Recruitment of Garda support staff tops 2,500 as officers go back on beat

MORE than 2,500 civilians have been recruited by the gardaí in a bid to get officers back on the beat, it has emerged.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern revealed the number of people employed as support staff in An Garda Síochána rose by 60% over the last two years.

Mr Ahern said the move has enabled the greatest possible number of frontline gardaí to focus on core policing work and the fight against crime.