A crucial reform initiative within An Garda Sióchána has confronted a major hurdle, as Garda superintendents have expressed their refusal to actively participate any further, following a disagreement over the issue of holding dual roles. The Association of Garda Superintendents has notified the higher management of Garda that its affiliates will halt any further involvement with the deployment of the fresh “operational model” throughout the nation until the conflict has been dealt with. This has resulted in a significant impediment to the reform scheme headed by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Deputy Commissioner Shawna Cox, who is overseeing the project.
The current disagreement strikes an unfamiliar chord, as superintendents, who play a pivotal role within the reform proceedings, rarely experience severe disagreements with their higher authorities stationed at the Garda Headquarters. It is noteworthy that the dispute arises amidst an already strained relationship between the Garda Representative Association, representing the common Garda officers, and Mr Harris, following a vote of no confidence cast mostly by its members.
The proposed operational model is essentially a fresh framework set for policing throughout the Republic, initially proposed by the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. The plan involves the merging of a multitude of Garda divisions, with the aim to reinforce policing strategies, and equipping the enlarged divisions with their own expert teams to handle cases of intricate criminal activities, including sexual offences, fraud, organised crimes and the likes.
Current circumstances observe a deficiency in the number of superintendents, and it has been a formidable task for the Garda management to promptly fill the posts whenever officers decide to retire, often without much forewarning.
Last week, the Association of Garda Sergeants & Inspectors (AGSI) responded upon discovering that two of their fellows were assigned the responsibilities of another superintendent in varied regions of the country. It is assumed that the association considers this move as a violation of an assurance offered by Garda management that double jobbing would be avoided.
In one instance, a superintendent who oversees community engagement, which comprises routine policing measures, in Co Longford was instructed to take up the similar role in Co Roscommon. This arrangement meant that he thoroughly took the responsibility of two large county areas that were previously managed by four superintendents before the implementation of the new business model.
In a separate scenario, a superintendent responsible for performance assurance covering Mayo, Roscommon, and Longford counties was directed to assume the duty of community engagement superintendent for a section of Mayo.
The Association of Garda Superintendents (AGSI) is of the belief that such demands place intense strain, especially in the bigger new divisions. It is resolved to put an end to this method before it turns into normal practice. The group proposes the appointment of inspectors to fill the superintendent vacancies provisionally until permanent replacements are found.
An anonymous source confirmed that the steps currently being taken by the superintendents are not targeted or personal towards Mr Harris or Ms Coxon.
When reached out to for further clarification, the group of superintendents declined to provide any detailed commentary due to the sensitivity of the matter. They stated that the Association of Garda Superintendents won’t be formalising a statement at this time.
A response from the Garda Headquarters is still anticipated.