1999 Annual Report
1999 Annual Report
ANNUAL REPORT
OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA
1999 A n n u a l R e p o r t
Tu a r a s c á i l B h l i a n t ú i l 1 9 9 9
1 9 9 9
A Aire Uasail
Cé go soláthraíonn staitisticí cóir. an bunchloch le haghaidh polasaí feidhmiú dlí agus an modh le
haghaidh roinnt acmhainnaí oibríonn siad. chomh maith mar threóir le haghaidh gníomhartha
choistheach agus táim sa phroiseas cords a chruthú ina mbeidh anailís cóir ar phriomh cléim sa
phroiseas choisctheach. Thosaígh an chéad mhír den choras nua aimseartha IT don Gharda
Síochána, i mile naoi gcéad nocha naoi, b’é an toradh ná iochtan tapa agus comhordú l'eolas
bainteacha, agus mar sin ag cur feabhsú ar fheidhmiú na nGardaí.
Tá na ceisteanna a bheidh so thuigthe chun cords casta mar seo a chur I bhfeidhm a cheisiú tá
roinnt acu sofheicthe sa tuairisc seo, sa tslí ina bhfuil analilís staitisicúil cruinn in easnamh maidir
lena figiuirí, maidir leis na trí mhí deireadh.
Tréith bhunúsach amhain ná, ár niarracht, a chuaigh i ndéine agus ar chomheagar chun báis ar na
bóithre a laghdú Tháinig laghdú ar na, timpisti cinniúnacha le 45 (fuair 413 duine bás i 1999 i
geomparáid le 458 il 1998). Leanfaidh fir niarracht chomhbhearaithe i mbliana le haghaidh ár
gcuspóir a acquaint amach, sé sin bás, dochar, agus timpisti ar fir mboithre a laghdú. Beidh feabhas
ag teacht ar seo, trid an modh ilgníomhaire ag oibriú le na roinne agus gníomhairí eile sa rialtas
agus iad go léir ag obair chun na gealltanais atá Writhe sa stráitéis atá ag an rialtas ar shabháilteacht
ar an mbóthar a acquaint amach.
Is é atá'i gceist i mo phlean póilíneachta don bhlian atá rómhainn na mo dhícheall a dhéanamh
chun dul i ngleic le mór choiriúlacht coiríulacht bhóna bhána san áireamh agus leantúint ar
aghaidh chun coiriúlacht eagraithe a stopadh, go háirithe na ciontóirí a bhíonn freagrach as na
seandaoine a cheapadh agus gan scans ar bith é a thabhairt dos na daoine atá sé ar intinn acu bonn
a acquaint ón bpróiséas Siochána, agus bagairt a dhéanamh i slí ar bith do shlándáil an stáit Leis an
leas is eifeachtaí a acquaint as achmhainne ar dui chun cinn leis an méid coiriúlachta a laghdú agus
an dui i ngleic le cásanna neamhord. phoiblí trí usáid a acquaint as rannpháirteacht an phobail atá
mar aidhmeanna tábhachtacha póilíneachta.
Mar chríoch, ba mhaith liom buíochas a ghlacadh leis an rialtas, tú féin go pearasanta, agus
foireann an roinn Dlí, Ceirt agus Comhionnanas agus Athchóirthe dlí maidir lena tacaíocht
leanúnach i rith na bliana.
Is mise le meas
PADRAIG Ó BRÓIN
COIMISINÉIR, AN GHARDA SÍOCHÁNA
i
AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999
Dear Minister,
The first phase of a modem IT system for An Garda Síochána went live in I999, resulting in rapid
access to and coordination of relevant information, thus enhacing Garda performance. The expected
issues inherent in implementing such a complex system are being addressed, some of which are
manifested in this report in that the last three months figures lack precise statistical analysis.
One significant feature of I999 was our intensified and coordinated effort to reduce road deaths.
Fatal accidents decreased by 45 (4I3 in I999 compared with 458 in I998). The coming year will see
a continued concerted endeavour towards achieving our objective of reducing deaths, injuries and
accidents on our roads. This will be progressed through the multiagency approach involving other
Government Departments and Agencies all working to achieve the commitments outlined in the
Governments Road Safety Strategy.
My policing plan for the coming year includes a commitment and determination to tackle major
crime, including whitecollar crime, and to continue targeting organised crime and particularly,
criminals who prey on the elderly with no let up on those determined to undermine the Peace
Process and threaten in any way the Security of the State. By the effective use of resources, the
continued reduction of crime and tackling areas of public disorder through community involvement
and partnership, are also priority policing objectives. Finally, I would like to thank the Government,
you personally, and the personnel of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for their
continued support during the year.
Yours faithfully,
PATRICK BYRNE
COMMISSIONER OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA
ii
CONTENTS
CLÁR
Foreword (Irish) i
Foreword (English) ii
OFFICE OF THE GARDA COMMISSIONER 1
Garda Press and Public Relations Office 1
Band of An Garda Síochána 2
Garda Museum & Archives 2
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, STRATEGIC & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 3
Organisation Development Unit 4
A Strategy for the Irish Language 4
'A' BRANCH, FINANCE, SERVICES & COMMUNITY RELATIONS 5
Finance & Logistics 5
Transport Section 7
Telecommunications Section 7
Housing Section 8
Technical Bureau 9
Mapping Section 9
Fingerprint Section 10
Document/Handwriting Section 11
Photographic Section 11
Forensic Liaison Office 12
Ballistics Section 12
Fógra Tóra 13
Garda Criminal Records Office 13
Information Technology Section 14
Management of the PULSE Project 15
Other Information Technology Developments 16
PULSE Change Management 17
Community Relations Section 18
National Crime Prevention Office 19
National Juvenile Office 20
'B' BRANCH, HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH 21
Human Resource Management 21
Internal Affairs Section 23
Overseas Service 25
Director of Training and Quality Service 26
Garda National Quality Service Bureau 28
Strategic Management 28
Policing the Millennium Changeover 29
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER, OPERATIONS 31
Special Services (Operations) 31
Garda Air Support Unit 32
Garda Mounted Unit 33
Garda Water Unit 34
Garda Dog Unit 35
Regional Profiles 36
Eastern Region 37
Dublin Metropolitan Region 38
Northern Region 39
South Eastern Region 40
Southern Region 41
Western Region 42
'C' BRANCH, CRIME, SECURITY & TRAFFIC 43
Security & Intelligence Section 43
Crime Administration Section 44
Liaison & Protection Section 44
Garda National Traffic Bureau 45
National Bureau of Criminal Investigation 47
Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation 49
Garda National Drugs Unit 52
Criminal Assets Bureau 53
International Activities 54
iii
Indictable offences
Indictable offences by Garda regions and city areas during 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.) 68
Indictable offences per 1000 of Population 1999 70
Homicide offences by region and gender of victims 1999 71
Murders per 100,000 population 1999 72
Homicide victims by age and gender 1999 72
Indictable assault and sexual offence victims by gender (Jan-Sept incl.) 73
Armed robberies & armed aggravated burglaries where firearms were used 75
Analysis of armed aggravated burglaries and armed robberies 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.) 76
Armed robbery & Armed Aggravated Burglary by division 1999 77
Robberies and aggravated burglaries where syringes were used 1995 to 1999 78
Burglaries 81
Larcenies from Shops and Unattended Vehicles 1999 83
Juvenile Offences
Non-Indictable Offences
Drug Offences
Traffic Offences
Unauthorised taking and larceny of mechanically propelled vehicles 1985 to 1999 105
Unauthorised takings per 1,000 vehicles licensed 106
Vehicles Stolen and Recovered 1999 (Jan - Sept incl.) 107
Fines on the Spot issued
Road traffic offences by division 109
Road traffic offences per 1,000 vehicles licensed 109
Drink and driving offences ,breath tests, blood/urine tests, arrests etc. 111
Additional Information
iv
AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999
The Garda Press & Public Relations Office; the Garda Museum & Archives and the Band of An Garda
Síochána report direct to the Commissioner through the Personal Assistant.
International media attention was firmly focused on Ireland during the early summer with the
establishment of the Independent Commission for Victims Remains. On the 28th of May, 1999, the first
of the remains of the disappeared was left at a graveyard at Faughart, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Six sites
where it was believed that a total of eight bodies were buried were identified to GardaÌ by the
Commission. These sites were in Counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Wicklow. Because of the huge
amount of media attention, both nationally and internationally, Garda Media Liaison Officers were
appointed at each site. This proved to be a challenging time for the Garda Press Office.
There are now eight thousand visits to the web site each month and this is increasing on a daily basis.
The site currently contains information on all aspects of the organisation i.e. Recruitment Policy, Press
Releases and information on the different aspects of the work of the Garda Síochána. Further
development of the site is planned.
When fully functional, both these items will enhance the Museum with an
additional display area for photographic/archival material and by
facilitating visitors pursuing police related research.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER,
STRATEGIC & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
AN LEAS CHOIMISINÉIR,
BAINISTíOCHT STRAITÉISIACH AGUS ACMHAINNÉ
The Deputy Commissioner, Strategic and Resource Management (SRM), directs leadership management,
administration, strategy, planning and resource activity within An Garda Síochána, with responsibility for
three Branches each headed by an Assistant Commissioner. Deputy Commissioner, SRM and Deputy
Commissioner, Operations are the two key supports to the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána.
‘A’ BRANCH
(FINANCE, SERVICES & COMMUNITY RELATIONS)
BRAINSE ‘A’
(AIRGEADAIS, SEIRBHÍSÍ AGUS CAIDREAMH PHOBAIL)
The internal structures within ‘A’ Branch (Finance, Service Finance, Services & Community
& Community Relations) were adjusted during the year and Relations
now consist of the sections indicated in the organisational
chart below. Policy formulation and day to day running of Assistant Commissioner,
the Branch is performed by an Assistant Commissioner Finance, Services & Community Relations
reporting directly to Deputy Commissioner, Strategic &
Resource Management.
Chief Superintendent
The sections within ‘A’ Branch are responsible for providing Finance & Logistics
a wide range of support services for all sections of An Garda
Síochána.
Chief Superintendent
The services provided reflect a modern police force and Support Services
include Information Technology; Telecommunications;
Transport; Finance; Equipment; Clothing; Accommodation; Chief Superintendent
Technical Bureau; Community relations and Crime Technical Bureau
Prevention.
Chief Superintendent
To ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness is achieved Information Technology
in all Garda operations, this Branch works in close liaison
with Government Departments and a wide range of Semi Chief Superintendent
State and private companies, as well as other police forces. IT Change Management
Chief Superintendent
Community Relations
In preparation for the Commissioner becoming the Accounting Officer, selection competitions were held
for senior management posts, including that of Director of Finance. Development work on these future
roles and functions is progressing satisfactorily.
In 1999, An Garda Siochana incurred gross expenditure of IR£606.9m. When adjusted for
Appropriations-in-Aid (IR£16.2m), the net expenditure figure is IR£590.7m. Salaries, Wages &
Allowances including Overtime and Superannuation accounted for slightly over 86% of total
expenditure with discretionary spending accounting for the remaining 14% or IR£85m. Discretionary
Expenditure (IR£85m) was incurred under the following general headings:
£25,000
£20,000
£15,000
£10,000
£5,000
£0
Travel &
Subsistance
Premises
Station Services
Communication
s
Aircraft
Compensation
Incidental
Expenses
Clothing &
Accessories
Transport
SUPPORT SERVICES
SEIRBHÍSÍ TACAÍOCHTA
Support Services includes the Transport, Telecommunications and Housing Sections. Support Services
provides administrative coordination of all these inter-related areas, to ensure best value and practices are
adhered to.
TRANSPORT SECTION
RANNÓG IOMPAIR
The provision of an effective and efficient transport fleet, to meet the
operational requirements of An Garda Síochána, remains the objective
of the Garda Transport Section. Effective use of the Fleet Management
Computer System greatly assists the day to day management of the
fleet, which at years end totaled 1,932 vehicles. The breakdown by
type of vehicle is indicated in the chart below.
Garda Fleet by Vehicle Type 1999 The total mileage of the entire fleet is approaching 50
million miles per year and to cope with mileage of
this magnitude, while ensuring that value for money is
4x4 Vehicles 4% Cars 65% obtained, a chargecard system for the purchase of fuel
was introduced during the year and is fully
Other 4% operational.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTION
RANNÓG TELECHUMARSÁIDE
The Garda Telecommunications Section is headed by a Director of Engineering, assisted by a staff in
excess of 100 personnel. Telecommunications Section provides systems and operational technical support
services for An Garda Síochána, with its primary objectives being the design, procurement and support of
mission specific equipment.
Considerable advances were made in utilising CCTV in the investigation of serious crimes. Monitoring
and print facilities have been provided to Divisions and Specialist Units that greatly improve facilities at
local level. This programme will continue with the integration of the video analysis suites in support of
Urban CCTV Systems.
The introduction of large sophisticated telecommunications systems such as the new DMR Microwave
Network, Data Network and PABX upgrades, in addition to increased resources for speed detection and
specialist equipment necessitated improved service quality and cost control.
The Section continued to implement modern support processes to improve service quality, reliability and
speed of delivery. In support of Telecommunications technology in 1999 expenditure in excess of £1.3m
(1,651,000 Euros) was incurred in addition to processing £2.4m (3,048,000Euros) for the upgrade of
current systems and new technology.
A number of projects were commenced or developed during the year under review, including:-
● Establishing the requirements for a new Tetra Radio
Standard. Sample Tetra Radio demonstrations were also
made to senior Garda management; the appointment of
consultants to design Tetra for An Garda Síochána and
briefings.
● Continued development of CCTV systems with the
awarding of the contract for Cork City comprising of 29
cameras; commencement of installation of further system
at Pearse St., Dublin, comprising of 15 cameras and the
commencement of the link up from the Dublin
Corporation Traffic Camera System to the Garda
Communications Centre, Harcourt Square.
● Continued extension of networks including:- upgrades
from analogue to digital PABXs in 37 District HQ Stations;
purchase of a further 26 digital PABXs; the networking of
35 stations for Telephony/Data and the completion of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for 17
provincial Divisional Headquarters stations.
● Telephone Traffic Computers were installed in 19 Divisional HQ stations and a further 200 general
purpose fax machines were purchased.
● Provision of a Cellular Private Network for official issue mobile telephones and a Radio Planning
Propagation Tool was acquired.
HOUSING SECTION
RANNÓG TITHÍOCHTA
The Housing Section is headed by a Superintendent reporting to Chief Superintendent, Support Services
and the responsibilities of the section include:-
● Management of all matters relating to Garda accommodation.
● Regulating and managing matters pertaining to the placing of contracts with private contractors.
● Managing the capital budget including project management to sketch scheme stage.
● Certification for payment of monthly works carried out by the Office of Public Works.
● Advising senior management on relevant matters of policy, policy formulation and legislation &
regulations.
● Management of Garda housing stock ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
● Monitoring and controlling Annual Maintenance Budget, including sanction for maintenance works up
to £50,000.
● Matters affecting accommodation in regard to health and safety issues and fire regulations.
● Adjudicating on the disposal, in part or full, of Garda premises and sites.
● Liaison on all official openings, contract signing and sod turning ceremonies.
● Liaison on all matters affecting temporary Garda accommodation at VIP sites, etc.
● Controlling and monitoring District Officers delegated expenditure.
The total spent on maintenance of Garda buildings in 1999 was just over IR£3.6m (E4.8m), which
included the redecoration of 99 stations as part to the new Scheduled Painting Programme. This
allocation is being increased to facilitate the installation of audio/video recording of interviews suites.
In accordance with the Annual Policing Plan, a major review of Garda Accommodation was undertaken
during the year.
TECHNICAL BUREAU
AN BIÚRÓ TEICNIÚIL
The Technical Bureau is headed by a Chief Superintendent who reports to Assistant Commissioner,
‘A’ Branch, Finance, Services & Community Relations. The Technical Bureau provides a diverse range of
vital support functions for An Garda Síochána, particularly in the crime investigative field.
The role and functions of the Technical Bureau, established in 1934, have developed and expanded
through the years. Specialist ‘expert’ personnel provide assistance at major incidents and crime scenes.
In 1999, Bureau personnel responded to 835 (external) requests for assistance at serious crime scenes.
However, this figure represents only the initial contact and due to the high level of expertise provided by
Bureau staff, many hours are engaged both at the scene of an incident and back at their respective
laboratories and work stations at Garda Headquarters. All requests for assistance (Call Outs) are
evaluated by management at the Technical Bureau and if appropriate, the service is provided. The
objective of the Bureau is to provide a professional ‘same day’ service and to this end continual training,
research and development of innovative concepts in crime scene/forensic examinations and crime scene
management are undertaken.
