The Policing Authority today published its Statement of Strategy 2019-2021 which was approved by the Minister for Justice and Equality and laid before the Oireachtas this week. This second strategy statement (attached) sets out how the Policing Authority will continue to exercise its core statutory function of overseeing policing performance. It builds on the Authority’s first statement, extends the range and depth of its oversight activities and explores new ways to further the Authority’s vision of a professional, impartial, constantly improving policing service.
In this context, the Policing Authority is pleased to announce the launch of its first Research Bursary Scheme. Under the scheme, up to €25,000 will be made available to support one or more research projects in the area of policing services and oversight. Objectives of the research bursary scheme include creating relevant and robust research in the policing field, enhancing the Policing Authority’s familiarity with creative or new research on policing, and promoting public and stakeholder awareness of quality new research on policing.
Research themes of particular interest to the Policing Authority include:
- Policing and community safety;
- Police governance and accountability; and
- Human rights policing.
The Policing Authority will also consider proposals on themes which align with the Authority’s Statement of Strategy.
Applications are invited from independent researchers, academic researchers, research institutions or agencies, non-governmental bodies or a partnership of the above. The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm on Friday 22nd March 2019.
Full details of the research bursary scheme and application forms are available on the Policing Authority website.
Speaking today, Policing Authority Chairperson, Josephine Feehily, said
“This strategy builds on the solid foundation established by the Policing Authority in its first three years. It sets out to extend and enhance the Authority’s capacity to oversee Garda performance, including in the area of their human rights obligations. I am very pleased that the Authority is in a position today to launch a Research Bursary as part of a broader strategy to enhance our research capacity, for example by directly commissioning work, including from the Garda Síochána Inspectorate. I would encourage interested researchers to submit applications and take part in this important initiative The Strategy also sets out commitments which will position the Authority to transition into new forms and functions in due course in the context of the Government programme on policing reform 2019 to 2022 of which continued strong, independent and transparent oversight of policing is an important pillar.”
