Garda vehicle numbers rise to more than 3,600 after force transformation

By Rebecca Black, PA

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.

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.

It was compiled to provide an organisational 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 , 3,689 Garda staff along with 319 Garda reserves.

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.

In of health and well-being , a 24/7 independent helpline and counselling service has been established, as well as 17 full-time employee assistance officers, 1,164 peer ers, and 3,500 personnel have received mental health first aid training.

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.”