Meath among first Garda divisions to implement new Operating Model

The new Meath/Westmeath Garda Division will be one of five where the new Operating Model of the force will be implemented

The first major changes under the new Garda Operating Model came into effect on Monday, October 7 with the reduction in the Garda regions from six to four. Under the restructure An Garda Siochana aims to improve garda numbers resources, conditions and operational procedures.

They were chosen because the merger of Meath / Westmeath will enable the model to be used to provide a wider range of policing services to communities in the area.

The other regions include: Galway, Cork city, Dublin South Central and Limerick.

Before changes are made at a Divisional level, change impact assessments will be conducted at a local level to ascertain what needs to be done to enable implementation.

The first major changes under the new Garda Operating Model came into effect on Monday, 7th October with the reduction in the Garda regions from six to four.

An Garda Síochána has committed to ensuring Superintendents will be in locations throughout a Division and not all located in the Divisional Headquarters.

An Garda Síochána has also said that every effort will be made to minimise disruption to personnel and that the introduction of the Operating Model at Divisional level will be done on phased basis.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "These changes will see us deliver a more responsive, more efficient and better service to local communities.

It will mean increased numbers of Gardaí working on the frontline, better investigations of crimes against the vulnerable such as sexual crime, and community policing teams dedicated to working with communities to identify and tackle problem crimes in their area.

The quicker we can make these changes at Divisional level, the quicker we can deliver these improvements to communities.”

Under the Garda Operating Model, Divisions will increase in size, will be operationally autonomous, and will be the key to policing delivery.

A Division will be typically made up of around 600 to 800 personnel. This will ensure each Division has the resources and skills to deliver a wider range of community policing and specialist services based on the demand in their area.

There will be better investigative services locally as Divisions will have a wider range of specialist skills and expertise such as Protective Services, Economic Crime and Cyber Crime.

Regions and divisions will have greater control over how policing is delivered, while working to a corporate framework and oversight from the centre. The focus of the centre will be on supporting regions and divisions.

The Operating Model is a key initiative being delivered by An Garda Síochána under A Policing Service for the Future.