In addition to ‘Call-outs’, the Technical Bureau also provides an internal service at Technical Bureau
laboratories to scenes of crime examiners operating in every Garda Division. Technical Bureau staff also
give presentations to staff courses at all levels and have a significant input into the training of Divisional
scene’s of crime examiners and detectives. The Garda Criminal Records Office and the Force gazette
‘Fógra Tóra’ are also managed at the Technical Bureau.
MAPPING SECTION
RANNÓG LÉAESCÁILÍOCHTA
The Mapping Section provides a comprehensive mapping service to An Garda Síochána, including
provision of administrative maps, surveying and preparing scaled drawings and maps for serious crime
investigation, fatal traffic accidents, security maps for major events, V.I.P visits etc. The main focus of the
Mapping Section is criminal investigation where maps are produced to scale as exhibits for court
purposes.
9 Visit the Garda Website at www.garda.ie
AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999 AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999
The Mapping Section undertakes the surveying of major crimes scenes, (internal or external scenes).
External scenes are now mapped electronically by a robotic Geometer and the data is transferred to a
Computer Aided Drawing System (CAD 2000) for editing and completion at the Mapping Section.
Internal scenes are surveyed manually and drawn in CAD. The end product is a high quality map or
plan. To further develop the capabilities of the Section, liaison was maintained during the year with the
Ordnance Survey Service in regard to the provision of electronic or online mapping.
During the year, the Garda Mapping Section assisted in the investigation of 225 serious incidents, as per
breakdown below:
Fatal Accidents 47
Firearms/Explosives/Drugs finds 16
Robbery/Burglary/Aggravated Burglary 19
Assaults 24
Rape/Sexual Assaults 29
Murder/Suspicious Death 64
Shooting 11
Other scenes 15
FINGERPRINT SECTION
RANNÓG MÉARLORG
The Fingerprint Section provides a fingerprints
identification service to An Garda Síochána with
the objectives of:
● Providing the identity of specific persons by
to Garda personnel;
● Provides an earprint identification service.
● Training scenes of crime examiners in the art of recovery of latent prints from crime scenes.
Prior to 1998, the Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) did not provide for searching
facilities for palmprints developed at crime scenes. The system was developed internally within the
Fingerprint Section, and since January 1999 palmprints of known criminals are encoded on the system,
which has resulted in a high percentage of identifications.
An ISO9002 accreditation process was commenced during the year with the engagement of a
management consultancy and accreditation to an International or Accrediting Agency is expected during
2000.
Non Numerical Standard Identification is a new concept being developed overseas and its progress is
being monitored by the Fingerprint Section, ensuring that An Garda Síochána will be ready to implement
such a system when fully developed and tested. The implementation of this standard will have major
implications for the Section, requiring additional specialist training in Poroscopy, Edgeogoly and
Ridgeology.
Livescan Electronic Fingerprinting Systems are being piloted at three locations, namely:- Bridewell Garda
Station, Dublin; Bridewell Garda Station, Cork and at Mountjoy Prison, Dublin.
Planning for the upgrade of the AFIS System also commenced during the year. When complete, it will
allow for the capture in a one-stop process images of latent finger and palm marks developed in the
Chemical Development Laboratory by using a digital camera; an up-graded computer system and
inputted directly to AFIS for search, rendering the system more efficient and of greater benefit to crime
investigators.
DOCUMENT/HANDWRITING
DOICMÉID/SCRÍOBHNEOIREACHT
The functions and role of the section can be divided
into two related areas:- Handwriting comparison
and Document examination. Handwriting involves
the comparison of one piece of handwriting with
another, carried out to determine whether there is a
common authorship between the writings, the
examination of signatures to determine if they are
genuine, traced or simulated forgeries.
Document examinations consists of identifying if a
substitution, addition, deletion, erasure or alteration has taken place. It also includes examination to
determine if documents are counterfeit, e.g. currency, passports, travel documents, official documents,
bank documents etc.
In addition to Court appearances and ancillary work relating to major criminal investigations and
Tribunals, the section dealt with 525 cases during the year.
Personnel from the Document/Handwriting Section lecture to internal Garda courses and to Army
personnel in Scenes of Crime Examination, Detective Training, Fraud, Forgery, etc. The section also
represents An Garda Síochána at meetings of Interpol and Europol on a Handwriting/Document
Examinations.
The section is equipped with the most modern equipment available which includes the ESDA
(electrostatic detection apparatus) for detecting indentations on paper caused by the writing of one
document while resting on top of another. The VSC2000 Computer System is used to differentiate inks
and reveal water marks etc. in documents. Personnel attached to this Section are accredited or in training
as Document/Handwriting experts, carrying out, within the wide parameters of forensic science, the
scientific examination of documents.
PHOTOGRAPHIC SECTION
RANNÓG GRIANGHRAFADÓIREACHTA
The Photographic Section provides a secure, independent photographic service to meet the requirements
of An Garda Síochána and the Courts.
The CD Fit Technology, a compact-disc based facial identification system, continues to be used
extensively and provides considerable assistance to serious crime investigations.
Case histories are now archived on CD Rom and developments continue to replace the current mini-lab
system with a sophisticated processor, capable of printing from conventional negative and digital
medium, bringing faster and more efficient methods of quality service.
11 Visit the Garda Website at www.garda.ie
AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999
During 1999, the Photographic Section attended at 404 crimes serious crime scenes, 62 of which
involved suspicious deaths. A total of 4,207 crime scene examiners films were processed and 4,780
finger marks were photographed for the Fingerprint Section. One hundred and eighty (180) footmarks
were photographed for comparison purposes, in addition to the production of 145 CD (Fits). One
hundred and six (106) photographic assignments were undertaken for or on behalf of the Garda Press &
Public Relations Office.
BALLISTICS SECTION
RANNÓG BHAILISTÍOCHTA
The functions of the Ballistics Section include:
● The examination of all firearms and ammunition seized in relation to crime.
● The technical examination of the scenes of murder, suspicious death and serious crime.
● The restoration of erased identification numbers on motor vehicles, pedal cycles, jewellery, electrical
equipment.
● Providing assistance in the investigation of arson.
● The identification of shoe print, tyre print and tool marks found at the scenes of crime.
In respect of firearms examination and identification, all firearms received are fully examined and if
possible, test fired. Bullets and cartridges cases test fired are microscopically compared with all previous
shooting cases. A Ballistics Date Reference Centre maintains a collection of discharged cartridge cases
and spent bullets recovered from crime scenes.
The Section is equipped with microscope rooms, laboratory, firearms examination room, work room,
firing range and bullet recovery facilities. It also maintains an extensive reference collection containing
specimens representative of firearms, ammunition and explosive devices which have come into the
possession of An Garda Síochána.
A new crime scene vehicle, specifically designed to suit the requirements of the Section, was acquired
during the year and fitted with all the technical equipment required at a major crime scene. Onboard
computer facilities are being developed for the vehicle.
Developments continue and the section has sought the provision of a Computerised Ballistics
Identification System which will enable rapid identification of bullets and discharged cartridge cases.
A footwear/shoe print database for the identification of shoe print evidence found at the scene of a crime
is also being developed. During the year, the section acquired S.I.C.A.R. – a computerised Shoeprint
Image Capture and Retrieval System – to assist experts at the section in the examination and management
of shoeprints recovered at scenes by local examiners.
FÓGRA TÓRA
Fógra Tóra is a confidential publication issued on
a bi-weekly basis, or more often if necessary.
Details of outstanding criminal investigations are
included in issues, along with details of persons &
vehicles sought by investigating Gardai. The
publication is circulated throughout An Garda
Síochána in addition to police forces in Northern
Ireland; Britain; the Channel Islands and Europe,
via Interpol.
Project Management Office - provides services to the various teams within the centre, such as
document libraries, storage of key documents and deliverables, etc.
PULSE Project Teams – responsible for the design, build and pilot of the PULSE systems.
The Change Management Section, while inextricably linked to the Garda IT Section is an autonomous
entity and it’s structure and activities are outlined later in this report.
The Garda IT Section has undergone dramatic change in the recent past, primarily due to the
implementation of the PULSE Project. Numbers of personnel have increased, which includes civilian
staff and consultants from external agencies who are assisting with the project. The numbers of
personnel are not static due to the fact that the project is not fully complete.
Because of the nature of work required from all personnel within the Garda IT Centre, a training
programme is in place to ensure that all necessary skills are available within the centre. Each section
has defined their specialist training requirements, and the training programme has been prepared to
ensure that necessary courses are scheduled so that optimum service levels are provided.
In addition to the designing and building of systems, the PULSE Project also required a large logistical
exercise to procure all the necessary hardware, which included equipment for both the Garda IT Centre
and each networked location. Following procurement, the equipment had to be installed and
commissioned in some 200 locations nationwide. In addition, each member of An Garda Síochána and
civilian staff was required to be assigned an individual user ID and password – this aspect alone
presented a major logistical challenge, which was completed efficiently and on schedule.
The Service Desk, which is the main contact point of the Garda IT Centre, now operates on a 24 hour,
7 day a week basis and the monitoring of all computer systems is also constant on a 24 hour basis.
A major data conversion programme was also developed to electronically transfer all data from the
mainframe computer to the new PULSE environment. The data conversion required a shutdown of all
central IT facilities for a period of four weeks.
The Garda IT Centre is responsible for other systems that are outside the current scope of PULSE.
These include some office systems and products that meet localised needs of specialist sections.
Two project boards, each of which meets on a monthly basis and includes representatives from the
Departments of Finance and Justice, Equality & Law Reform, oversee the project/programme. The I.T &
Telecommunications Executive Committee, which meets on a quarterly basis, receive reports on PULSE
status and technical directions and also supervise the overall PULSE Project/Programme.
The joint Garda/Andersen Consulting teams began work in September 1996 on the PULSE Project, with
Project Teams formed into four major constituencies – Project Management, Technical Architecture,
Application Development and Change Management. At this point, more than 400 man-years of effort
have been invested in the core project and more than £43 million has been expended from the project
budget.
The first PULSE system, Criminal Intelligence, was introduced in April 1999. This system was introduced
early to enable the project team and users become familiar with the new technology and environments.
The next group of systems was introduced in November 1999 and these provided a replacement for
corresponding mainframe systems, which needed to be replaced because of Y2K incompatibility.
These systems included Incident Response; Interim Court Outcomes; Firearms; General Inquiries;
Photographs; Property and Incident Analysis.
The new PULSE systems were installed in November 1999 before the Y2K end of year deadline and
ensure the system operated successfully over the millennium change over period.
There are currently more than 1,100 PULSE workstations and 300 PULSE printers ìliveî in 104 locations.
At years end, work was well advanced on the provision of the remaining 300 workstations and printers in
75 locations.
The PULSE system has now taken over the work of the former mainframe system and new procedures
and systems are bedding down successfully.
In addition to commissioning the foregoing systems, development of future systems also continued during
the year. These systems include:- Warrants; Summonses; Bail; Charge Sheets; Prisoner Log; Full Court
Outcomes; Driving Licence Production; Bail Sign on; Electoral Register; Barring Orders & Safety Orders;
Traffic Accident Analysis and letters to Crime Victims.
As PULSE is a series of ‘police specific’ systems, it has generated considerable interest within the law
enforcement community and foreign Government circles. The Garda IT Section has played host to
visiting delegations from:- Australia; Britain; Europol; Germany; Hungary; Iceland; New Zealand;
Spain; Sweden and The Netherlands.
A PULSE Temporary Data Entry Centre (TDEC) was set up as a temporary transitional measure, which is
the most practical way to cut-over from a large-scale mainframe operation to the new PULSE system.
Significant economies of scale and reduction in project risks were achieved by the temporary data entry
arrangements.
The Swiftpost system, which is also used by a number of government agencies, is utilised to provide
recorded delivery of forms sent to TDEC or returned to stations for amendment. The bar-coding used
within the system eliminated the recruitment of specific personnel for clerical tasks and the system also
provides an Internet based tracking system to ensure that forms are not mislaid or lost.
I.T Centre Degree Programmes – One member of the Garda IT Section commenced an MBA
Programme at the Smurfit Business School and a number of staff commenced or continued BA
(Computer Science) degree programmes at the Institute of Public Administration.
IT Strategy Review 2000 - Crew Services (UK) were selected at the end of 1999 to carry out a review of
the Garda IT Strategy, which, when completed will lead to the development of workplans and budgets
for the period from 2000 to 2004. The review will also identify additional projects which are required in
the IT strategy area.
International IT Commitments – in keeping with other sections within An Garda Síochána, the demand
for participation of Garda IT personnel on EU related project boards and groups continued, as did the
hosting of overseas groups on fact finding missions to the Centre.
IT Expenditure - the total expenditure from the Garda IT vote during 1999 was almost £18m. This
included PULSE and non-PULSE expenditure.
ROLE OF CHANGE MANAGEMENT The Quality of Service objectives, which will be realised
when PULSE is fully implemented throughout the
Change management is generally focused
organisation are:
on people issues associated with any major
change initiative. It is concerned with
Improve Responsiveness to Community Needs:
linking people, processes, systems and 4 Support better service of victims of crime.
technology to the strategic goals of an 4 Enhance proactive police activities.
organisation. In An Garda Síochána the
goals of the Change Management Team are Achieve Excellence as an Organisation:
being achieved through ongoing 4 Streamline routine management activities.
organisation involvement and participation 4 Promote consistent use of best operational practices.
during the design, development and 4 Contribute to morale and job satisfaction.
implementation of PULSE and the
establishment of an effective two-way Enhance Core Policing Activities:
communication process. 4 Streamline and eliminate non-value added activities.
3. TRAINING
PULSE training is new to An Garda Síochána and consists of a combination of on-line computer based
and instructor led training. This PULSE Training Team is responsible for developing the training materials
including screen cams, ‘How to’ guides and participation guides. The training system is an exact
reproduction of a live PULSE system. During the year, the training team designed and developed the
training materials for the first part of PULSE and successfully trained core groups of trainers from the
Garda College, who in turn trained over one thousand Garda personnel countrywide. Training materials
for further releases of PULSE continue to be developed.
As 1999 was the UN Year of The Older Person the section participated in a wide range of activities and
in particular a review of policy relating to retired Garda members. The section also produced a range of
new information leaflets covering the areas of Domestic Violence; Vandalism; Child Protection; Advice
for Older Persons and a new Neighbourhood Watch booklet.
An Garda Siochana recognise the need for a multi-agency approach to modern day policing and have
adopted a strategy which emphasises the pivotal role which community support plays in crime
prevention. One of the most important crime prevention techniques is reducing the opportunity for
committing crime. Analysis of crime trends and developments are carried out and advice is tailored to
provide the best protection from current criminal methods. Evaluation of crime prevention initiatives in
1999 has shown that partnership between An Garda Siochana and interested groups has yielded results.
The reduction of crime and disorder, thereby creating a safer environment, is a core policing function of
An Garda Siochana. This function is carried out through various crime prevention measures and
strategies, in partnership with other agencies. A natural extension of this function is the development of a
close liaison between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities, Planners and Architects, in order to achieve
a sustained reduction in crime. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) acknowledges
that the built environment can influence criminal behaviour for good or ill. The most economical and
effective way of reducing the likelihood of criminal attack against any building is to plan its security well
before it is built. It is with these objectives in mind that a Garda Crime Prevention Design Advisor was
appointed in 1998 and continued to develop this aspect during 1999.
By liaising with all relevant parties involved in the planning and development stages of building
construction and offering advice which is commensurate with the risk and the projected risk the Crime
Prevention Design Advisor offers advice that will be suitable to making the building more resistant to
crime. In particular the Crime Prevention Design Advisor liaises with the relevant agencies to:-
● Provide comment on the overall design after the general layout has been decided.
● Supply a security survey report from plans provided and/or meet the architect to discuss same.
● Supply security recommendations on subsequent schedules such as doors and windows.
● Read and examine maps and location floor plans, elevations and perspectives, artist’s impressions and
models.
The Crime Prevention Design Advisor has successfully undertaken new initiatives in the public and
private sector.
In 1999, some 7844 juvenile offenders were included in the programme and full details of how these
incidents were managed are outlined later in this report.
The Garda Schools Programme has been operating since 1990 and administers the training, resourcing
and support of Gardai involved nation-wide in implementing the Garda Schools Programme. Each
Superintendent has responsibility for the proper implementation of the Programme, through Irish or
English, within his/her District.
