Major changes to Garda divisions across the country will be announced today.
Commissioner Drew Harris will reveal the new Operating Model, which will see changes to the organisation's structures, processes, services, and governance.
NEW: 1,800 more Gardaí to be put on the frontline by 2021 as part of radical changes to the way the force operates. The number of divisions being reduced from 28 to 19. Regions to reduce from 6 to 4. pic.twitter.com/seDwocqi5A
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) August 22, 2019
Under the new plans, believed to big the biggest shake up of the force in modern times, more gardai will be deployed to the frontline.
Commissioner Drew Harris said, “These improvements will allow us to increase the number of Gardaí at the front-line and enhance visibility."
Click for more: https://t.co/eHEo2xiFwu pic.twitter.com/ZUXUAlXwR7— Garda Info (@gardainfo) August 22, 2019
It's expected that Garda divisions will be reduced from 28 to 19, giving greater independence to the new larger divisions - Garda regions are also likely to be reduced from 6 to 4.
An Garda Siochana says the new plan will increase the number of front-line Gardaí, deliver a more localised service to communities, and maximise the force's operational impact.
REACTION
In a statement this morning, the Garda Representative Association says that Commissioner Drew Harris has assured them that the plan isn't necessarily the last word on the issue and that the views of the GRA and others will be considered.
The Policing Authority believes the new structure of An Garda Siochana represents a clear future direction for the organisation.
The authority says reducing the number of regions and divisions will deliver a more visible and responsive policing service.
It feels the revised structures will also allow more Garda members to move back to front-line duties and reduce duplication, bureaucracy and back-office support costs.
