An Garda Síochána have rolled out a plan to bolster their capacity in the coming years.
1,500 Garda members will be recruited by the end of 2021 and of the new recruits, 1,000 are expected to be deployed to the front-line.
The increase is part of an overall restructuring of the organisation that will see "decision making for policing delivery devolved from the centre to the regions and divisions." These divisions will be increased in size, and will be "operationally autonomous," according to An Garda Síochána.
While there are currently 28 divisions, this number will be reduced to 19 throughout 2020. Each division will be typically made up of around 600 to 800 personnel. The reduction of divisions will now commence on a phased basis and will be implemented throughout 2020.
The model has been recommended by both the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland and the Garda Inspectorate and echoes the views of Garda personnel gathered through extensive consultation.
The restructure reflects international policing best practice as well as the realities of modern-day policing in Ireland, the changing nature of crime, and population trends.
This process has already started as part of the implementation of A Policing Service for the Future with the introduction of the new local policing model in four Divisions – Kevin Street, Cork city, Galway and Mayo.
Key elements of this new approach include the "introduction of community policing teams dedicated to working with communities to identify and tackle problem crimes in their area" and an enhanced capacity to investigate serious crimes at the local level.
In addition to the new Gardaí, the organisation expects to add 1,265 civilian staff to their ranks in that same timeframe.
Commissioner Drew Harris said: "These improvements will allow us to increase the number of Gardaí at the front-line and enhance community policing. Reduced bureaucracy and ICT initiatives combined with an increase in Garda members and Garda staff will increase Garda visibility in communities.
"It will mean Gardaí at all ranks will have more time to engage with local communities and stakeholders to help keep people safe."
