The Policing Authority has today published a report on the Implementation of CAD 999 call recommendations. The work published today is the result of the Authority asking Mr Derek Penman, former Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland to review what progress the Garda Síochána has made in the implementation of his thirty-six key findings and sixteen recommendations. These recommendations arose from an examination carried out by Mr Penman on behalf of the Policing Authority in 2022 and were designed to improve the service the public receives when they call 999 for assistance.

This comprehensive examination is very positive and of the sixteen recommendations, twelve have been assessed as implemented, two assessed as partially implemented, and two assessed as not yet implemented.  It also provides observations and findings to guide further improvements in CAD incident handling.

Policing Authority Chairperson, Dr Elaine Byrne BL, emphasised the importance of continuous improvement in call handling processes:

"It is encouraging to see the significant progress made by An Garda Síochána regarding the majority of the recommendations included in Mr Penman’s report. The 999 emergency call line is a crucial public service that we rely on in moments of crisis and it is essential that the public, including the most vulnerable, have confidence in the consistency and quality of the service. 

The Authority will continue its engagement with the Garda Síochána to monitor the implementation of the recommendations and ensure ongoing improvements in CAD incident handling.

Mr Penman’s report will be discussed at this week’s meeting in public between the Policing Authority and the Garda Commissioner. The meeting will take place in The Richmond, North Brunswick Street, Dublin 7, at 3pm on Thursday, 29 February. Those wishing to attend in person can register here. The meeting will be live-streamed on the Authority’s website and YouTube channel.