Expansion of the Garda Schools Programme is currently being researched, which may include the
development of formal contact by Gardai with post-primary students in the area of drugs education, in
order to support parents, teachers and the other agencies involved.
‘B’ BRANCH
(HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT & RESEARCH)
Brainse ‘B’
(Bainistíocht Acmhainní Daonna & Taighde)
Assistant Commissioner, ‘B’ Branch, (Human Resource
Management & Research), based at Garda Headquarters, Human Resource
is responsible for all personnel issues relating to Gardai Management & Research
and civilian staff.
Assistant Commissioner,Human Resource
The Branch also incorporates training, research; health & Management & Research
safety, quality service and overseas service.
Chief Superintendent
Each Section is headed by a Chief Superintendent Human Resource Management
reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, Human Resource
Management & Research. Chief Superintendent
Internal Affairs
Chief Superintendent
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Director of
Training & Quality Service
BAINISTÍOCHT ACMHAINNÍ DAONNA
The Chief Superintendent, Human Resource Management Garda Research Unit
is responsible for a variety of sections providing the
regular HR functions for a large organisation, including Chief Superintendent
recruitment, appointments, retirements, pensions, UNFCYP, Cyprus
promotion, working conditions, equality issues, records
and overall deployments.
As at the 31/12/99, the overall strength of An Garda Síochána stood at 11,458, all ranks (see table below
for breakdown by rank), representing an increase of 223 (2%) over the strength on the 31/12/98.
Organisation Strength Five hundred and fifty (550) Trainee Gardai commenced training at the
Garda College during the year. As part of the 1998 Garda Trainee
Commissioner 1 Programme some 2,192 candidates were successful in a written
Deputy Commissioner 2 examination in March, 1999, with interviews commencing later in the
Assistant Commissioner 10 year and ongoing at years end.
Chief Superintendent 46
Superintendent 168 A new Garda Trainee Competition was advertised in July, 1999 with
Inspector 263 written examinations held in October. A total of 1,770 candidates were
Sergeant 1,876 successful and will be interviewed as the competition progresses.
Garda 9,092
11,458 Garda Trainee Competitions will continue as part of the Government’s
Civilian Staff 1,744 commitment to bring the overall Garda strength of the organisation to
Overall Strength 13,202 12,00 by 2001.
Retired 261
During the course of the year 330 members of An Garda Síochána departed the Dismissed 1
organisation for a variety of reasons, as outlined in the table on the right. Resigned 32
A total of forty (40) former members of An Garda Síochána died during the year. Incapacitated 16
Death (Serving) 20
DISCIPLINE
The procedures for dealing with breaches of
discipline by members of An Garda Síochána are
contained in the Garda Síochána (Discipline)
Regulations, 1989 (S.I. No. 94/1989). During
1999, a total of 151 cases were reported to the
Internal Affairs Section. Following investigation,
cases may be disposed of by way of Sworn
Inquiry, Unsworn Inquiry or through the
provisions of Regulation 13.
Members may appeal the decision of an Inquiry or the Commissioner to an independent Appeals Board
which consists of a person nominated by the Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform from a panel of
legal professionals; a member of An Garda Síochána of Commissioner rank nominated by the
Commissioner and a member of the Central Executive Committee of the member’s staff association. Six
appeals were finally determined during the year with original orders affirmed in four cases and the appeal
allowed in the remaining two.
Members suspended from duty receive an allowance equivalent to 75% of basic pay and may also qualify
for an additional 15% in cases of special hardship. Ten (10) members were suspended during the year and
at years end a total of nineteen members remained on suspension.
There were a total of 29 cases in which criminal proceedings were instituted against members of An
Garda Síochána during the year. Of these 17 cases were finalised with 13 resulting in convictions and
four dismissed. Convictions were recorded in respect of Drink Driving offences (10); other Road Traffic
offences (3); Public Order offence (1); Assaults (5); Sexual Assault (1); breach of Barring/Maintenance
Order (2). One member of An Garda Síochána was dismissed during the year and three resigned
involuntarily.
CIVIL PROCEEDINGS
In 1999, there was a total of 127 cases which were instituted and involved civil proceedings against the
Garda Commissioner and/or the State arising out of discharge of duty by members of An Garda Síochána.
This does not include proposed proceedings arising from traffic accidents involving Garda vehicles or
accidental injuries suffered by members of the public or An Garda Síochána.
COMPLAINTS
Complaints by the public against members of An Garda Síochána are dealt with in accordance with the
Garda Síochána (Complaints) Act, 1986 and statistics in this regard are published in the annual report
compiled by the Garda Síochána Complaints Board, a statutory body independent of An Garda Síochána.
A total of 206 accidents were reported by An Garda Síochána to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA),
with assaults on Gardai and road traffic accidents accounting for the vast majority. Liaison is also
maintained with HSA Inspectors in the investigation of deaths in the workplace.
OVERSEAS SERVICE
SEIRBHÍS THAR LEAR
Members of An Garda Síochána were deployed on three United Nations
Peacekeeping Missions during 1999 and continue to be recognised for the
professional and dedicated manner in which they carry out their duties. An
Garda Síochána remain fully committed to the establishment of peace and
democracy in the countries in which they serve. In addition to UN Missions
in Bosnia & Herzegovina; Cyprus and East Timor, Gardai were also
deployed with the OSCE in Croatia.
CYPRUS – UNFICYP
The mandate of UNFICYP is to prevent the renewal of fighting between the
different ethnic groups in Cyprus, by maintaining a peaceful atmosphere
within which a just and lasting solution to the Cyprus problem can be found
and to provide appropriate assistance for humanitarian agencies.
The Garda contingent is headed by a Chief Superintendent based at CIVPOL
Headquarters, Nicosia, with the posts of Police Commander and Deputy
Commander rotated on a six month basis between the Irish and their Australian counterparts. The
remaining fourteen Garda personnel deployed on the island, serve in the eight different CIVPOL Stations
there.
CROATIA – OSCE
Seven Garda personnel completed their tour of duty with
the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in
Europe) in Croatia during the year. Five members were
assigned to serve in the Danube Region in Eastern Slavonia,
with two others serving as plain clothes officers outside that
area. Monitoring local police forces was the prime function
within the mandate, along with carrying out research and
preparing briefings on significant police issues.
STUDENT/PROBATIONER TRAINING
The review of Student Garda Education/Training Programme was published in June, 1999. The report
recommends the introduction of a competency based training/education and development programme.
It also recommends significant changes to the methods of training and educating Gardai in the future in
order to meet the requirements for policing Irish society throughout the millennium.
● Fifteen Police Officers representing Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany,
Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland and Spain attended a Joint European Police Studies Course
at the Garda College in February/March, 1999. The course content included language development,
lectures on policing topics, visits to areas of policing and cultural interest, development of particular
professional interests and practical work. The course was part funded by the European Commission
under the OisÌn Programme.
● The Garda College hosted and coordinated an EU funded exchange programme in the area of firearms
anti-terrorist trainers. The project involves exchange and study visits between the participating
countries, which are:- Ireland, England, Germany, France, Sweden and Northern Ireland.
● A group of 23 personnel from Pennsylvania State University were hosted by the Garda College during
August, 1999. The participants comprised of police officers, correctional officers and probation
personnel and the visit provided the participants with an opportunity to undertake a comparative
analysis of policing systems outside of the United States.
● As part of an Exchange Programme established in 1993 between the Garda College and the Police
College at St. Cyr, Lyon, France, a delegation comprising of eight French Police Officers visited the
Garda College during 1999. The purpose of the visit was to advance their language skills, while
studying comparative police and criminal justice systems. They visited various sections within the
organisation and met a large cross section of personnel involved in the administration of justice. Five
Garda officers also undertook a similar visit during 1999 to the French Police College at St. Cyr.
The programme was run over three cycles by teams in the United States FBI Academy, Quantico and
New York; the Garda College and in Belfast and was designed to develop confidence in the police
service. The goals of the programme were:
4 To improve the interaction between the Police Services of Ireland and the communities they serve.
4 To identify and use problem solving techniques to resolve common police/community issues and
4 To understand the important elements of human rights and human dignity.
The participants reflected a broad cross-section of both organisations in terms of rank, gender, cultural
tradition, operational & non operational backgrounds. Structured in teams, the group put forward a set of
proposals which focused on planning, personnel, training, operations and law/policy, which if
implemented have the capacity to enhance policing in Ireland.
Research designed to examine the internal workings of the organisation was conducted by the ESRI in
September, 1999. The findings of the ‘999’ response time research was circulated to the National
Customer Service Panel. Preparatory work has taken place on a Garda pilot project to examine bullying
in schools and exploratory work also commenced on the feasibility of adopting the model of the
European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM).
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
BAINSTÍOCHTA STRAITÉISÍ
The Strategic Management Initiative (SMI) process continued, in consultation with
staff associations, developing the wide ranging recommendations contained in the
SMI Report (Report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of
An Garda Síochána, June, 1997).
The SMI Implementation Team, is headed by an Assistant Commissioner and consists of a small group of
administrative and specialist support staff. External consultants have been
and continue to be engaged as the needs arise to provide dedicated
specialist advice to the Team on specific issues.
During 1999, in co-operation with staff associations and senior
management, agreement was reached in piloting a new roster system; a
Director of Finance was selected; a number of baseline customer surveys
were completed by the Quality Service Bureau and a review of Student
Probationer Training was completed.
A revised promotion system has been developed and is currently being
examined by the Promotion Advisory Council. Firm proposals on a
comprehensive programme of civilianisation were developed and the
process of consultation with staff associations continued.
Progress has been well advanced on a revised Resource Allocation
Model; senior training and development; the Human Resource
Management functions; structure and on a Performance and
Accountability framework. Staff at all levels continue to be involved in
the process through a wide range of seminars, workshops and focus groups as part of the policy of
inclusiveness in the process of change.
The SMI Implementation Team co-ordinate many activities which will have medium to long terms
implications for An Garda Síochána and how it does its business. These projects, which are at various
stages of completion, will be progressed further and the commitment to change management will
continue.
The possible consequences of wide-scale computer systems failure over the millennium period was
firmly placed in the unknown category, making adequate planning particularly difficult.
At that early stage there was also a distinct lack of firm details available on the number and extent of
millennium celebratory events. While groups indicated, at an early stage, that they would be holding
large events, unfortunately, specific details were neither known or available.
Despite these unknown variables, An Garda Síochána were expected to properly plan for and implement
a ‘normal’ policing service during the period and be in a position to assist any other services who may
experience difficulties.
It was therefore considered prudent to plan for a ‘doomsday’ scenario, as some had predicted, on the
basis that anything less would be a bonus.
IN HOUSE SYSTEMS
All critical systems within An Garda Síochána needed to be Y2K compliant to ensure that the
organisation would not suffer any deterioration of support systems during the millennium changeover
period. In addition, contingency plans to ensure maintenance of these critical system needed to be
devised. As far back as 1992, the Garda IT Section undertook a strategy study, which included the
complete replacement of Garda mainframe computer systems, which were not and could not be Y2K
complaint.
Systems were identified and prioritised for either replacement or upgrade. Phase one of the strategy
involved making a complete inventory of all hardware and software and bespoke applications,
establishing Y2K status and identifying systems or elements which required upgrading or replacement.
Phase two was concerned with assessing the exposure of An Garda Síochána’s business functions to
non-compliant applications and drawing up plans to address non-compliant elements.
At years end all Garda systems had been replaced or rendered Y2K compliant, including all IT systems
and telecommunications networks. A 24 hour Help Desk was established to facilitate the reporting of
any systems difficulties and Garda technicians were deployed throughout the country to ensure that any
faults identified were attended to with minimum delay.
The Garda strategy for the period was devised on a three tier system. The first required an assessment of
requirements to carry out normal policing functions. The second phase was to assess additional
requirements needed to police special events. This was a particularly difficult phase due to the lack of
firm information at an early stage. The final phase was concerned with endeavouring to establish the
Garda requirements which would be sufficient to deal with any eventuality that may arise as a result of
the millennium changeover.
Regional and local policing plans were drawn up to ensure that the policing response was sufficient to
meet what ever demands were placed upon it. In excess of 4,000 Garda personnel were on duty during
the critical changeover period, in addition to many others providing back up and support in
communications centres, Telecommunications & IT help desks, etc. All Garda specialist support units,
including air support, mounted, dog and water units, were fully utilised at strategic locations.
It was possible that the millennium bug would affect a range of systems perhaps resulting in disruption to
electricity supply; street lighting; hospitals; power plants; airports; rail systems and a whole range of other
vital services. While An Garda Síochána have no direct role in the provision of these services,
nevertheless any significant disruption would have community safety issues, which is an area where An
Garda Síochána have direct responsibilities and obligations. The operational plan, compiled with the
complete assistance and cooperation of many agencies, was extensive providing for an appropriate
response by An Garda Síochána across a wide range of possible scenarios.
Ultimately, the wide-spread chaos that some had predicted never materialised and despite the significant
resources deployed in the preparation stages, An Garda Síochána were quite satisfied to leave the plan on
the shelf unused.
Assistant Commissioner
Western Region
Assistant Commissioner
Northern Region
Clearway and Freeflow initiatives accounted for 8% of the total mission flights. While primarily traffic
operations, units are available to respond to non-traffic related calls. As a direct result of the air support
assistance, various local authorities responsible for road engineering have acted on numerous
suggestions from the unit, in relation to road layout and traffic sequencing.
Other 1%
Aerial Photography 9% Traffic/Events 14%
Armed Incidents 2%
Security/Operations 21% Disturbance 1%
PR/Demo 2%
Transit Time 8%
Burglary 1%
Pursuits 5%
Escorts 1%
Robbery 3%
Training/Equipment Checks 10%
Searches 22%
1999 was marred by the unfortunate accident and tragic loss of life of four Air Corps personnel in the
Dauphin helicopter crash in Waterford in early July. The pilots and crew of the ill-fated aircraft were well
known to the Garda Air Support Unit and their untimely passing has heighten the awareness of the risks
associated with aviation in serving the public.
air recovery of bodies from water and boats. This type of training improves the operational skills of the
team members and also provides an opportunity to further enhance the relations and spirit of co-
operation with these organisations.
Within An Garda Síochána, the Garda Water Unit continued to cross train with other Garda Units
including the Garda Air Support Unit, Garda Dog Unit, Emergency Response Unit and Tactical Training
Unit. In preparation for the delivery of the Garda Patrol Launch, Unit members successfully completed
courses in safety boat handling, powerboat handling and motor cruising handling.
Handlers and dogs are subject to ongoing training programmes including exercises in conjunction with
other Garda specialist units. During the course of the year a handler and dog were trained in a new
discipline of the recovery of human remains on land and over water and future developments will
include the training of specialist dogs in firearms recovery. A selected number of members of the Garda
Dog Unit qualified during the year as Training Instructors.
REGIONAL PROFILES
PRÓIFÍL RÉIGIÚNACH
Since January, 1996, a Regional Command structure Northern
Region Northern
has been in place within An Garda Síochána, and the
Ireland
country has been divided into six separate regions,
each headed by an Assistant Commissioner.
60
Crime
50 Personnel
Population
40 Area
30
20
10
The Eastern Region consists of the Garda Divisions of Longford/Westmeath; Louth/Meath; Laois/Offaly
and Carlow/Kildare. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, Operations, the region is headed by a
Regional Assistant Commissioner based at Mullingar.
Crime recorded in the region for the year showed a decrease of 2% when compared to 1998 and the
detection rate for the year stood at 42%, the national average.
A major crime initiative, Operation Advocate, commenced in 1998 and continued through 1999. The
operation involved the deployment of members of the regional force, assisted by National Units, in a
planned approach to curb armed crime throughout the region and in neighbouring regions.
The strategy was coordinated through the Regional Office and proved to be a most successful tactic and
will continue as appropriate.
The region includes 90 miles of coastline, all within the Louth/Meath Division stretching from Carlingford
in County Louth to Rush in Co. Dublin. A Coastal watch Scheme was launched in this area with the
appointment of Liaison Gardai in each Garda Sub District. This Coastal Watch Scheme compliments
other similar schemes throughout the country.
Punchestown Racecourse,
established in 1850,
played host to in excess of
100,000 at it’s annual
racing festival in May.
The facility continues to
grow, as do the crowds
attending and the policing
and traffic management
plan continues to be
adapted to meet the
policing requirements for
this and other events. The
policing of these events,
both in the planning and
implementation stages, is
significant and the event
was policed this year with
no serious incidents
occurring.
Another significant event in the region is the Annual Agricultural Show in Tullamore each August. While
only lasting for one day, the event attracts some 35,000 patrons and again a proper and successful
policing and traffic management strategy was devised and implemented.
