The establishment of divisional protective service units staffed by highly-trained specialist detectives has particularly benefited victims of child abuse, serious sexual assault, and domestic abuse.
Technological advancement has streamlined many processes that previously consumed significant time and resources. The 15,000 mobile devices issued to gardaí have dramatically reduced the time needed to retrieve information about vehicles and individuals, as well as process fixed-charge notices. New technology systems ensure that when gardaí respond to incidents, all relevant information is immediately available to them.
Administrative efficiency has also improved markedly, with the Garda vetting bureau now processing applications within eight days, a substantial improvement from previous timeframes.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris acknowledged the progress while emphasizing that transformation remains ongoing. “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,” he said.
“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.”
The Commissioner emphasized the force’s commitment to continued evolution, stating that “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.”
The transformation program, guided by ten key principles established by the 2018 Commission report, represents the most comprehensive reform of Irish policing in decades, touching everything from operational structures and governance standards to community engagement and human rights training.