GRA calls for European-style Garda uniform

A European-style police uniform — typified by a baseball hat, polo shirt, and heavy-duty boots — should be examined in the current root-and-branch review of An Garda Síochána, according to the force’s biggest staff body.

The Garda Representative Association said this would mean replacing the traditional formal Garda uniform, which has a necktie and shirt and traditional police cap, with a more operational-style outfit.

“Overall, a meaningful debate should now begin as to whether the intention of Garda uniform is to purvey an image of smartness and authority as a symbol of modern Ireland with cap, necktie and black shoes — or a fully functional operational outfit combining high-visibility, anti-stab protection and heavy-duty boots for outdoor duty,” said GRA general secretary PJ Stone.