In any year, the policing demands within the greater Dublin area are considerable and the year under
review was no different. The Regional Assistant Commissioner is based at Harcourt Square and is
responsible for an area stretching from Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow to the south; Swords to the north and
Leixlip to the west. The region is divided into six geographical Garda Divisions – North; North Central;
South; South Central; East and West. In addition, the Assistant Commissioner is responsible for two
functional Garda Divisions, the Dublin Metropolitan Region Traffic Unit and the Special Detective Unit.
The success of 1997 and 1998, when reported crime in the region decreased by 14% and 10%
respectively, were repeated in 1999 with a further decrease of 8%. The crime detection rate for the
region stood at 40%.
Dublin was the focus of a number of special events all of which required detailed advance planning and
significant commitments over the periods of the events. Considerable resources were deployed to
satisfactorily police the St. Patrick’s Festival weekend; the MTV Awards and the Millennium period.
Many other major national and international sporting and social events placed an immense burden on
policing resources in the region. All, however, took place in safety and relative comfort for participants,
attendees and city residents alike.
A number of policing operations continued or were initiated during the year as part of the various
strategies adopted in respect of crime prevention; crime detection; drug misuse and traffic management
& enforcement. These included:-
● Dóchas – anti drugs initiative.
● Cleanstreet/Night Cap – target
specific drug investigation
operations.
● Freeflow/Clearway – traffic
relieving measures.
● Mustard – targeting specific
larcenies from building sites.
● Boulevard/Nicotine/Mainstreet –
city centre drug, crime and
public order operations.
● Godfrey – targeting stolen
motorbikes.
Northern
Region NORTHERN REGION NORTHERN REGION IN FIGURES
Population: 315,129
Area: 11,306 km2
RÉIGIÚN AN TUAISCIRT Primary/Secondary Roads: 745.2 km
Regional Crime 1999: 3,489
Crime per 1,000 Population: 11.1
Regional Detections 1999: 1,563
Detection Rate: 45%
Road Traffic Offences;: 10,057
Garda Strength: 1,072
Garda Vehicles: 139
Garda Stations: 108
Garda Districts: 14
The region comprises of the Garda Divisions of Sligo/Leitrim; Donegal and Cavan /Monaghan, with the
Regional Assistant Commissioner based in Sligo. While the region has a low population base compared to
other regions, it’s primary policing focus revolves around the 291 border points along it’s 359 kilometre
length. Despite advances made in the peace process, significant resources are deployed along the border
areas and throughout the region to curb terrorist activity.
Reported crime in the region increased by 70 crimes representing a 2% increase over the 1998 figures,
which had shown a 3% decrease over the previous year. The crime detection rate in the region stood at
45%, above the national average of 42%.
Despite the commitment to border security, considerable regular policing activities were undertaken by
the regional force. ‘Drugs/Alcohol Abuse, Awareness and Prevention’ was the theme of the Youth
Achievement Award Scheme. As with the inaugural award scheme initiated in 1998, this scheme proved
very successful with very high levels of participation by schools and youth clubs throughout the entire
region.
As with all Garda Regions, traffic management and enforcement of road traffic laws were a particular
focus for the regional force. The primary marker of successful road safety strategies is the number of
fatalities recorded. In the year under review, sadly xx persons lost their lives on the roads of this region.
However, this represented a XX decrease over the previous year and Garda activity will continue to make
our roads safer for all road users.
During the year, the Northern Region successfully applied for European Union funding under the Oisín
Programme. The project was to examine the extent and effects of controlled drugs in rural areas, with
special emphasis on amphetamines, ecstasy,
heroin, cocaine and cannabis and to formulate
programmes to counteract this threat. This was the
first time funding was secured for a project
managed by a section of An Garda Síochána other
than a specialised national unit.
Reported crime in the region increased by 7% for the year under review, with an additional 520 crimes
reported. The detection rate however stood at a very satisfactory 52%, which is well above the national
average of 42%.
The success achieved in the crime detection rate can be attributed to a significant effort throughout the
region to focus on persistent offenders and criminals travelling to the region to commit crime. Local and
regional operations, such as:- ‘Apex’; ‘Baseline’ and ‘Deise’ have contributed to the high crime
detection rate, particularly in respect of attacks on the elderly and armed crime, throughout all three
divisions in the region.
Proactive measures to target drug dealing/dealers were increased during the year particularly in the
larger urban areas in the region and proved to be very successful. Interagency cooperation between the
relevant agencies involved in the fight against drugs was also an efficient feature of our combined efforts.
A notable success in this regard was the seizure of 40 kilos of Cannabis Resin at Rosslare Port and the
subsequent arrest of a number of drug dealers from outside the region.
The management of traffic policing and enforcement within the region was reviewed and adjusted
considerably during the year. While traffic management and enforcement has a number of key
objectives, the reduction in the numbers of persons killed on our roads is by far the most important.
During the year under review fifty five (55) persons lost their lives on roads in this region. This compares
with 81 in 1998, showing a decrease of 32% considerably higher than the national average.
Within the crime prevention strategies adopted in the region, a Garda Special Project - Services Working
Alongside Youth (SWAY) was launched in Waterford City, with two further projects planned in Wexford.
Garda operations against terrorism, particularly dissident Republican elements, continued in the region
throughout the year with a number of operations successfully concluded, including a significant arms
find.
The Southern region covers a huge area providing both a mix of rural and urban communities. It consists
of five Garda Divisions covering the counties of Cork, Kerry and Limerick, with the Regional Assistant
Commissioner based at Angelsea Street, Cork.
Reported crime in the region recorded a significant 7% decrease when compared with the previous year,
with the crime a detection rate of 43%, marginally above the national average of 42%.
Crime Prevention and Road Safety Initiatives were to the forefront of policing throughout the region. One
such crime prevention strategy ‘Operation Longnights’, was implemented to target a spate of attacks on
business premises in rural parts of the region, culminating in the recovery of in excess of £46,000 worth
of stolen property and the arrest of the main culprits.
While the number of vehicles travelling on the 1,152 kilometres of primary and secondary roads in the
region continued to increase, the number of persons fatally injured decreased by two and the number
seriously injured decreased by 35, when compared with the previous year. The use of sophisticated
electronic surveillance traffic cameras intercepted almost 40,000 vehicles for excessive speed and was
just one of the many road safety strategies employed throughout the region to improve the safety on our
roads
The National Ploughing Championships were held at Castletownroche, Co. Cork in September, 1999 and
attracted a record attendance over its three days. A major traffic and anti-crime operation was effected to
ensure free passage of vehicles to and from the site and to contribute to the safe and peaceful hosting of
this significant event. As with the policing of such major events, significant advance planning was
undertaken and considerable numbers of Garda personnel deployed to the event.
Western
RÉIGIÚN AN IARTHAIR Primary/Secondary Roads: 1328.2km
Regional Crime 1999: 5,004
Region Crime per 1,000 Population: 11.29
Regional Detections 1999: 2,287
Detection Rate: 46%
Road Traffic Offences: 16,393
Garda Strength: 1,068
Garda Vehicles: 133
Garda Stations: 144
Garda Districts: 20
Headed by an Assistant Commissioner based at Mill Street, Galway, the Western region comprises of the
Garda Divisions of Galway West, Roscommon/Galway East, Clare and Mayo.
Crime recorded in the region showed a decrease of 2% on the previous year. While the detection rate
dropped to 46%, this remains above the national average of 42%.
The presence of Shannon Airport in the region continues to place policing demands on the regional
force. The airport plays host to numerous dignitaries each year, many of whom require a significant
policing presence at the airport and its vicinity. The most notable passenger passing through Shannon
during the year under review was the US First Lady, Mrs. Hilary Clinton.
Major emergency exercises are also required to be carried out at the airport on a regular basis, in
conjunction with airport authorities and other agencies. However, the Major Emergency Plan was
activated, for real, in Belmullet following the outbreak of fire at a local rubber plant. The operation
necessitated the evacuation of a wide area and was in force for some 25 hours. All emergency services
combined in a coordinated and supportive manner to bring the incident to a speedy conclusion.
A juvenile based crime prevention project ‘The Junction Project’ was initiated in Ballinsloe during the
year with the allocation of IR£50,000 in funding. The project aims to curb anti social behaviour by
young persons in the locality and while still in it’s infancy the achievements to date are very promising.
‘C’ BRANCH
(CRIME, SECURITY & TRAFFIC)
BRAINSE ‘C’
(COIREACHT, SLÁNDÁIL AGUS TRÁCHT)
The structure within ‘C’ Branch was reviewed during the ‘C’ Branch
course of the year and some adjustments were made. The
Garda National Traffic Bureau was added to ‘C’ Branch and Crime, Security & Traffic
some structural changes were made within sections. Assistant Commissioner, “C” Branch
Crime, Security & Traffic
The Branch consists of a number of sections dealing
specifically with crime and security issues, and now traffic, Detective Chief Superintendent
on a national basis. The section is headed by an Assistant Security & Intelligence
Commissioner based at Garda Headquarters, with sections
located both at Garda Headquarters and at the Harcourt Chief Superintendent
Square Complex, Dublin. Crime Administration
Each of the sections within ‘C’ Branch are reasonably
autonomous with the respective Chief Superintendents Detective Chief Superintendent
reporting directly to the Assistant Commissioner. However, Liaison & Protection
due to the nature of serious and organised crime, many
operations and investigations are undertaken by personnel Chief Superintendent
drawn from two or more sections. Garda National Traffic Bureau
An Garda Síochána are responsible not only for providing the policing service within the State, but also
the security of the State. To this end, the Security & Intelligence Section maintains liaison links with
police forces and security services throughout the world, forging new links where appropriate. This
regularly includes the attendance by senior
personnel at meetings and conferences
overseas.
The section also organises international conference and seminars on security related issues, which impart
valuable knowledge gained through policing in this country, to a world-wide audience of police and law
enforcement personnel.
Such gatherings also increase the knowledge base of Garda personnel involved and the organisation
generally. These contacts also prove useful from an operational aspect.
Personnel from the section make presentations on security and intelligence related issues to promotion
and development classes at the Garda College and to foreign police officers undergoing training in this
country as part of various international agreements and programmes.
The General Administration Office monitors the progress of serious crime investigations throughout the
country. It also services correspondence on crime related issues which arise from the public, Government
Departments and other external agencies.
The Missing Persons’ Bureau is responsible for data relating to missing persons, sudden deaths and the
discovery of unidentified bodies. The Bureau deals with associated inquiries from external agencies, other
jurisdictions and Interpol.
The Legal Office provides legal advice on all matters arising from the operational and administrative roles
of An Garda Síochána. It liaises with a wide range of Government Departments, legal and other agencies
in this respect.
Requests for mutual assistance from other jurisdictions are dealt with at the Mutual Assistance Section,
which also coordinates all Irish requests for mutual assistance in criminal matters.
The Crime Computer Section is responsible for the integrity of the crime recording database and the
production of management information reports on a periodic basis.
The Extradition Section receives extradition requests from other jurisdictions to locate persons who are
subject of such requests. The section executes extradition warrants and processes Irish requests for the
extradition of persons from other jurisdictions to answer charges in this country.
Finally, the Crime Statistics’ Office compiles statistics which feature in the Annual Report. It also
formulates replies to parliamentary questions and compiles statistical information to service inquiries from
within and beyond An Garda Síochána
The Liaison & Protection Section provides the primary international contact point with An Garda
Síochána for all police and law enforcement agencies overseas. Depending on the specific subject, the
issue may be dealt with at one of three offices.
The Europol National Unit deals with requests for assistance from law enforcement agencies within the
European Union in the areas of criminality, drug trafficking, terrorism, stolen vehicle trafficking,
trafficking in illegal immigrants, trafficking in humans, trafficking in nuclear & radioactive fuels and the
laundering of the proceeds of any of the above illegal activities.
The Bureau de Liaison (BdL) provides a central secure communication facility for contact to/from foreign
police forces, EU General Secretariat, Garda Drug Liaison Officers in The Hague and Madrid and
security services world-wide, including cross border communications.
Interpol has 178 member countries and the Interpol National Central Bureau at Garda Headquarters
maintains ongoing liaison with these members within the limits of the laws existing in these countries
and within the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The year under review saw a reduction of 45 in the number of road traffic related deaths, over 1998 and
it was the second year in succession that road deaths reduced.
An analysis of road fatalities indicates that those in the 16-30 year old age group were the most at risk
from road traffic related death, with the most dangerous time between 6pm and 2am and the worst days
being Friday, Saturday and Sunday. During the year, males accounted for 295 deaths and females for 118
deaths. This compares to 348 and 110 respectively in the previous year.
July was the worst month for fatalities with 48 deaths, while November showed a major reduction with
17 deaths – the least deaths in any single month in many years. Overall, road deaths in 1999 were down
in eight of the twelve months compared with 1998. The South Eastern Region and Dublin Metropolitan
Region recorded the greatest reductions, with falls of 26 and 14 respectively.
700
700
600
600
628
564
500
500
533
478 472
400
400 465 463
415 437
453 458
413
387 404
300
300
200
200
100
100
00 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
Road Traffic fatalities for the years 1997; 1998 and 1999 by month
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total
1997 26 30 45 29 53 36 41 37 42 51 41 41 472
1998 34 29 21 46 33 42 38 40 47 42 41 45 458
1999 30 34 35 31 26 35 48 42 38 40 17 37 413
The Government Strategy for Road Safety, 1997 – 2002 targeted a 20% reduction in road deaths during
the strategy period. The reductions achieved so far during 1998 and 1999 have resulted in a net
reduction of 12.5% in road fatalities already. Speeding, drink driving and non-wearing of seat belts
continue to be the main causes of road deaths and remain the primary targets for Garda enforcement
activity.
Through Operation Lifesaver, the strong enforcement policy of An Garda Siochana was intensified.
Towards the end of July, a Garda National Road Safety Initiative, comprising of Operations ‘Belt Up’;
‘Check Up’; ‘Juggernaut’ and ‘Fare’, was launched to support Operation Lifesaver. These operations
focused on seat belt wearing, road worthiness of vehicles, heavy goods vehicles and public service
vehicles respectively. This initiative proved very successful and by the end of the operations in November
over 5,700 Garda checkpoints had been mounted, some 57,000 offences detected and 278 dangerously
defective vehicles seized.
During the year, 178,009 fine on the spot notices were issued for excessive speeding. In July, fines on the
spot were introduced for non-wearing of seat belts and by the end of the year, some 25,000 notices had
been issued. A total of 9,787 detection’s were made for drink driving. These returns were all significantly
greater than in previous years and emphasises the Garda focus on road traffic enforcement and enhanced
safety.
Road Traffic fatalities for the years 1997, 1998 and 1999 by type
To keep abreast of international markets and developments in this area, liaison is maintained with arts &
antiques dealers, museums and galleries world-wide, in addition to close liaison with similar police
investigation units elsewhere.
CRIMESTOPPERS
Crimestoppers is a world-wide concept
revolving around a partnership between the
police, the community, the media and the
business world. The initiative was launched in
Ireland in 1998 and while managed by an independent board, it is operated by An Garda Síochána at
the Crimestoppers Office within NBCI.
Crimestoppers provides a confidential service to the public to pass information to An Garda Síochána on
suspected criminal activity, using a freephone telephone number – 1800 25 00 25. All calls received are
dealt with by Detective Gardai and a reward system operates where information results in a criminal
conviction.
Since its establishment in January, 1998 up to the 31st December, 1999, the Crimestoppers Office has
received 1,294 actionable calls, resulting in 83 arrests and the recovery or seizure of property in excess
of IR£78,800 (100,055 Euros).
The DVSAIU also maintain constant liaison with relevant Government Departments; State bodies and
voluntary groups, embracing the very necessary multi-agency approach to tackling these issues and their
causes. The primary considerations for An Garda Síochána in these cases is the protection and welfare of
the child/children and the proper investigation of the alleged activity.
DVSAIU personnel also spend considerable time delivering presentations to various training,
development and management courses within An Garda Síochána and to various gatherings and
conferences outside. During the year, the Unit continued to develop their capacity to investigate illegal
pornographic activity on the Internet, especially child pornography.
Included as appendices are checklists covering recruitment procedures and financial controls which are
recommended for implementation in all organisations. The document may be accessed via the Garda
website at www.garda.ie.
If left unchecked, fraud can pose a serious threat to the welfare of our economy and our society. The staff
at the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation continue to focus their efforts in preventing and detecting
fraud related crime. This objective requires the whole hearted commitment and support of the entire
community and in this context, Bureau staff continue to work closely with all relevant interested parties.
