Latest news with #PCSA
Irish Examiner
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Policing Authority recommends 'radical change' in garda recruitment
'Radical change' is needed to Garda retention and recruitment to enable the organisation meet its existing functions, the policing oversight body has said. Policing Authority chair Elaine Byrne also said the ongoing delay in the enactment of policing legislation has meant it has been unable to conduct competitions for senior Garda positions, with potentially 'serious consequences' for the Garda senior leadership team. Writing in the 2024 annual report of the Policing Authority, Ms Byrne said the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act was only commenced last April. Under this, the authority has been renamed the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA). In a separate report to the annual report, the PCSA noted recent changes to the Garda recruitment process, including the fitness procedure, and a reduced timeframe for vetting. The Assessment of Policing Performance during 2024 report said the 'impact of the strain on resources' has affected the organisation's abilities to meet many policing targets for 2024. Policing Authority chair Elaine Byrne (left) with the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in Dublin last year. Drew Harris recently told an Oireachtas committee he expected he would have 15,200 gardaí, rather than 14,200, by now, but that covid and long recruitment processes had affected this. File photo: Leah Farrell/© The report also highlights: Lack of resources is seen as 'detrimental' to the success of the new Garda Operating Model and that 'in the main' gardaí highlight challenges with the model as linked to resources rather than the model itself; Gardaí – such as detectives – cite geographic issues with the new model (which has merged divisions) in that travelling within an expanded division 'takes up considerable time' on a shift; There is a need to examine the investment still needed in technology to assist in the identification of child sexual abuse material; Where technology has been provided, some divisional Protective Services Units have not been trained in it; Low staffing levels in the Garda Online Child Exploitation Unit and the Sexual Crime Management Unit raise concerns at Garda capacity to investigate such crimes; Despite some progress between Gardaí and Tusla in electronically sharing cases, a data sharing agreement has still not been agreed; Significant progress in the joint specialist interviewer training, used in interviewing children who have been sexually abused, with a cohort of 15 gardaí and 15 Tusla social workers trained last September; Significant progress in public order policing with investment in equipment, vehicles and training; Elsewhere, the report cites 'continued success' in tackling high-level organised crime and drug trafficking, but noted that communities 'remain fearful' and the drug-related intimidation and grooming of children into gangs remained a significant issue. The report commends investment in the Garda National Cyber Security Bureau but noted a 64% increase in cases received in 2024 and said, if that continued, its work in reducing backlogs 'may be reversed'. The report said the 'largest risk' facing the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau was the scale of referrals from financial institutions of fraud incidents. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris recently told an Oireachtas committee he expected he would have 15,200 gardaí, rather than 14,200, by now, but that covid and long recruitment processes had affected this. He had introduced measures to speed up the process and aimed to increase annual capacity at Templemore Garda College from 800 to 1,000.
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- Irish Times
Gang-related intimidation and exploitation of children are key Irish policing challenges
The Garda has fallen short on many of its policing performance goals with 'only four of 18 targets fully achieved', according to a report from a new independent oversight body. The Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) found nine of the 18 targets for the force were 'partially met and five were not achieved'. While efforts were being made to address the Garda's recruitment and retention challenges, the report says the issue is not likely to be resolved in the short term and there will be a dependency on overtime spending 'to ensure enough gardaí and garda staff are available for work'. The report says the Garda made progress in tackling organised crime, but drug-related intimidation remained a cause for concern, as did the grooming and exploitation of children by gangs. READ MORE The force also continued to 'lag behind' other comparable organisations in terms of the technology used to run functions such as finance and human resources. PCSA chair Elaine Byrne said the authority 'acknowledges the progress made' by An Garda Síochána in key areas last year and the 'commitment shown' by members and staff. 'At the same time, the report reflects the complexity of modern policing and the importance of ensuring that the right supports, whether in staffing, technology or training, are in place to meet public needs.' The assessment focuses on the Garda's performance last year based on the force's annual policing plan and policing priorities set out at the start of 2024. The report was compiled by the Policing Authority but has been published by its successor, the PCSA. It says the Garda's 'operating model' – meaning the amalgamation of Garda divisions, creating fewer but much larger divisions across the country – had been completed in 19 of the 21 divisions by the end of last year. The process has been fully completed since then. The Garda staff associations have criticised the model, which is the biggest restructuring of the force in its history, saying the geographic area of many divisions, spanning several counties, is so big it poses policing challenges. They believe resources were being drawn into urban centres in these larger divisions at the expense of the policing service available in rural areas. The PCSA said personnel shortages across the Garda were cited by some members of the force as 'detrimental' to the success of the operating policing model. 'In some areas there are geographical challenges reported, as the area to be covered within the division means that travelling – for example for detectives – takes up considerable time on a shift across more than one county,' it said. Elsewhere in its review, the PCSA concludes there is 'a need to examine the investment still needed in areas such as technology to assist in the identification of child sexual abuse material'. Though 'some progress has been made' more 'investment is necessary to fully realise the full benefits from the initial investment'. More investment in ICT was also required 'to support internal processes, such as anti-corruption, discipline and performance management'. Furthermore, 'no progress was made in 2024 in implementing performance management' even though it was 'critical in supporting a culture of robust and supportive supervision'. This resulted in poor performance either not being tackled or an over reliance on the disciplinary process. 'Using discipline instead of good supervision and performance management inappropriately introduces fear and risk aversion to making mistakes,' it said. In the areas of roads policing and public order policing, significant progress was noted. This included the direction from Garda Headquarters last year that all frontline gardaí must complete 30 minutes of roads policing during their shifts. Public-order policing has been marked by significant investment in equipment and training, especially since the Dublin riots in November 2023. The PCSA notes some recommendations from a 2019 Garda Inspectorate report remained outstanding, 'good progress' has been made.
