The national police force in the Republic of Ireland is formally known as An Garda Síochána, though it is most commonly referred to simply as Garda.
Understanding An Garda Síochána
The Republic of Ireland operates a single, unified national civilian police service responsible for maintaining law and order throughout the country.
- Official Name: The full, official designation is An Garda Síochána.
- Meaning: This Irish name directly translates to 'Guardians of the Peace of Ireland', embodying the force's fundamental mission.
- Common Term: While An Garda Síochána is used in official and formal contexts, the force is widely and informally known as the Garda. Individual police officers are often referred to as "a Garda" (singular) or "Gardaí" (plural).
Key Aspects of Irish Policing
An Garda Síochána plays a pivotal role in Irish society, delivering a comprehensive range of policing services across the nation.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Structure | It is the sole national civilian police force in the Republic of Ireland, ensuring a consistent approach to law enforcement nationwide. |
| Staffing | The force is comprised of approximately 14,500 dedicated staff members, including uniformed officers and civilian personnel, all working to serve and protect communities. |
| Services | An Garda Síochána provides extensive law enforcement, encompassing both local community policing initiatives and broader national security operations. |
| Role | Their responsibilities are broad, including crime prevention, thorough investigations, maintaining public order, and offering essential support services to the Irish public. |
For more detailed information regarding policing in Ireland, official Irish government or police resources online can provide further insights.
