Strategy Statement 2022–2024

An Garda Síochána Strategy Statement 2022—2024 was published on 9 June 2022.1 The mission of An Garda Síochána (AGS) for the duration of the strategy is simply ‘Keeping people safe’ (p. 6). While the strategy is set against the backdrop of living in a post-pandemic world, with global political and economic uncertainty, AGS is committed to evolving and meeting policing demands that are continually changing. The five pillars that the strategy focuses on are:

• Community
• Tackling crime and preventative policing
• Victims and the vulnerable
• Protecting the security of the Irish State
• Sustainable change and innovation. 

2024 Policing Plan

The AGS 2024 Policing Plan,2 proposed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, represents the last of three annual plans to give effect to the AGS Strategy Statement 2022—2024.1 The 2024 Policing Plan builds on progress and momentum achieved in the previous plans and focuses on community policing and preventing and detecting crime.2 While drug trafficking is only mentioned in the community pillar, it is implied throughout the plan that drugs will be targeted. 

Community

AGS aims to continue to strengthen connections with communities and work in partnership to keep people safe. It will achieve this by collaborating with partners to develop sustainable solutions that will target concerns regarding community safety.2 Actions identified under the national drugs strategy will be progressed to tackle harm imposed on communities. Informed by the AGS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, AGS endeavours to provide policing services that engage, respond and understand the diverse needs of all communities in Ireland.2

Tackling crime, and preventative policing

The priority is to anticipate and target new and emerging trends in crime by availing of information-led policing approaches to disrupt new, seasonal and emerging criminal activities, including serious and organised crime at a local, national and international level. The aim is to increase public awareness and understanding of criminal threats along with their impacts. In order to increase AGS’s ability to do this, further investment will be made in technology and professional specialist skills. This includes the roll-out of the National Criminal Intelligence framework and the development of the Cybercrime hub in Cavan.2 

Victims and the vulnerable

The aim is to reduce harm by promoting and protecting the dignity and human rights of victims and all vulnerable individuals engaging with AGS. This will be achieved by embedding the AGS victim-centred approach on all levels. This includes the implementation of the Third National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence 2022–2026. In addition, AGS aims to work with the Road Safety Authority and other partners to increase road safety under the Government Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030.2

Protecting the security of the Irish State

AGS aims to protect Ireland and its people from terrorism and threats. This will be achieved by increasing security and intelligence collaborations with national and international agencies and via the continued implementation of the Security Development Plan.2

Sustainable change and innovation

In order to inspire and sustain a continuous improvement, a culture of innovation needs to be adopted. To achieve this, the AGS change management capacity building plan needs to be implemented.2

Strategic enablers

Five enablers are essential to the successful implementation of the plan. AGS values being a people-focused organisation that is centred on enhancing human resources, training, learning and development, and health and well-being supports. It will continue to engage in collaborative partnerships to increase knowledge, service, and effectiveness. Two-way communication with communities is ongoing via new and existing channels to ensure that AGS responds to their needs. This engagement will nurture a culture of empowerment rooted in integrity and the protection of human rights. Finally, an information-led service centred on using data and technology to inform decisions can be achieved by implementing the 2023 ICT Roadmap, which will enable AGS to achieve its Data and Technology Vision.2

Conclusion

Commissioner Harris acknowledged that the 2024 Policing Plan was developed in the ‘context of challenge and change across Irish society’ (p. 4).2 The Commissioner stated that:

Policing Plan 2024 comes at a junction point in the history of An Garda Síochána. As implementation of the principles of the Commission on the Future of Policing concludes, the new Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill will reset and realign the statutory framework within which we deliver our services, engage with our partners and oversight agencies, and support our personnel. Adapting to this new landscape in 2024, and beyond, will enable An Garda Síochána to move forward as an innovative, robust and trusted organisation with a fixed focus on tackling crime, protecting communities and the vulnerable, and Keeping People Safe. (p. 5)2

1    An Garda Síochána (2022) An Garda Síochána Strategy Statement 2022–2024. Dublin: An Garda Síochána. Available from: https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/36428/

2    An Garda Síochána (2024) 2024 Policing Plan. Dublin: An Garda Síochána. Available from:
https://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/40643/