Report calls for 'joined up' approach to policing

A new report has found that policing in Ireland would benefit from taking on lessons learnt by local Garda initiatives.

The research by the National Economic and Social Council is calling for a more "joined up" approach between agencies that are involved with and that oversee policing in Ireland.

The NESC looked at the work of the Garda Ombudsman, the Garda Inspectorate and Professional Standards Unit, as well as Joint Policing Committees and local policing.

"Ireland has all the 'parts' necessary for a well-functioning system of quality policing," said Dr Barry Vaughan, the author of the report.

"But these parts have yet to be connected in a way that would embed quality within policing. The work of the oversight organisations could complement each other more by examining systemic causes of complaints and serious harms; and Garda management could regularly compare local policing initiatives and encourage improvements in some in light of best practice.

"Constructing such a system would help to prevent abuses of authority as well as meeting the policing needs of communities."