Fraud Alert is an excellent example of how partnership can work in advancing this objective.
The Bureau carries out its functions through a number of separate, yet closely related Units. A brief
summary of the workings of each of these Units is outlined below.
The Assessment Unit analyses and reviews each complaint made to the Bureau to establish firstly if a
crime is disclosed requiring Garda attention and secondly, to make recommendations to Bureau
management as to the scope and nature of the required investigation.
The more complex cases are investigated by Bureau staff, while others, following assessment, are referred
to local Gardai for investigation.
During the year under review, 458 individual cases were processed by the Assessment Unit, representing
a 35% increase over 1998. Some 270 cases were referred to the Bureau by Interpol which required
investigation in this jurisdiction relative to fraud investigations by foreign law enforcement agencies.
In addition, a further 46 requests for Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters were received by the Bureau.
Mutual Assistance requests under the Council of Europe Convention require investigation in this country
under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994 and the volume of such requests continue to show a steady
increase. Analysis of trends indicated that some 70% of requests received are fraud related.
The Assessment Unit also handles enquiries from other Garda members and the public seeking advice
and/or assistance in fraud related matters.
Among the new trends noticed during the year, were a number of complaints alleging insider dealing by
individuals within corporate entities and complaints of organised insurance fraud. These trends will be
reflected in criminal charges as investigations are concluded.
Another noticeable trend was a significant number of senior officials within organisations coming to
notice for allegedly committing large scale fraud over protracted periods.
The Cheque/Credit Card Fraud Unit concentrates on the more serious and organised cases of cheque,
credit card and counterfeit currency fraud, while the less serious cases are referred to local Gardai for
investigation. In 1999, some 345 complaints were made to this Unit. The table on the previous page
outlines the composition of this number. The Unit preferred criminal charges against 28 persons during
the year for a variety of offences.
The Computer Crime Unit at GBFI is the national central reference point for computer related crime. It
also has responsibility for investigating computer fraud and for assisting other Garda units with the
retrieval of computer based evidence. During the year under review, 117 computer hard drives and
1388 ancillary computer media were copied/examined by the Unit.
Personnel also assisted in some 99 other Garda investigations which included 18 internet cases, 12
hacking cases and 15 child pornography cases, in addition to many other serious crime investigations. A
particular success during the year was the conclusion of an exhaustive investigation, which commenced
in 1988, regarding an elaborate telecommunications fraud, resulting in a number of persons currently
before the Courts on criminal charges.
The Unit continued its proactive approach in creating awareness of computer crime issues by providing
presentations to various computer user groups. The Unit substantially increased its forensic computing
capacity during the year to meet current and projected demands.
Close contact is also maintained with similar police investigation units overseas and the unit is currently
examining the feasibility of a real time computer network link between these units throughout the EU.
The Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) have the responsibility for the recording, evaluation,
analysis and investigation of disclosures relating to suspicious financial transactions received from
bodies designated under the Criminal Justice Act, 1994.
Continuing the trend reported in 1998, the number of disclosures made to the MLIU continues to rise
dramatically – as indicated in the graphic on the following page. Fourteen persons were arrested during
the year in relation to money laundering offences, with five of these subsequently charged. At years end,
a number of files were being contemplated by the Law Officers. As with most fraud related
investigations, these cases require protracted and very detailed examination which invariably include a
multitude of extremely complex issues.
Personnel from this Unit have participated in many educational programmes for staff of financial
institutions, advising participants on preventive measures and on the legal obligations placed on them
and their employers regarding disclosures.
Close international cooperation continued with joint operations planned and executed between MLIU
staff and many other police services, including the Royal Ulster Constabulary. Operations of this nature
have successfully closed down an extensive cross border money laundering operation. Operations were
also undertaken with law enforcement agencies in the United Kingdom; Holland; Belgium; Sweden and
the United States.
Disclosures Reported
1421
1400
1400
1202
1200
1200
1000
1000
800
800
600
600
504
400
400
378
199
200
200
00
1995 (May-Dec.) 1996 1997 1998 1999
The Bureau is the embodiment of the multi-agency approach and is staffed by officers from An Garda
Síochána, Revenue Commissioners Taxes, Revenue Commissioners Customs and the Department of
Social, Community & Family Affairs. It is headed by the Chief Bureau Officer, who is a Chief
Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, reporting to the Commissioner on the performance and functions
of the Bureau. An annual report is prepared and submitted through the Garda Commissioner for the
Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform and laid before both House of the Oireachtas in accordance
with the Act.
The effectiveness of the operations of the Criminal Assets Bureau has led to a number of seizures of
illegally obtained assets. The establishment of the Bureau itself and the continuance of it’s operations, has
led to the displacement of major criminal figures, many of whom have left the jurisdiction since coming
to the attention of CAB.
In addition, CAB has secured convictions against persons involved in organised crime and continues to
freeze or confiscate, through Court proceedings, assets and other wealth, including real estate, vehicles,
cash and other property.
To control and trace the assets of organised crime, the Bureau has successfully conducted investigations
resulting in the confiscation of illegally obtained assets and wealth, held both inside and outside this
jurisdiction. The Bureau maintains close contact with it’s European and international partners in the
identification, tracing and seizing of illegally obtained assets or wealth.
The Criminal Assets Bureau has played an important role in the State’s fight against organised crime in
1999 and will continue to work closely with all other relevant agencies in proactively targeting persons
involved in serious criminal activity in an effort to deny and deprive those persons of illegally obtained
assets or wealth.
INTERNATIONAL ACTIVITIES
GNÍOMHAÍOCHTAÍ IDIRNÁISÚNTA
Crime and criminal activity is not exclusive to any single country or jurisdiction.
With huge advancements in communications, and technology and the ease of
movement between jurisdictions, more and more the activities of organised criminals are
becoming transnational. The sophistication of methods employed by criminal groupings, particularly in
the area of drugs, is an issue which is being addressed by law enforcement agencies world wide. The
parochial approach is no longer sufficient to tackle these issues.
Despite the fact that Ireland is an island nation, the effects of the internationalisation of crime is felt here.
An Garda Síochána continued to develop it’s international liaisons during the year under review and
some of the highlights of this cooperative approach are outlined here. Activities of An Garda Síochána
engaged in United Nations Missions and various international training programmes/exchanges operated
at the Garda College, are outlined elsewhere in this report
MEMORANDA OF UNDERSTANDING
On a very formal level, An Garda Síochána are party to Memoranda of Understandings
with police forces in three countries. In 1996, the Memorandum of Understanding
between the Hungarian National Police Force and An Garda Síochána was signed,
followed by an understanding with the National Police Authority of the Arab Republic
of Egypt in 1997. In 1998, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between An
Garda Síochána and the Ministry of the Russian Federation.
Within the terms of the Memoranda, the named law enforcement agencies have
successfully collaborated on a wide range of activities, including training programmes,
information sharing and operational issues.
LIAISON OFFICERS
An Garda Síochána have a number of Liaison Officers and other staff based in Europe, who assist home
based units involved in investigations with an international/European element. One Detective Inspector
and one Detective Garda are based at Europol Headquarters at The Hague and a Detective Sergeant is
based at Interpol Headquarters at Lyon. There is a Detective Sergeant based at the Irish Embassy in The
Hague and one based at the Irish Embassy in Madrid. These latter two Garda personnel are engaged
primarily in drug liaison matters in the countries where they are based and adjoining territories.
An Garda Síochána also have one Detective Sergeant assigned to Interpol Headquarters, Lyon, France.
EU FUNDED PROJECTS
Funding is available under various programmes operated by the EU on an annual basis. These
programmes take various styles all with the objective of enhancing inter-agency cooperation in very
practical ways. Specific programmes include OISÍN, adopted in 1997 with a finish date in 2000, the
programme encourages cooperation between law enforcement on crime prevention, detection and law
enforcement generally; STOP, adopted in 1996 with a finish date in 2000, promotes coordinated
initiatives in the fight against trafficking in human beings and sexual exploitation of children; FALCONE,
adopted in 1998, encourages a multi-disciplinary approach, focusing on activities which will contribute
to the implementation of the Action Plan to combat organised crime and ODYSSEUS, introduced in
1998 and running to 2002, aims to enhance training, exchanges and cooperation in law enforcement
agencies dealing with asylum, immigration, external border policing and related issues.
Individual Garda sections/units submit proposals to the Commissioner for consideration and where
appropriate these are submitted onward for funding. Funding applications are coordinated at the Garda
EU Coordination Office and personnel at this office assist the submitting units in managing the
successful projects. An Garda Síochána submit numerous applications for each tranche of funding and
the following programmes which were successful in having funds allocated to them, commenced or
continued through 1999.
(i) “Training Exchange Programme for operational police personnel involved in the investigation of
money laundering and the seizure of assets” received funding under the Oisín Programme. The
programme concentrated on the procedural aspects of the investigation regarding cross border
flow of funds identified and the most effective strategies and investigative tools for financial
investigations. The project was managed by the Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation and
participants included the United Kingdom; Holland; Spain; Germany; France; Italy; Belgium’;
Sweden; Austria; Russia and Hungary.
(ii) “A strategic European initiative aimed at developing a framework to combat criminal syndicates
involved in international drug trafficking” was proposed and managed by the Garda National
Drugs Unit. The project aimed to facilitate interaction and exchange of intelligence with a view to
identifying and prosecuting criminals operating in the participating jurisdictions. The countries
involved were Belgium; Holland; Germany; Spain; Portugal, along with Europol and the Irish
Customs Service.
(iii) Coordinated by the Assistant Commissioner, Northern Region, Sligo and involving Northern
Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Finland, Portugal, Europol, Non-Government Agencies and
Community Groups, a project to assess the impact of drug abuse in rural areas and how issues
arising could be best dealt with in a multi-agency approach, was funded under the Oisín
programme.
(iv) “A training exchange programme for firearms anti-terrorist trainers” was proposed by the Garda
College and funded under the Oisín Programme. The project involved tan examination and
evaluation of firearms training methods, providing a platform for further cooperation and
exchanges between the relevant units. Firearms trainers from England; Northern Ireland; Germany;
France and Sweden participated.
(v) Proposed and managed by the Garda Security & Intelligence Section, a project entitled
“Combatting the global threat of terrorism” was funded under Oisín. The programme aimed to
enhanced international cooperation in this area of law enforcement, with a view to facilitating
further exchanges on ‘best practices’ in operational methods to defeat terrorism. All EU Member
States participated along with Europol, Russia, Hungary, Canada and the United States of America.
(vi) “Halting the theft and trade in illegally obtained microchips” was the title of a project proposed
and managed by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and funded under the
Falcone Programme. With the participation of the United Kingdom, France, Holland, Italy and
Germany, the project aimed to develop joint strategies in relation to preventing the theft of
computer microchips and in tracing stolen microchips.
(vii) Also within the provision of the Falcone Programme, the Garda Security & Intelligence Section
managed a project entitled “A Multi-Disciplinary Approach between Ireland, the U.K. and France
to Combat Organised Crime Networks”. Involving police and customs officials from Ireland,
England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland, the primary objective of the project was the
development of a knowledge base on the Organised Crime Networks operating between these
jurisdictions. This knowledge base will facilitate strategic and operational planning by the
participating countries to combat the threat posed.
(viii) “Child Pornography on the Internet – a police response”, was the title funded under the STOP
Programme. Devised and managed by the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the
project involved law enforcement agencies from the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Europol and
Interpol.
The development of a proactive multi-disciplinary Joint Strategic Initiative to formulate policy for
policing the internet for child trafficking and pornography, which are by the very nature,
transnational, was the focus of the project.
(ix) The Garda Regional Office, Southern Region, Cork, proposed and managed a project under the
Odysseus Programme. The project aimed at an exchange of best practices in training and
operations in the policing of external borders and the development of a knowledge base on the
methods and persons involved in the illegal transportation of immigrants. Participants included
Garda personnel, in addition to members of the Irish Customs and Irish Naval Service, along with
representatives from the U.K., France, Spain and Hungary.
(x) Within a programme designed to identify measures to combat racism, xenophobia and anti-
semitism, the Garda Crime Administration Section managed a project under the title “Providing a
Police Service in a developing multi-ethnic and multicultural Ireland”. In addition to Garda
personnel, representatives also participated from the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, John Jay
College of Criminal Justice, New York and from other Non- Governmental Organisations.
On the 22nd August, 1999, at 12.15 p.m. a person in custody at Rathmines garda Station, Dublin,
collapsed and was attended by a local doctor who pronounced death at the scene. An Inquest was held
and a verdict of death by misadventure, due to vomit inhalation as a result of acute alcohol intake.
Wes
te
Reg rn
Nor
th
Reg ern
ion
Nor
th
Irel ern
and
Staitisti
T
á na staitisticí coiriúlachta
curtha i láthair i seacht roinn,
cloíonn sé seo le leagadh
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
Coiriúla cí
ion
East
er
amach na Tuairisce
Reg n
ion
DM
A
Sout
Sout
h Ea
chta
OFFENCES
Reg stern
na réamhchúntaisí ginearálta
45
21 103
43
5 39
34
34
6
24
6
úsáideach.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Tá thart ar 120 saghas cionta ionchúisithe roinnte i gceithre cuid agus curtha i láthair
go mion i gceithre thábla mórchrutach chun méid na gcionta cláraithe a thaispeáint,
chun toradh an nós imeachta a thaispeáint agus chun aois agus gnéas na gcúisithe a
thaispeáint. Tá sé tábhachtach a chur san áireamh go bhfuil líon na gcionta
ionchúisithe atá cláraithe bunaithe ar na cionta a tuairiscíoch go dtí na Gardaí nó go
DRUG OFFENCES
raibh eolas ag na Gardaí fúthu i rith na bliana atá faoi athbreithniú. Dá réir
dífhéadhfadh cuid de na cionta ionchúisithe seo a tuairiscíoch nó go raibh eolas ag
na Gardaí fúthu i rith na bliana 1998, tarlú na blianta ó shin, mar shampla,
tuairiscítear cionta gnéis do na Gardaí cupla bliain tar éis dóibh tarlú.
amháin de na ceithre ghrúpa seo. Is feidir líon na gcionta bratha a dhéanamh amach
tré luacha sa cholún le ceannteideal 3 air a shuimiú le luacha iad siúd sa cholún le
ceannteideal 17 air (s’é sin le rá, tá líon na gcionta ar a bhfuil an nós imeachta
tosnaithe suimithe le líon na gcionta ag a bhfuil eolas faoi na ciontóirí ach gan an
nós imeachta léirithe).
Tá an siombal “–“ úsáidte in áiteanna ina bhfuil an difríocht idir dhá staitistic
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Wes
Nor
th
Reg ern
ion
Nor
th
Irel ern
and
n presenting the crime statistics a
distinction has always been made between I
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
te
Crime
Reg rn
ion
East
Reg n
er
ion
indictable and non-indictable
DM
A
Statisti
OFFENCES
Sout h Ea
he
Reg rn Reg stern
ion ion Detai
cs
ls of
pros
(1996 ecution
referr s by
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Prosecutions directs that a small proportion of
indictable offences are heard without a jury trial in the Special Criminal
Court. Generally, the distinction between summary disposal (i.e. by a District
Court) or disposal on indictment (by a court higher than a District Court) reflects the
gravity of the criminal act concerned and the penalty which may be applied.
It should be noted that the number of indictable offences recorded is based on those
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
offences reported or known to the Gardaí during the year under review. Accordingly, some
indictable offences reported or known to the Gardaí during 1999 may have taken place in
earlier years: sexual offences, for example, are often reported to the Gardaí several years
after they have taken place.
The crime recording computer system which produced the last twelve Annual Reports was
replaced at the end of September 1999. This Annual Report was compiled during a
transition period between the new and old computer systems with the result that the
analysis of indictable offences recorded in the last three months of the year is not as
DRUG OFFENCES
extensive as that for the ealier nine months. Consequently, some indictable offence tables
show detailed statistics for the first nine months of the year only.
Approximately 120 types of indictable offences are divided into four groups and presented
in detail in four large format tables to show the volume of offences recorded, the results of
proceedings taken and the age and gender of persons who have been convicted. These
statistics are shown for the nine month period. (The total volume of indictable offences
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
recorded and detected for the full year is shown.) Full year statistics are also available for
most of the indictable offences which feature in the analysis of indictable offences
(homicide, rape, robbery, burglary, larcenies etc.) section of the Annual Report.