The Journal
18-05-2025
- The Journal
Gardaí must learn from shortfalls in Hawe case investigation, head of policing body says
THE HEAD OF the State's policing oversight body has said that gardaí must learn from questions raised about the investigation into the murder suicide of a Cavan family. Dr Elaine Byrne made the comments as part of an interview with The Journal this week about her role with the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) which she chairs. The body has replaced the Policing Authority and Garda Inspectorate. In August 2016 Alan Hawe, a vice-principal, killed himself after murdering his 39-year-old wife Clodagh and their sons, Liam, 13, Niall, 11, and Ryan, six, at their home near Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan. Now Clodagh's sister Jacqueline Connolly has said a review of the Clodagh Hawe case should be published to provide a greater awareness of the behaviours of 'family annihilators'. She has written a memoir called Deadly Silence to raise awareness of what happened. She claimed that the deaths were not initially investigated thoroughly by gardaí and she wants this approach changed. She has said that there was not adequate collection of CCTV and digital evidence as well as follow up interviews with 20 key witnesses. Byrne said that the PCSA has been focused intensely on a review of homicide investigations – which has been ongoing for a period of time. 'The Commissioner did initiate a homicide review where it showed that there were lapses in the investigation of a number of homicides. Advertisement 'But that is a constant focus for us, and it's on our agenda, and we will be asking the Commissioner [Drew Harris] more questions,' she said. Dr Elaine Byrne of the Policing and Community Safety Authority. Niall O'Connor / The Journal Niall O'Connor / The Journal / The Journal Byrne paid tribute to Connolly for documenting what happened to the Hawe family. 'I think that Clodagh's sister Jaqueline, she's done a public service in allowing the public inside that very tragic event, moment by moment, and I think society will learn something from it, and the guards must learn something from it as well. 'I have read everything, all those extracts of her book, and it is something that we will be bringing those issues that she's outlined are issues broadly match our concerns in general, around the homicide review that the Commissioner initiated, and one that we will have a constant focus on,' she added. Jacqueline Connolly, whose has written about the murder of her sister and her family by her husband Alan Hawe. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Last week, in an interview on RTE radio, Connolly said that a second investigation carried out by the serious crime review team, authorised by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris in 2019, highlighted what was missed in the first investigation. This included CCTV that had not been examined, digital evidence that was overlooked, and 20 key witnesses who needed to be re-interviewed using different techniques. Connolly said she has been told gardaí in training will be advised to gather evidence in murder-suicides as though it is a case that will be prosecuted, but she said she wants that rolled out to all rural garda stations because officers were not prepared to 'find Clodagh and the boys like that'. She called on Harris to release the findings of the serious crime review, for which Connolly has seen a summary, because she said it was important that the recommendations are seen by domestic violence institutions. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Extra.ie
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Garda oversight faced ‘unprecedented' lapse amid 'significant risk' warning
The Department of Justice only maintained Garda oversight during the new Policing Act's launch after the Policing Authority called ending it 'unprecedented, extraordinary and impolitic'. Last year, the government passed the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act, which was to disband the Policing Authority (PA) and replace it with the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA). The PA was the civilian oversight body for An Garda Síochána, and the PCSA would have the same responsibilities to monitor the force. Pic: Karl M Photography/Shutterstock However, the Act was not set to be commenced until after the election and the formation of a new government. The general election took place on November 29, and government formation talks had not concluded by the time Elaine Byrne, chair of the PA, wrote to the then Justice Minister Helen McEntee on December 12. Ms Byrne noted that the PSCA Act was not set to be commenced until March 1, 2025. However, she pointed out that the terms of the members of the PA were set to expire on December 31, 2024, before the new body was set to officially be established and continue to provide oversight of the gardaí. Ms Byrne wrote to Ms McEntee expressing her concerns at this gap emerging and said she had been informed that 'consideration was being given' to the PCSA operating in a 'shadow capacity' until the legislation was formally commenced. She wrote: 'I am gravely concerned by the option being considered to not extend the current [Policing] Authority members' terms. Elaine Byrne. Pic: Leah Farrell / © 'In essence, this ends the ability of the Authority to fulfil any of its statutory functions under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended).' Ms Byrne said this posed 'significant risks for the public accountability of Irish policing', adding: 'As a consequence of the proposed decision, there would be no independent, civilian oversight of the Garda Síochána for an undetermined period of time.' Ms Byrne said this was 'wholly unsatisfactory and unacceptable', adding: 'In my view, it is unprecedented, extraordinary and impolitic that a Minister for Justice would make a decision to end civilian oversight of the Garda Síochána for an undefined time. 