Policing Authority disappointed with draft Garda plan

The Policing Authority has expressed disappointment at next year’s draft Garda policing plan and urged Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan to adopt “meaningful targets”.

The authority said it will not approve the plan if it does not reflect appropriate performance indicators.

There have been criticisms in recent years the garda policing plans lack specifics in terms of targets.

The Policing Authority has the power to accept or reject the Garda policing plan, but has agreed, in consultation with the Garda Commissioner, a process of dialogue and discussion in the drafting of the document, which is then submitted to the minister for approval and publication.

The authority held a workshop with Garda chiefs on September 13 in which the policing plan was examined.

Recently released minutes from the authority’s own meeting on September 29 said: “The draft of the policing plan was considered and members expressed disappointment that it does not yet reflect the outcome of the workshop.”

Members of the authority discussed the need to achieve a “balance” between remaining independent of the process while supporting the development of an appropriate draft and ensuring, in particular, the inclusion of specific performance indicators.

Minutes have also been published on the meeting with Ms O’Sullivan and her senior management team.

“The process leading to the approval of the [2017 Draft Policing] Plan and submission for the Tánaiste’s consent was discussed, including the useful, constructive and engaged workshop on 13 September.

“The authority conveyed the strong view that the final document will need to reflect more closely the output of the workshop, with regard to the development of meaningful targets and performance indicators in particular.”

The annual policing plans tend to cover three main areas: National security, national policing, and community safety. A fourth category covers professional policing service and/or organisational structures.

Given the Policing Authority has no remit over national security — which rests with the justice minister — its concerns rests with the other three areas.

Once the authority is satisfied with the draft 2017 plan, it will be sent to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald for her consent and publication early in January.

In its minutes, the authority also points out only one request for approval or appointment of a civilian post in the Garda Síochána has been received, despite sanctions being in place to fill a number of posts.

It said the authority was continuing to make practical arrangements for the appointment of senior gardaí once the Department of Justice had issued regulations to commence the authority’s powers.