Justice minister Dermot Ahern has announced details of two new Garda Inspectorate studies.
The Inspectorate is headed by chief inspector Kathleen O’Toole, who was the first woman to reach the rank of police commissioner in Boston.
The minister has asked the Inspectorate to undertake two studies, one on frontline supervision, the other examining the allocation of Garda resources to crime investigation and prosecution.
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“The advice and expertise of the Garda Inspectorate is a considerable resource in terms of public administration in this State,” Ahern said. “These new studies will, I am sure, assist the Garda Síochána in maximising the efficiency and effectiveness of the policing service at a time of budgetary constraint.”
The terms of reference for the two studies are littered with mentions of management of resources, efficient and effective police services, performance management and the allocation of personnel and other resources.
Expect a report which focuses on cost-cutting measures, including expenses and overtime regimes. It remains to be seen whether it will be published before or after the annual round of Garda conferences, traditionally held during the Easter break.
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