The Policing Authority has today published its Review of 2019 which provides an overview of the breadth and depth of the work undertaken by the Authority this year. It includes key areas of focus for the Authority, an overview of evidencing of the Policing Plan, and figures relating to senior Garda appointments.

Speaking at the publication of the Review of 2019, Policing Authority Chief Executive, Helen Hall, said:

“2019 has been a very full and demanding year for us, with 15 Authority meetings, 11 publications, a total of 48 senior Garda appointments and a comprehensive policing performance evidencing programme. In 2020, we will continue to fulfil our statutory functions, while playing a role in the evolution of a future Authority, as set out in the Government programme for policing reform.”

One of the key areas of focus for the Authority in 2019 has been the continued oversight of the Garda Síochána Homicide Investigation Review, which has been running for more than two years. The sixth and final report from the Garda Síochána was discussed by the Authority with the Garda Commissioner, in public and in private, at its meeting on 27 November. Mindful of maintaining an appropriate balance between being transparent about the conclusion of this review and protecting the privacy of the individuals and families concerned, the Authority has decided to publish today a short commentary on the report, which includes the key findings and recommendations, extracted directly from the Garda Síochána final report.The Authority has in 2019 broadened its range of research activity and is pleased to announce today that it has commissioned research on the experiences of victims of crime in relation to their interactions with the Garda Síochána. The contract to undertake the research has been awarded to Trilateral Research Ltd following a competitive tender process.

This month also marks the end of the term of the current Policing Authority Chair, Josephine Feehily. Ms Feehily has served as Chair since the establishment of the Authority in January 2016. Speaking on her time in the Authority and on the work conducted in 2019, Policing Authority Chair, Josephine Feehily, said:

“I believe that public confidence in the Garda Síochána is so important for social cohesion, for the rule of law and ultimately for our democracy. It has been a privilege to have had the opportunity to enhance that confidence by putting in place for the first time in Ireland an Authority to exercise independent, transparent, civilian oversight of policing and to make senior Garda appointments. 

The Garda Síochána is an organisation of men and women with a strong commitment to community, and with capacity to influence and exercise power in communities. Strong powers require equally robust oversight and I wish the Policing Authority, and my successor Bob Collins, every success in continuing their mission of overseeing policing performance. 

Change is never easy. I would like to acknowledge the vision of policy makers and the Oireachtas who put the Policing Authority on the statue books, to thank the members of the Garda Síochána who worked with the Authority to put transparent oversight and accountability processes in place, to acknowledge the unwavering support of my Authority colleagues and the incredible work done by a dedicated team of staff in the Authority.”

END

Notes to Editor

Trilateral Research Ltd

The research will be project managed by Leanne Cochrane, Senior Research Analyst and conducted alongside Research Manager, Dr Julia Muraszkiewicz and Senior Research Analyst, Dr Su Anson. The Trilateral researchers have extensive experience in research design and working with vulnerable populations, including in the criminal justice space. The research project is designed to understand victims’ experience of their interactions with the Garda Síochána and the impact of this interaction. It is hoped that the project will provide important insights on:

The nature and quality of victims’ experiences;

The impact of victims’ experiences on their perceptions of and likely engagement with the police;

The effects of the Garda Síochána initiatives designed to improve victims’ experiences in the criminal justice system.

It is intended that the research will include interviews with victims of crime, an online survey to be completed by victims of crime residing in Ireland, and focus groups with organisations in Ireland that have direct interaction with victims of crime.