The Policing Authority has today published an interim update by Mr. Derek Penman on the preliminary examination of the Garda Síochána review of the closure of Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) incidents. This independent, external preliminary examination commissioned by the Authority, is part of an ongoing examination of the circumstances, response and challenges presented by the invalid and unwarranted closure of CAD incidents and it outlines key findings and recommendations. The interim update will be discussed at a meeting in public between the Policing Authority and the Garda Commissioner, which will take place on Tuesday 30 November at 3pm, and will be live-streamed on our website.

Notes to Editor

Bio: Mr. Derek Penman

Derek Penman is a former Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland (HMCICS) – a position he held for over 4 years – and a former Chief Constable within the United Kingdom with over 34 years policing experience. He now works as an independent consultant and senior international policing advisor. In his role as HMCICS, Mr Penman led and published over 30 expert reviews including a comprehensive independent assurance review of Police Scotland’s Contact, Command and Control Centres, (which included Computer Aided Despatch), following a critical service failure in 2015. Mr Penman is experienced in: development and implementation of inspection frameworks; undertaking comprehensive capability assessments of national policing institutions; and, reviewing EU and other internationally funded police reform programmes. He has successfully delivered and reviewed major organisational change. Mr Penman is currently an honorary Professor with the University of Dundee and Chair of the International Advisory Committee of the Scottish Institute for Policing Research, promoting research and collaboration to inform policy and practice.

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