'As you are aware, policing issues that significantly impact on public confidence can happen at any time. 'A decision not to continue with the Authority until the PCSA can be commenced would be a highly unusual and injudicious option to choose. It is fraught with risk and unnecessary in the context that there is an option to have continued oversight for a short period until such time as the Act is commenced.' Elaine Byrne. Pic: Leah Farrell / © She said the proposal to have the PCSA operate in a shadow capacity was 'not tenable'. Ms Byrne acknowledged the timing of the election had impacted on the department's plans, but said this was foreseeable. 'The drift of the commencement date across the course of 2024 has, disappointingly, rendered the current impasse almost inevitable,' she wrote. A Department of Justice spokesman said: 'At its meeting on December 19, 2024, the Government reappointed the chair and ordinary members of the Policing Authority for a period of no longer than six months, with effect from January 1, 2025. 'Minister McEntee wrote to the Authority members individually to confirm their reappointments thereafter. These appointments effectively ended on April 2, 2025, when [Justice] Minister [Jim] O'Callaghan commenced the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which provided for the establishment of An tÚdarás Póilíneachta agus Sábháilteachta Pobail [the PCSA] and the dissolution of the Policing Authority.'
RTÉ News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Public views sought on policing priorities
The new oversight body for An Garda Síochána - the Policing and Community Safety Authority (PCSA) is encouraging people to contribute to a public consultation that will help determine policing priorities in the future. Chairperson of the PCSA Elaine Byrne said the determination of policing priorities for An Garda Síochána is an important element of the PCSA's work. "The policing priorities, when determined, provide clarity on the key areas that require particular attention to improve policing services to the public." She said the priorities will also highlight the areas within which PCSA oversight will focus and set the context for the Garda Commissioner's development of An Garda Síochána's Strategic Plan and Annual Service Plan. Established last month, the PCSA is the successor organisation to the Policing Authority. The role of the PCSA is to independently oversee and assess the performance of An Garda Síochána in relation to policing services. It has assumed most of the existing functions of the Policing Authority, as well as an additional function in community safety. As part of its public consultation on the policing priorities for An Garda Síochána for 2026-2028, the organisation has set up a 10-minute online questionnaire that allows the public to allocate 'points' to the areas of policing they consider a priority. The PCSA consultation runs until 8 June, and it is open to anyone over 16 years of age. The organisation will also hold in-person public consultations. The first of which will take place in Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, this morning. Ms Byrne said the public consultation offers an opportunity for people to have their say on what they believe An Garda Síochána should prioritise. "It is important that communities and individuals have an opportunity to input into the development of the priorities. "Including more voices and perspectives will help significantly to determine what policing best delivers a sense of safety and security in the community," Ms Byrne said. The PCSA met in private with the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, recently, where they discussed the development of the policing priorities, An Garda Síochána's Annual Service Plan and the protection of children in the State, amongst other matters. The Authority will meet monthly with the Garda Commissioner to discuss policing performance and matters of community safety. These meetings with the Garda Commissioner will be held in public, and they will be live-streamed at least four times a year. The first public meeting will take place in three weeks. The PCSA said its establishment ushers in "a new era in policing accountability and community safety in Ireland". The objective, functions and powers of the PCSA are detailed in the Policing, Security and Community Safety (PSCS) Act 2024. The independent, statutory agency was established on 2 April 2025, following the commencement of PSCS legislation. The authority will also inform and advise the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O'Callaghan, on developments in policing and on best policing practice.
