Watchdog alarm over Garda resources

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris following a Policing Authority meeting in February. The Authority has said the Garda staffing crisis is 'constricting' the organisation’s ability to improve community policing, tackle economic crime, and implement reforms. Picture: PA

The Garda staffing crisis is “constricting” the organisation’s ability to improve community policing, tackle economic crime, and implement reforms, according to the Policing Authority.

The watchdog said the covid-related closure of the Garda College had a “profound” impact on Garda numbers with more than 1,000 fewer gardaí available than originally planned.