An Garda Síochána: A test of leadership

The real test is of the Commissioner and her top team who, in a politicised environment, must advocate for the organisation, address its weaknesses and be agents of change within

After years of budgetary cuts, the latest murder in the Kinihan/Hutch feud has renewed debate over the capacity – or otherwise – of the Garda to act as a robust obstacle to organised crime.

But there is no simple conclusion to this issue nor any set of actions that can fully prevent such killings. This realism should not be confused with defeatism. Much is made of the growing complexity of crime yet gangs have been broken up before and no criminal is untouchable.

Crime evokes a visceral response which can sometimes force a determined reaction – remember the combined political and operational reply to the murder of Veronica Guerin. But success is dependent on a longterm and consistent approach to policing. That involves proper resourcing, planning, intelligence gathering, technology and preventative measures; as well as efficient organisation, professionalism and specialisation. And it needs garda visibility and the public confidence that a police presence creates.

Because the murder of Michael Barr coincided with the opening of the annual conference of the Garda Representative Association, the views of the rank-and-file gardaí that make up its membership have coloured much of the follow-up discussion.

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And it comes at a time of disaffection and militancy at all levels of the Garda over the impact of the austerity years on garda numbers and, more particularly, on pay levels. Garda sergeants and inspectors are even contemplating illegal protest measures to air their grievances.

A Garda Inspectorate report last year found the organisation to be top-heavy, inefficient, defensive, bureaucratic and resistant to change, and suggested changes to structures and rosters could free up to 1,000 gardaí for frontline duty. It also emerged this week that garda numbers are down 100 in the past five years in the division where four killings in the Kinihan/Hutch feud have taken place. This beggars belief.

The risk in these circumstances is that senior garda management become trapped in a reactive or crisis mode, struggling to respond to internal challenges while under intense external scrutiny. Garda Commissioner Nóirín O’Sullivan has pointed out that since 2009, there have been 41 reports on foot of inquiries or studies of the Garda. These have included more than 700 recommendations.

However, this scrutiny has arisen with good reason and what's needed in response is astute and determined leadership. Keeping a lid on things or maintaining the status quo is simply not enough. The incoming Minister for Justice will have a role, especially in securing resources.

But the real test is of the Commissioner and her top team who, in a politicised environment, must advocate for the organisation, address its weaknesses and be agents of change within. This is crucial if the force is to retain the confidence that underpins its relationship with the community it serves.