Inexperienced gardaí working without proper supervision, report claims

The garda inspectorate has warned that young inexperienced gardaí are working in many areas of the country without proper supervision.

In a newly published report on frontline supervision, the inspectorate says more sergeants should be released from office work and put back on the beat.

This report into frontline supervision was completed last April but is only being published today.

It warns that young, less experienced gardaí are working in many areas of the country without adequate supervision.

In addition, prisoner supervision is being undertaken by very junior gardaí.

The report also warns that gardaí are spending too much time tied up in court, at great cost to the state.

It recommends releasing more sergeants to do frontline duties, it says every station operating 24/7 should have a sergeants assigned to outdoor supervision and it recommends that the allocation of resources and visibility should be given the highest priority.

Minister Alan Shatter welcomed the report and noted that the garda commissioner has prepared an implementation plan that addresses the various issues highlighted.