The “–” symbol is used is situations where the difference between two statistics is
unquantifiable in percentage terms (e.g. the percentage difference in the volume of crime
where none was recorded in a location in one year and where ten were recorded there in
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Offences Offences Refused Convictions Acquittals Found Nolle Adjourned Committed Convictions Dismi
Reported in Which Insane & Prosequi Sine Die or For Trial
OFFENCES
GROUP 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
#Child Stealing 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Procuring/assisting in abortion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Concealment of birth 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Buggery of males only 78 48 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0
#Bestiality 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Rape of females 218 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 1
#Sexual assault on females or males 431 181 0 4 0 0 1 0 19 5 0
#Unlawful carnal knowledge under 15 20 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
#Unlawful carnal knowledge (15-17) 7 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
#Incest 8 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
#Procuration 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Abduction (females) 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Bigamy 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Kidnapping 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
#Aggravated Sexual Assault 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Use fa resist arrest or aid escape 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DRUG OFFENCES
#Causing an explosion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Attempting to cause explosion 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Malicious damage to schools 236 41 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
#Other malicious injury to property 6,197 2,597 0 9 0 0 0 0 18 354 10
#Interference with railway 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Possession of explosive substance 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Making explosives 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Aggravated burglary other 543 191 0 2 0 0 0 0 17 5 0
#Robbery 1,219 375 0 2 0 0 0 0 29 12 0
#Unlawful seizure of aircraft 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Unlawful seizure of vehicles 18 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Armed aggravated burglary 121 36 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 4 0
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
59
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
TEMBER 1999
roceedings in Cases Dealt with Summarily Offences Persons Convicted or Against Whom the Charge was held proved or order made without Conviction
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
ssals Charge Charge Adjourned Still detected
Proved Withdrawn Sine Die Pending & where no Under 14 Years 14-16 Yrs 17 - 20 Yrs 21 Yrs and Over
OFFENCES
& Order or in District proceedings
Made Otherwise Court are Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Total
Without Disposed shown Persons
Conviction of
2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
0 0 0 0 8 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
JUVENILE OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 7 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 0 0 1 199 106 0 0 0 0 15 1 14 1 31
0 0 0 0 9 4 0 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 5
0 0 0 0 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 6 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2
0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 45 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 2 0 63 94 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 1 0 151 167 0 0 0 0 2 0 7 0 9
0 0 0 0 1 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DRUG OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 13 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 15 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
4 0 3 1 553 470 0 0 1 0 19 1 29 3 53
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 29 70 0 0 5 0 8 0 2 0 15
0 12 22 6 2,166 1,043 2 1 38 4 178 3 217 9 452
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 1 0 165 85 0 0 1 0 3 0 3 1 8
0 2 0 0 330 130 0 0 1 0 10 0 9 0 20
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 29 17 0 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
#Larceny of firearms 11 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
#Larceny of explosives 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Larceny of motor cars 591 40 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0
#Larceny of motor cycles etc. 137 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Larceny of motor lorries 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Larceny of other m.p.v.’s 55 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Larceny of pedal cycles 163 59 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0
#Larceny of m.p.v. accessories 353 63 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
#Larceny from unattended vehicles 9,014 2,320 0 5 0 0 0 0 19 135 0
#Larceny of petrol, diesel, l.p.g. 192 59 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
#Larceny from shops or stalls 5,389 3,526 0 10 0 0 0 1 9 281 8
#Larceny of cash, cheques etc. 1,136 414 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 50 2
#Larceny of drugs 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
JUVENILE OFFENCES
#Fraudulent conversion 14 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
#Falsification of accounts 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Other frauds 115 80 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 0
#Handling stolen goods 1,075 908 0 4 0 0 0 0 8 67 5
#Cheating 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Forgery and uttering 1,486 1,052 0 18 0 0 0 0 15 150 1
#Coinage Acts - Offences Against 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Debtors Ireland Act 1872 - other 23 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0
#Post Office Acts - Offences 18 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
#Extortion 15 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTAL (#Jan-Sept incl.) 33,524 11,593 0 59 0 0 0 2 82 1,011 18
#Bribery 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Perjury 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Indecent exposure 13 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
#Brothel keeping 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Prison Breach 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Escape from lawful custody 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
#Rescue from lawful custody 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Public Mischief 10 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
#Conspiracy 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0
#Destroy-dispose of dead bodies 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Electoral Acts 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Personation on Indictment 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Embracery 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Misprision of felony 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Wireless Telegraphy Act 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
#Corruption 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Obstruct clergy during services 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Other Indictable Offences 95 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 3 0
#Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 186 138 0 10 0 0 0 0 69 0 0
#Forcible Entry Act 1971 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Compounding a felony 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
#Fishery Acts 16 15 0 8 0 0 0 0 2 1 0
#U/T of MPV - indictment 22 20 0 1 0 0 0 1 12 0 0
#Firearms Off. Weapons Act 1990 36 27 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total (#Jan-Sept incl.) 392 293 0 19 0 0 0 1 94 7 0
Total Indictable Offences (#Jan-Sept incl.) 61,516 20,257 1 138 0 0 1 4 348 1,820 33
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES PENDING FROM PREVIOUS YEARS DEALT WITH FROM JANUAR
Group 1 (#Jan-Sept Incl.) 856# 836* 3 62 6 0 2 2 125 47 8
Group 2 (#Jan-Sept Incl.) 10425# 10212* 0 150 1 0 3 0 262 2,313 93
Group 3 (#Jan-Sept Incl.) 14047# 13944* 2 67 0 0 1 0 137 3,033 142
Group 4 (#Jan-Sept Incl.) 268# 268* 0 20 0 0 4 0 91 14 3
TOTAL (#Jan-Sept Incl.) 25,596# 25,260* 5 299 7 0 10 2 615 5,407 246
61
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
PTEMBER 1999 Contd.
roceedings in Cases Dealt with Summarily Offences Persons Convicted or Against Whom the Charge was held proved or order made without Conviction
ssals Charge Charge Adjourned Still detected
Proved Withdrawn Sine Die Pending & where no Under 14 Years 14-16 Yrs 17 - 20 Yrs 21 Yrs and Over
& Order or in District proceedings
Made Otherwise Court are Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Total
Without Disposed shown Persons
Conviction of
2 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
0 0 0 0 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
0 1 4 0 474 62 0 0 1 0 2 0 8 6 17
0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 6 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1
OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 37 11 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2
0 0 0 0 9 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 2 0 52 54 1 0 1 0 0 0 3 0 5
0 0 1 0 60 31 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 2
0 10 2 0 2,144 642 0 0 22 0 69 0 79 0 170
0 0 1 0 46 24 0 0 1 0 7 0 5 0 13
8 36 6 0 3,168 1,028 3 2 24 6 63 43 132 94 367
2 2 2 0 355 214 0 0 7 0 20 3 21 4 55
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
JUVENILE OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 11 4 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 3
0 0 0 0 17 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2
0 0 1 0 8 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 3
0 0 0 0 6 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
10 4 1 1,698 678 1 0 15 0 47 5 98 13 179
0 1 0 0 4 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5
5 0 0 170 47 0 0 0 0 3 5 109 5 122
0 0 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 2 1 220 77 0 0 3 0 10 1 5 0 19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
0 0 1 0 6 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 4 0 0 66 12 0 0 0 0 4 4 4 0 12
5 5 3 0 816 167 0 0 2 1 21 10 44 6 83
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 4 9 853 232 1 0 2 0 27 8 91 42 172
0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 11 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3
0 0 0 0 8 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 3
0 0 0 0 10 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 78 33 25 10,285 3,378 6 2 79 7 279 79 612 178 1,242
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
DRUG OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 5 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 0 57 21 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 4
0 0 0 2 57 48 0 0 0 0 3 0 6 1 10
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 9
0 0 0 0 6 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
0 0 0 0 27 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 1 0 2 169 90 0 0 0 0 4 0 21 2 27
3 116 66 41 17,689 6,645 13 6 183 14 697 86 1,139 203 2,341
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
RY TO SEPTEMBER 1999
8 3 15 3 508 61 0 0 15 1 42 2 83 2 145
3 72 88 8 7,205 193 28 1 364 9 926 13 1,499 32 2,872
2 97 127 31 10,174 215 26 6 286 29 840 194 1,552 469 3,402
3 0 0 0 125 8 0 0 5 0 10 1 22 5 43
6 172 230 42 18,012 477 54 7 670 39 1,818 210 3,156 508 6,462
62
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA ANNUAL REPORT 1999
In order to demonstrate the context within which the current year’s statistics have been
recorded the chart below shows indictable offences for the fifteen years to 1999. The
volume of indictable offences recorded in Ireland in 1999 is the second lowest during the
1980s and 1990s. A total of 81,274 indictable offences were recorded in 1999. This is a
reduction of 5% over the previous year and a reduction of 21% over 1995 which was the
year in which the highest volume was recorded.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
105,000 102,484
101,036 100,785
98,979
95,391
94,406
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
91,285 90,875
89,544
OFFENCES
87,658
86,574 86,792
85,358 85,627
81,274
DRUG OFFENCES
0
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
YEARS
50%
44%
43%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
42%
40%
41%
39% 39%
30%
RATE
36%
20%
34% 34%
33%
10%
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
0%
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
YEARS
On average, the detection rate remained at 33% for the first seven years of the 15 year
period referred to above. A sustained increase began in 1991 and the chart on the right
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
illustrates how the rate rose almost every year to 44% in 1998. The detection rate was
42% in 1999. Although it decreased during 1999, the rate exceeded 40% in all of the
OFFENCES
years from 1996 to 1999.
Indictable offences recorded and
detected 1990 to 1999
The number of offences recorded and detected in
each of the ten years to 1999 are shown in the Year Recorded Detected
1990 87,658 28,985
table on the right. A total of 81,274 indictable 1991 94,406 31,653
offences were recorded in 1999 and 34,309 of 1992 95,391 32,400
1993 98,979 35,430
JUVENILE OFFENCES
these offences were detected at year’s end. 1994 101,036 39,108
1995 102,484 39,754
1996 100,785 41,056
1997 90,875 38,943
The table below shows the four groups into which 1998 85,627 37,972
indictable offences are divided. It shows the four 1999 81,274 34,309
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
from year to year are shown for the majority of the offences which feature in the analysis
of indictable offences in the next section of the report.
Indictable offences
1998 and 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.)
Recorded Detected Detection
Rate
DRUG OFFENCES
1999* 1998 1999* 1998 1999* 1998
Offences against the person 1,414 1,907 1,156 1,622 81.8% 85.0%
Offences against property 26,186 37,191 10,392 15,411 39.7% 41.0%
Larcenies 33,524 46,127 14,971 20,545 44.7% 45.0%
Other indictable offences 392 402 383 394 97.7% 98.0%
Total 61,516 85,627 26,902 37,972 43.7% 44.0%
A summary of the indictable offences recorded in 1997, 1998 and 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.) is
shown in the table overleaf. (Approximately 120 different indictable offences are shown in
the four large format tables which appear at the beginning of this section of the Annual
Report.) The chart on the right shows the proportions of indictable offences recorded in
the eight categories which are used in the summary table below.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Larcenies from
Frauds unattended
3% vehicles 15%
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
1997 1998 1999(Jan-Sept incl.)
Non sexual offences against the person Offences Offences Offences Offences Offences Offences
known detected known detected known# detected#
OFFENCES
Murder 38 34 38 34 28 20
Manslaughter * 16 16 16 15 12 11
Infanticide 0 0 0 0 0 0
Attempted Murder 1 1 5 5 6 5
Dangerous Driving Causing death 16 15 29 29 14 14
Assault, Wounding or other like offences * 591 472 691 571 450 369
Endangering Railway Passengers * 5 5 0 0 2 1
Abandoning Child under 2 years 0 0 0 0 0 0
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Cruelty to or neglect of Children 0 0 0 0 5 5
Child Stealing 1 1 1 1 1 1
Abortion 0 0 0 0 0 0
False Imprisonment 27 22 22 13 33 23
Abduction 4 0 9 3 8 3
Use of Firearms to resist or escape 0 0 2 2 1 1
Kidnapping 0 0 0 0 2 1
Robbery including muggings * 4,990 1,442 3,817 1,158 2,414 828
Robbery with Firearms 88 31 61 27 85 22
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Total 5,777 2,039 4,691 1,858 3,061 1,304
DRUG OFFENCES
Incest 10 10 18 18 8 8
Bestiality 1 1 1 1 0 0
Procuration 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other sexual offences * 13 11 13 13 13 12
Total 1,015 871 992 861 780 639
Larceny from Person (Pickpockets) 3,652 775 3,202 742 2,179 559
Larceny by Employee 16 11 25 20 15 11
Post Office Act - Offences 25 20 15 12 18 17
Larceny of Animals * 75 22 50 10 28 7
Larceny of Pedal Cycles 307 246 292 209 163 113
Larceny from unattended vehicles 13,441 4,132 12,377 4,068 9,014 2,962
Larceny from shops or stalls 7,198 6,196 7,688 6,611 5,389 4,554
Unauthorised takings of M.P.V.’s 17 16 20 19 22 22
Larceny of M.P.V.’s * 2,450 103 1,500 97 791 69
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Bigamy 0 0 0 0 0 0
Misuse of Controlled drugs 276 276 193 193 186 186
Extortion/Blackmail * 7 5 6 6 16 16
Escape from Custody * 9 9 8 8 4 4
Electoral Acts * 2 2 0 0 1 1
Threat or Conspiracy to Murder 0 0 5 5 5 5
Possession/Carrying firearms to endanger life * 78 71 71 64 50 45
Concealment of Birth 2 2 1 1 1 1
Offences Against the State Act 1 1 1 1 1 1
Fishery Acts 37 37 19 19 16 16
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
thousand of population while the remainder of the section is devoted to an analysis of
individual indictable offences such as murder, manslaughter, sexual offences, robberies
ANALYSIS OF
involving firearms, burglaries and larcenies.
The proportions of indictable offences recorded in each of the regions for 1999 is shown in
the chart overleaf. Some indication of the annual change is provided by including the
proportions recorded in 1998 in brackets. More than 3,700 fewer indictable offences were
recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan Region during 1999 when compared with the previous
year.
The table below shows the number of indictable offences in each of the four groups from
JUVENILE OFFENCES
January to September (inclusive)1999. The total number of indictable offences for the full
twelve month period are shown in the table overleaf which compares the 1999 indictable
offences with those recorded for the previous year.
Indictable offences recorded and detected by Garda regions and five principal city areas during 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.)
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Rec. Det. Rec. Det. Rec. Det. Rec. Det.
EASTERN REGION 290 235 4,508 1,585 3,530 1,731 51 51 8,379 3,602 43%
Carlow/Kildare 62 55 1,343 478 1,049 527 0 0 2,454 1,060 43%
Laois/Offaly 72 46 547 172 419 221 37 37 1,075 476 44%
Longford/Westmeath 52 49 691 302 633 333 1 1 1,377 685 50%
Louth/Meath 104 85 1,927 633 1,429 650 13 13 3,473 1,381 40%
DUBLIN MET. REGION 436 350 10,856 4,320 20,126 8,229 157 150 31,575 13,049 41%
Eastern 51 48 1,879 667 2,367 807 6 5 4,303 1,527 35%
North Central 66 46 1,333 590 5,023 2,495 15 15 6,437 3,146 49%
Northern 111 99 1,590 713 1,862 836 64 62 3,627 1,710 47%
South Central 37 27 1,873 801 6,402 2,465 23 22 8,335 3,315 40%
Southern 75 57 2,198 831 2,337 881 34 33 4,644 1,802 39%
Western 96 73 1,983 718 2,135 745 15 13 4,229 1,549 37%
NORTHERN REGION 117 94 1,425 579 856 366 19 19 2,417 1,058 44%
DRUG OFFENCES
Cavan/Monaghan 34 27 441 222 278 162 3 3 756 414 55%
Donegal 55 46 596 260 338 124 14 14 1,003 444 44%
Sligo/Leitrim 28 21 388 97 240 80 2 2 658 200 30%
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 171 149 3,030 1,423 2,510 1,575 49 49 5,760 3,196 55%
Tipperary 44 35 616 332 497 338 24 24 1,181 729 62%
Waterford/Kilkenny 49 44 1,349 651 1,129 810 13 13 2,540 1,518 60%
Wexford/Wicklow 78 70 1,065 440 884 427 12 12 2,039 949 47%
SOUTHERN REGION 262 212 4,446 1,684 4,613 2,121 93 91 9,414 4,108 44%
Cork City 71 59 1,929 663 1,887 885 57 55 3,944 1,662 42%
Cork North 49 45 537 264 452 247 11 11 1,049 567 54%
Cork West 50 36 469 187 415 170 12 12 946 405 43%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
68
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INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Proportion of indictable offences in each region 1999 (Proportions for 1998 in brackets)
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Northern Region
4% (4%)
JUVENILE OFFENCES
South Eastern
Region Eastern Region
9% (8%) 14% (13%)
Southern Region
15% (15%) Western Region
6% (6%)
The detection rates in each of the regions for 1998 and the previous year are shown in the
chart above. The overall detection rate fell to 42% in 1999 from 44% in the previous
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
year.
The highest rate was recorded in the South Eastern Region (52%) while the lowest rate
(40%) was recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Although the detection rate
decreased in 1999 it should be seen within the context of preceding years. The rate
exceeded 40% in the years 1996 to 1999 having risen from 33% at the beginning of the
decade.
Further comparison across the regions is possible by relating the number of offences
recorded to population. The chart on the right shows the rate of indictable offences per
1,000 of population in each of the regions for 1999. When compared with the previous
DRUG OFFENCES
year the most significant change is found in the Dublin Metropolitan Region where the
rate reduced from 42 in 1998 to 39 in the year under review.
58
56
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
54
52
50
48
46
44
42
40
38
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
36
34
32
30
Eastern Dublin Northern S. Eastern Southern Western State
Metropolitan
More detailed information is provided on a divisional basis for two years in the table of
indictable offences per 1,000 of population in the table below. The table also shows the
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
percentage variation between the number of indictable offences which were recorded in
each of the two years. Taking all of the regions together, the volume of indictable
ANALYSIS OF
offences recorded decreased in
Indictable offences per 1,000 of population 1999 1999 by 5% when compared
with the previous year. There
was a considerable difference
Eastern 18 between the regions: the
Northern Region increased by
Dublin
Met. Region 39 2% and the South Eastern
Region increased by 7% while
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Northern 11 the remaining regions all
decreased. The decreases
South Eastern 17 varied from 8% in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region to 2% in
Southern 17
the Western and Eastern
Western 11
Regions.
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
DRUG OFFENCES
North Central 8,776 4,074 46% -5% 9,267 4,598 50% 139.18 146.97
Northern 4,894 2,246 46% -13% 5,639 2,751 49% 19.50 22.47
South Central 11,005 4,192 38% -9% 12,114 4,012 33% 112.61 123.96
Southern 6,096 2,112 35% -10% 6,782 2,909 43% 26.60 29.59
Western 5,464 2,012 37% -5% 5,744 1,919 33% 24.16 25.40
NORTHERN REGION 3,489 1,563 45% 2% 3,419 1,737 51% 11.10 10.87
Cavan/Monaghan 1,079 577 53% -6% 1,146 565 49% 9.70 10.30
Donegal 1,449 645 45% 10% 1,314 690 53% 11.15 10.11
Sligo/Leitrim 961 341 35% 0% 959 482 50% 13.12 13.10
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 7,502 3,929 52% 7% 6,982 3,815 55% 16.59 15.44
Tipperary 1,468 846 58% 0% 1,473 864 59% 10.53 10.57
Waterford/Kilkenny 3,366 1,938 58% 9% 3,074 1,847 60% 20.98 19.16
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Wexford/Wicklow 2,668 1,145 43% 10% 2,435 1,104 45% 17.52 15.99
SOUTHERN REGION 12,262 5,275 43% -7% 13,133 6,039 46% 17.06 18.27
Cork City 5,220 2,103 40% -9% 5,722 2,523 44% 26.21 28.73
Cork North 1,415 779 55% -12% 1,610 881 55% 12.31 14.00
Cork West 1,225 542 44% 4% 1,175 543 46% 10.70 10.26
Kerry 1,357 656 48% -6% 1,438 655 46% 10.92 11.57
Limerick 3,045 1,195 39% -4% 3,188 1,437 45% 18.35 19.21
WESTERN REGION 5,004 2,287 46% -2% 5,122 2,529 49% 11.29 11.55
Clare 901 435 48% -18% 1,101 526 48% 9.85 12.04
Galway West 2,193 1,904 41% -1% 2,226 1,084 49% 15.40 15.63
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
HOMICIDE
DÚNBHÁSÚ
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
In keeping with the approach used in the previous annual reports the term homicide is
used in the analysis of unlawful killings. Used in the strict sense, the term homicide
ANALYSIS OF
includes more indictable offences than murder and manslaughter. For example,
infanticide and manslaughter arising from road traffic fatalities constitute homicide but
they are not analysed here. There were 38 murders recorded in 1999 which was the same
as the previous year. Some 82% (31) of the 1999 murders were detected. Manslaughters
decreased from 13 in 1998 to 9 in 1999. All of the 9 were detected. When murders and
manslaughters are combined the total recorded in 1999 represents a decrease of 8% on
the previous year.
The following table shows the number of murder and manslaughter offences recorded and
JUVENILE OFFENCES
MURDER MANSLAUGHTER
Per 100K
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Cavan/Monaghan 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Donegal 0 0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 1
Sligo/Leitrim 2 0 2 2 2.73 0 0 0 0
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 0 1 1 1 0.22 0 0 0 0
Tipperary 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Waterford/Kilkenny 0 1 1 1 0.62 0 0 0 0
Wexford/Wicklow 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
SOUTHERN REGION 5 2 7 7 0.97 2 0 2 2
Cork City 1 2 3 3 1.51 1 0 1 1
Cork North 0 0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 1
Cork West 1 0 1 1 0.87 0 0 0 0
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Kerry 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Limerick 3 0 3 3 1.81 0 0 0 0
WESTERN REGION 2 0 2 2 0.45 1 3 4 4
Clare 2 0 2 2 2.19 0 0 0 0
Galway West 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 3 3 3
Mayo 0 0 0 0 0.00 1 0 1 1
Roscommon/Galway East 0 0 0 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
Total 30 8 38 31 1.05 6 3 9 9
The proportions of murders in each of the regions is shown in the chart below. To indicate
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
the change over the previous year the 1998 proportions for that year are shown in brackets
after those for the year under review. Although major changes occurred in some regions it
is important to emphasize that relatively small numbers were involved in some locations.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Northern Region
5% (5%)
ANALYSIS OF
South Eastern
Region
Western Region 3% (8%)
5% (11%)
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Murders per 100,000 of population
Murders per hundred thousand
population are shown in the chart
on the right. The national murder
rate for 1999 (depicted by the State Eastern 0.65
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The highest rate in 1999 was
0.22
recorded in the Dublin South Eastern
DRUG OFFENCES
recorded in 1996 while they accounted for 34% of the total in 1997 and they accounted
for 24% of the murder victims in 1998 and 21% in 1999. Three of the nine manslaughter
victims recorded in 1999 were female.
Almost a quarter (24%) of all murder
victims (male and female alike) were Homicide victims by age and gender 1999
aged between 21 and 30 years while
29% were aged between 31 and 40 Age Murder Manslaughter
years. Those aged less than 20 years Male Female Male Female
accounted for 16% of all murder 0 - 10 yrs 0 0 0 0
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
victims. 11 - 20 yrs 4 2 2 0
A cautious approach must be 21 - 30 yrs 8 1 0 0
exercised when analysing age and 31 - 40 yrs 9 2 1 0
gender together because of the 41 - 50 yrs 5 2 1 0
relatively small numbers involved in 51 - 60 yrs 3 1 2 0
many of the age groups. In contrast 61 - 70 yrs 0 0 0 0
with the previous three years, when 71 & over 1 0 0 3
relatively higher proportions of TOTAL 30 8 6 3
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Because of legislative change, the distinction between those assault and wounding offences
ANALYSIS OF
which were felonies and those which were misdemeanours no longer applies to offences
recorded in 1998 and subsequent years. The number of indictable assault and wounding
offences recorded in 1999 for the period January to September (inclusive) is shown in the
following table. The number of victims, for that portion of 1999 are shown by gender in
the table below and the proportions are shown in the corresponding charts. It is important
to acknowledge that the vast majority of assaults dealt with by the Gardaí are non-
indictable offences.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Indictable sexual assault victims (Jan-Sept incl.) Indictable wounding and assault victims (Jan-Sept incl.)
DRUG OFFENCES
Female
68% Male
82%
Male Female
32% 18%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
During the full year 1999 there were 278 rapes recorded and they are shown per 1,000 of
population on the next page.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The number of rapes recorded per
1,000 population in each of the
ANALYSIS OF
regions during 1999 is shown in Eastern 0.11
the chart on the right. The rate
Dublin Met.
varies from 0.05 in the Southern Region
0.09
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Western
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Rape by division and per 1,000 population 1999
DRUG OFFENCES
Eastern 22 0.10 100%
North Central 20 0.32 18%
Northern 19 0.08 12%
South Central 5 0.05 -77%
Southern 16 0.07 14%
Western 16 0.07 78%
NORTHERN REGION 32 0.10 -14%
Cavan/Monaghan 11 0.10 0%
Donegal 18 0.14 -22%
Sligo/Leitrim 3 0.04 0%
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 28 0.06 -32%
Tipperary 11 0.08 -35%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
MÓRBHUIRGLÉIREACHT ARMTHA
ANALYSIS OF
Two indictable offences, armed robbery and armed aggravated burglary, refer to the
criminal activity which is popularly described as an “armed raid”. Rather than explaining
the essential legal ingredients of the two offences, the following brief description indicates
the general nature of the criminal activities to which they refer. The use of a firearm is a
feature common to these two indictable offences and the use of force, or threat of force
being used, is a key difference between them. Armed robbery is committed by a person,
armed with a firearm, who steals as a result of using force or as a result of fear induced by
a threat to use force. Armed aggravated burglary is committed by a person who enters a
JUVENILE OFFENCES
The chart below shows the number of armed robberies and armed aggravated burglaries
which were recorded in the five years from 1995 to 1999. Those recorded in 1999 were
31% more than the previous year and the 1999 total was 54% lower than the
corresponding total recorded in 1995. The detection rate over the five years rose from
28% in 1995 to 40% in 1998 and the rate was 33% in 1999.
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
700
Recorded
600 Detected
542
500 481
400
DRUG OFFENCES
300 290
252
221
200
153 156
100 85 88 96
The table below shows the two offences during the period 1995 to 1999. In the table
overleaf, those recorded in 1999, from January to September inclusive, are analysed in
terms of the locations at which they occurred and on the basis of the amount of cash
involved.
Analysis of aggravated burglaries where firearms were used and armed robberies 1999 (Jan-Sept Incl.)
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
House Bank* Post Betting Building Credit Licensed Amusement Shop/ Garage* Petrol Hotel* Restaurant*Factory* Office* Super- Street/ Other* Total*
Flat* Office* Office* Society* Union* Premises* Centre* Stall* Station* market* Road*
ANALYSIS OF
EASTERN REGION 4 7 3 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 0 2 0 1 24
Carlow/Kildare 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4
Laois/Offaly 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
Longford/Westmeath 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 6
Louth/Meath 1 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 12
DUBLIN MET. REGION 11 2 5 7 1 1 5 3 30 4 10 1 6 1 2 3 17 19 128
Eastern 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 9
North Central 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3 0 4 0 0 0 5 6 20
Northern 3 1 3 1 0 0 1 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 1 18
JUVENILE OFFENCES
South Central 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 9 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 4 21
Southern 3 0 1 5 0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 15
Western 2 0 1 1 1 0 3 0 12 2 3 1 1 1 1 1 8 7 45
NORTHERN REGION 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 9
Cavan/Monaghan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 4
Donegal 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 4
Sligo/Leitrim 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 0 3 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 12
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Tipperary 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 4
Waterford/Kilkenny 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
Wexford/Wicklow 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
SOUTHERN REGION 3 2 0 0 0 3 4 0 5 1 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 1 26
Cork City 1 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 12
Cork North 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cork West 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Kerry 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Limerick 2 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 3 0 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 13
WESTERN REGION 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 7
Clare 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
DRUG OFFENCES
Galway West 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6
Mayo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roscommon/Galway East 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TOTALS 18 17 10 9 1 5 9 4 39 6 22 5 8 1 4 6 19 23 206
Cash analysis of aggravated burglaries and armed robberies 1999 (Jan-Sept Incl.)
House Bank* Post Betting Building Credit Licensed Amusement Shop/ Garage* Petrol Hotel* Restaurant*Factory* Office* Super- Street/ Other* Total*
Flat* Office* Office* Society* Union* Premises* Centre* Stall* Station* market* Road*
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Up to £99 €0 to 126 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 3 12
£100 to £499 €127 to 634 5 1 2 1 1 1 2 0 18 3 10 1 1 0 3 2 1 3 55
£500 to £999 €635 to 1268 0 0 0 3 0 0 1 1 3 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 2 15
£1000 to £4999 €1270 to 6348 5 4 3 1 0 2 3 3 4 0 3 3 2 1 0 3 2 3 42
£5000 + €6349 + 1 10 1 2 0 1 1 0 1 0 4 1 0 0 1 0 11 6 40
Nothing Taken 6 2 3 2 0 1 2 0 10 2 2 0 1 0 0 1 4 6 42
TOTALS 18 17 10 9 1 5 9 4 39 6 22 5 8 1 4 6 19 23 206
The number of armed Armed Robbery & Armed Aggravated Burglary per 1,000 of population 1999
robbery & armed
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
aggravated burglary
ANALYSIS OF
Western
Metropolitan Region.
State 0.08
A more detailed breakdown of armed robbery and armed aggravated burglary is shown in
the table below which shows the divisional volume, incidence and variation over the
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
57%
Eastern Wexford/Wicklow 2 0.01 -33%
Region SOUTHERN REGION 34 0.05 62%
13% Cork City 13 0.07 18%
Cork North 2 0.02 -33%
Cork West 1 0.01 –
Kerry 0 0.00 -100%
Limerick 18 0.11 260%
WESTERN REGION 14 0.03 133%
Clare 1 0.01 -50%
Galway West 13 0.09 225%
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The chart on the left shows
ANALYSIS OF
60 armed robberies and armed
1995 aggravated burglaries at
50 financial institutions from
1996
43
1995 to 1999(January to
1997 September inclusive).
40 37
1998
31 1999 (Jan-Sept)
30 27
27
JUVENILE OFFENCES
24
20 17
18
14
12
10 10 10
10 9
5 5
2 1
1 0
0 Post Offices Building
Banks Credit
Societies
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Unions
DRUG OFFENCES
aggravated burglaries recorded (where weapons other than firearms were used) resulting in
a decrease of 10% and an increase of 6% respectively over those recorded in the previous
year.
The number of robberies and aggravated burglaries where syringes were used in the course
of these offences from 1995 to 1999 (January to September inclusive) are shown in the
table below.
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Robberies and aggravated burglaries where syringes were used 1995 to 1999 (Jan-Sept. incl.)
Comparing the use of firearms and syringes in the course of robberies and aggravated
burglaries over the same five year period gives some indication of the extent to which the
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
modi operandi (methods employed) have changed. As the chart below shows, syringes
ANALYSIS OF
accounted for 46% of the total shown in 1995 while they accounted for 67% of the total in
1998 and 51% in the 1999 January to September period.
Robberies and Aggravated Burglaries where firearms and syringes were used 1995 to 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.)
1,600
481
JUVENILE OFFENCES
1,400
1,200
1,104 252
1,000
542
893
800
600 221
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
290
400 453 442
298
200
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 (Jan-Sept)
Firearms Syringes
The number of robbery & aggravated burglary offences recorded per 1,000 population in
DRUG OFFENCES
each of the regions is shown in the chart below. Outside the Dublin Metropolitan Region
where the rate is 1.74 per 1,000 population the rate varies from 0.07 in the Northern
Region to 0.22 in the Eastern Region.
The variation over the previous year was quite different from one region to another.
Decreases of 10% and 24% were recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan and Northern
Regions. Increases ranged between 11% in the Eastern Region and 93% in the South
Eastern Region.
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
ANALYSIS OF
Eastern 0.22
Dublin Met.
1.74
Region
0.07
Northern
0.18
South Eastern
Southern 0.23
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Western 0.12
State 0.65
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Burglary by division 1999
DRUG OFFENCES
South Central 449 4.59 -18%
Southern 360 1.57 -5%
Western 316 1.40 10%
NORTHERN REGION 22 0.07 -24%
Cavan/Monaghan 7 0.06 17%
Donegal 10 0.08 -41%
Sligo/Leitrim 5 0.07 -17%
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 81 0.18 93%
Tipperary 19 0.14 73%
Waterford/Kilkenny 46 0.29 109%
Wexford/Wicklow 16 0.11 78%
SOUTHERN REGION 168 0.23 16%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
BURGLARIES
BUIRGLÉIREACHTAÍ
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Burglaries accounted for approximately 28% of the indictable offences which were
recorded in 1999. The number of Burglaries recorded in 1999 decreased by 2,668(10%)
ANALYSIS OF
over those recorded in the previous year. The term “house burglaries” is used to describe
those burglaries which occur in dwellings (houses, apartments, mobile homes, hostels, etc.)
and the chart below shows the numbers recorded from 1995 to 1999 (January to
September inclusive).
21000
19000
House
18,506
17,672
17000 Other
16,970
15,840
15000
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
13000
12,063
12,487
11000
10,533
10,282
9,890
9000
7,114
7000
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 (Jan-Sept)
A more detailed breakdown of house and other burglaries is shown in the table featuring
DRUG OFFENCES
total and city area figures for 1995 to 1999 (January to September inclusive). (City areas
refer to Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin.)
The number of burglaries recorded per 1,000 population in each of the regions is shown in
the chart below. The rate varies from 3.23 in the Western Region to 9.66 in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region. In contrast with aggravated burglaries and robberies, burglaries
account for a broadly similar proportion of the total indictable offences recorded in each of
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
the regions. Although the 10% decrease in the total volume recorded in 1999 was
ANALYSIS OF
significant, there were increases in two of the regions. The Northern and South Eastern
Regions increased by 3% and 7%,
respectively. There was almost no Burglaries per 1,000 of population 1999
change in the Western Region (an
increase of five burglaries) while the
remaining regions recorded decreases Eastern 6.44
varying between 5% and 18%. The Dublin Met.
9.66
largest decrease (18%) was recorded Region
JUVENILE OFFENCES
in the Dublin Metropolitan Region Northern 3.78
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
variation over the previous year.
0.00 5.0 10.00 15.00
DRUG OFFENCES
Eastern 1,927 8.9 -20%
North Central 1,272 20.2 -9%
Northern 1,632 6.5 -26%
South Central 1,712 17.5 -29%
Southern 1,995 8.7 -16%
Western 1,923 8.5 2%
NORTHERN REGION 1,190 3.8 3%
Cavan/Monaghan 380 3.4 -13%
Donegal 442 3.4 25%
Sligo/Leitrim 368 5.0 3%
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 2,567 5.7 7%
Tipperary 487 3.5 -7%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Larcenies from unattended vehicles decreased by 7% in 1999 although increases of 21% and 4%
were recorded in the Northern and South Eastern Regions. There was almost no change in the
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Eastern Region while the Dublin Metropolitan, Western and Southern Regions recorded decreases
of 5%, 10% and 27%, respectively.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
FUAIREACH AR AIS I MBUIRGLÉIREACHT,
ANALYSIS OF
ROBÁLAITHE AGUS GADAÍOCHT
The table below shows the number of burglaries, robberies and larcenies where property
was stolen and the value of the property stolen for 1998 and 1999 (January to September
inclusive.)
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Value of property stolen and recovered in burglaries, robberies and larcenies 1998 and 1999 (Jan-Sept Incl.)
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
£10 < £50 (€13 and < €63) 1,575 2,301 5,235 7,542
£50 < £100 (€63 and < €127) 1,472 2,166 4,402 6,160
£100 < £200 (€127 and < €254) 2,194 3,177 5,669 7,569
£200 < £300 (€254 and < €381) 1,680 2,516 3,582 4,998
£300 < £400 (€381 and < €508) 1,242 1,930 2,127 2,824
£400 < £500 (€508 and < €635) 954 1,395 1,312 1,781
£500 < £1000 (€635 and < €1270) 2,696 3,970 3,070 4,053
£1000 < £5000 (€1270 and < €6349) 3,531 4,934 2,911 3,747
£5000 and over (€6349 and over) 651 910 472 654
Total where property was stolen 16,294 23,818 30,134 41,346
DRUG OFFENCES
Total where no property was stolen 3,070 4,622 199 320
1999* 1998
Value of property stolen (above) £42,473,109 £47,055,981
(€53,929,724) (€59,748,771)
Value of property recovered (above) £3,914,959 £3,376,124
(€4,970,973) (€4,286,793)
Proportion recovered 9.22% 7.17%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
The chart on the right shows Indictable Offences where injured parties are tourists 1995 to 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.)
the volume of indictable
offences recorded where the 5,000
injured parties are tourists for
1995 to 1999 (January to 4,024
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
table below.
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
(Jan-Sept)
Indictable offences where injured parties are tourists 1998 and 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.)
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
GARDA JUVENILE DIVERSION PROGRAMME
CLÁR ATHSTIÚRTHA D’ÓGÁNAIGH AN GHARDA
The Garda Juvenile Diversion Programme was introduced in 1963 to provide an
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
opportunity to divert juvenile offenders from criminal activity. The Programme provides
that if certain criteria are met a juvenile offender may be cautioned as an alternative to
OFFENCES
prosecution. The Programme operates on the basis of the common law principle of police
discretion.
The Programme operates under the supervision and direction of the Garda National
Juvenile Office. It is implemented throughout all Garda divisions by specially trained
Gardaí, who are employed as Juvenile Liaison Officers (J.L.Os). Juveniles cautioned under
JUVENILE OFFENCES
the Programme may be subject to supervision by a J.L.O. Supervision involves a wide
range of activities including contact between the juvenile, the family and the J.L.O. It may
occur at the juvenile’s home, school, youth club, sports club, on the street etc. If a J.L.O.
identifies a problem affecting the juvenile or the family which he/she is unable to deal
with, the J.L.O. refers the family to the appropriate statutory or voluntary organisation with
expertise in the matter.
In 1999, some 7,844 juvenile offenders were included in the Programme, a decrease of
almost 2% from 1998. This brings the number included since inception in 1963, to a total
of 110,611 offenders. Of the total number included in the programme 83% were male
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
offenders and 17% were female. Since inception, almost 98,201 juvenile offenders, 89%
of the total involved, reached their 18th year of age without being prosecuted for a
criminal offence. In recent years, the age limit for inclusion in the Programme was
increased from 17 to 18 years of age.
Details of the disposal of juvenile referrals received at the National Juvenile Office during
1999 are shown, on a regional basis, in the following table. Since some juvenile offenders
were referred on more than one occasion during the year the number of referrals is greater
than the number of individual offenders. There were a total of 14,948 referrals made
during 1999.
DRUG OFFENCES
Disposal of 1999 referrals
Juvenile offenders who are admitted to the Programme may be cautioned in one of two
ways: cautions are described as formal or informal. An informal caution is used where
the criminal act committed by the juvenile offender is of a minor nature. The caution is
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
administered by the local J.L.O. and it is normally given at the offender’s home and in
OFFENCES
the presence of parents or guardians. Where the criminal activity is of a more serious
nature, a formal caution is administered by the local District Officer (Superintendent). It
takes place at the Garda Station and in the presence of parents or guardians.
In all cases where a caution is administered the juvenile offender is advised of the
implications of further criminal behaviour and may be placed under the supervision of a
J.L.O.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
The table below shows the number of cautions by division which were administered in
respect of referrals made to the National Juvenile Office during 1999.
Kerry 11 11 46 46 57 57
Limerick 87 82 145 142 232 224
WESTERN REGION 207 177 510 492 717 669
Clare 57 49 123 114 180 163
Galway West 54 41 126 123 180 164
Mayo 43 37 165 162 208 199
Roscommon/Galway East 53 50 96 93 149 143
TOTAL 1,375 1,228 5,549 5,202 6,924 6,430
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
In addition to the 6,430 individuals referred to the National Juvenile Office in 1999 and
dealt with by way of caution during the year, a further 1,414 individuals were cautioned in
relation to referrals which were pending at 1/1/’99. This gives a combined total of 7,844
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
individuals cautioned during 1999, a decrease of 145 from 1998. The chart below
OFFENCES
compares the number of individuals cautioned over the past five years.
12,000
10,539
JUVENILE OFFENCES
10,000
7,541 8,583 7,989 7,844
8,000
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
YEAR
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The number of juvenile offenders, per thousand of population, who were cautioned during
1999 is shown in the chart below. This provides some indication of the rate at which
cautions are administered in each of the regions. The highest rate of cautions, which is
8.12 cautions per thousand of population is found in the Dublin Metropolitan Region
(down from 8.41 in 1998). In the remainder of the regions the rate varies from 7.20
cautions per thousand in the South Eastern Region to 4.91 cautions per thousand in the
Southern Region.
DRUG OFFENCES
(Based on population aged 19 years and under)
Eastern 6.04
Northern 6.21
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Southern 4.91
Western 5.88
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The following table shows the number of prosecutions which were instituted in respect of
referrals made during 1999. Prosecutions take place where juvenile offenders do not meet
the requirements for inclusion in the Programme e.g. in some cases juvenile offenders may
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
be prosecuted on an initial basis because they have been prosecuted previously or because
of the serious nature of the offence involved.
OFFENCES
Kerry 30 19 84 59 114 78
Limerick 13 12 120 103 133 115
WESTERN REGION 41 30 204 138 245 168
Clare 12 11 64 42 76 53
Galway West 19 11 61 42 80 53
Mayo 4 4 47 30 51 34
Roscommon/Galway East 6 4 32 24 38 28
TOTAL 1,282 851 2,684 2,068 3,966 2,919
J.L.Os meet and co-operate with parents, teachers, probation officers, social workers and
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
welfare officers. They also deal with personnel involved in child guidance clinics, public
health clinics and the courts. The maintenance of such contacts ensure that the J.L.Os are
in a better position to assist juvenile offenders and their families and to guide the young
offender away from a life of crime. They take an active interest in youth and other clubs
operating in the community. J.L.Os give talks in schools and to many other organizations
on a wide range of topics which are relevant to young people.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
During 1999, J.L.Os made 3,063 visits to juvenile offenders who were under intensive
supervision and a further 11,570 visits were made to those under regular supervision. In
addition, more than 5,653 visits were made to schools and clubs. Details of these
activities are shown on a regional basis in the table below.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Activities of juvenile liasion officers
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
Dublin South
Eastern Met. Northern Eastern Southern Western Total
Region Region Region Region Region Region
OFFENCES
Clubs Visits to 189 1,118 189 160 575 77 2,308
Talks given 65 153 22 23 79 22 364
Schools * Visits to 407 1,954 106 407 352 119 3,345
Talks given 152 571 86 197 139 63 1,208
Adult groups-talks given 37 193 50 93 70 65 508
Meetings attended 364 2,189 209 375 1,182 282 4,601
Visits to supervisees
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Under intensive supervision 305 1,121 116 800 482 239 3,063
Under regular supervision 1,426 4,563 534 1,017 3,009 1,021 11,570
* Excluding Schools Programme
Some 23% of the juvenile offenders referred to the National Juvenile Office during 1999
were aged 16 years with a further 22% aged 15 years. Almost 18% were aged 17 years,
15% aged 14 years, and 22% were under 14 years. The chart below shows the number of
juvenile offenders referred, during 1999, where exact age details are available.
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Age of juvenile offenders
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
DRUG OFFENCES
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 Under
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
The times at which the criminal activity took place is known in 13,294 cases and they are
shown in the chart below. The majority of the activity (69%) occurred fairly evenly across
the hours from 2pm to midnight, with activity at its highest between 8pm and 10pm, and
at its lowest between 6am and 8am. A further 20% of criminal activity occurred from
midnight to 8am and the remaining 11% took place between 8am and 2pm.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TIME
22.01 to 24.00
OFFENCES
20.01 to 22.00
18.01 to 20.00
16.01 to 18.00
14.01 to 16.00
12.01 to 14.00
JUVENILE OFFENCES
10.01 to 12.00
08.01 to 10.00
06.01 to 08.00
04.01 to 06.00
02.01 to 04.00
00.01 to 02.00
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
burglaries comprise
Principal offences in respect of which slightly less than half of
referrals were made in 1999 the total offences
involved.
Larceny 21%
Criminal
Damage Two tables are used to
14% show the offences in
respect of which
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Public Drink
Order Vehicle Offences
first table are described
7% Offences 10% in detail in the second
9%
one (see breakdown 1).
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The total number of offences in respect of which referrals were made decreased by 57
when compared to 1998. There was an increase of 180 referrals (5.3%) for larcenies in
1999 over the previous year. Referrals for burglaries decreased significantly for the
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
second year running, decreasing by 12.1% (158 referrals) from 1998,and decreasing
overall by 597 referrals (34%) when comparing 1997 and 1999.
OFFENCES
Vehicle offences relating to unauthorized taking, unlawful interference and
unauthorized carriage increased by 2% over the previous year, although the rate of
increase has slowed significantly when compared with the 8.4% in 1998. Other traffic
offences also increased by 9.9% in 1999, although the rate of increase slowed
significantly from 29.3% recorded in 1998.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Referrals in relation to drink related offences increased by 6.4% when compared to
1998. The number of referrals in relation to intoxication in a public place continued to
increase with an overall increase of 20.6% when compared to 1998. Referrals relating
to the purchase/possession and consumption of alcohol decreased by 31 (4.5%) in
1999. Referrals for serious assaults decreased by 2%. There were 3 referrals for murder
during 1999 which was an increase of one over the previous year.
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
No. %
Larcenies 3,184 21.3%
Burglary 1,147 7.7%
Criminal damage 2,070 13.8%
Vehicle offences (Unauthorised taking, carriage, interference) 1,389 9.3%
Other traffic offences (see breakdown 1) 732 4.9%
Handling stolen property 322 2.2%
Drink related offences (see breakdown 2) 1,461 9.8%
Public order (see breakdown 3) 1,040 7.0%
Possession of offensive weapons etc. 193 1.3%
Drugs (Possession) 463 3.1%
DRUG OFFENCES
Breach of bail 87 0.6%
Robbery (incl.demanding money with menaces) 109 0.7%
Possession of articles with intent 96 0.6%
Assault 842 5.6%
Serious assault (see breakdown 4) 261 1.7%
Fraud related offences (see breakdown 5) 137 0.9%
Begging 120 0.8%
Sexual offences (see breakdown 6) 109 0.7%
Casual trading offences 12 0.1%
Assault Garda/Peace Officer 19 0.1%
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
TOTAL 14,948
This table provides a breakdown of a selection of offences which are summarised in six
groups in the following table.
Dangerous driving 88
Careless driving 24
Public Transport (PSV) offences 3
Drunk driving offences 31
No driving licence 52
Hit and run traffic accident 15
No helmet/seatbelt 11
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Speeding 0
No road tax 1
Miscellaneous 68
Total 732
(2) Drink related offences
Purchase/possession/consumption of alcohol 662
Intoxication in public place 760
Drunk and disorderly/danger to traffic 13
Simple drunkenness 10
Found on licensed premises 14
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Miscellaneous 2
Total 1,461
(3) Public order offences
Affray 0
Riot 2
Urinate in public 6
Disorderly conduct in public 84
Threatening behaviour etc. 569
Failure to comply with Garda direction/Obstruction 329
Willful obstruction 13
Violent disorder 9
DRUG OFFENCES
Other 28
Total 1,040
(4) Serious Assault
Murder 3
Assault occasioning serious bodily harm 24
Assault occasioning bodily harm 228
Assault with intent 6
Total 261
(5)Fraud related offences
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Forgery/uttering/fraud 91
False pretences 24
Embezzlement 22
Total 137
(6) Sexual offences
Aggravated sexual assault 0
Sexual Assault 68
Indecency 10
Rape/unlawful carnal knowledge (including attempt) 26
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The chart below shows the number of referrals for the principal offences in the six regions.
Larceny is the principal offence in all the regions but is particularly prevalent in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region accounting for 1,287 referrals. Vehicle and public order offences are
also more prevalent in the Dublin Metropolitan Region accounting for 924 and 616
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
referrals respectively. This compares to a total of 465 and 424 referrals for the other five
regions.
OFFENCES
Principal offences - Comparison by region
1400
1200
JUVENILE OFFENCES
1000
800
600
400
200
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
0
Larceny Criminal Burglary Public Vehicle Drink
Damage Order Offences Offences
The chart below compares the principal offences as a percentage of the total referrals
received at the National Juvenile Office for each of the years from 1995 to 1999. Referrals
for larceny decreased in 1999. Referrals for criminal damage and burglary also decreased,
continuing the downward trend from previous years. Criminal damage accounted for
14.3% of referrals in 1998 and 13.8% in 1999. Burglary accounted for 8.7% of referrals in
1998 and 7.7% in 1999. Public order and drink related offences accounted for 6.5% and
DRUG OFFENCES
9.2% of referrals in 1998, and increased to 7% and 9.8% in 1999.
35
30
Percentage of Total Referrals
25
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
20
15
10
5
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
0
Larceny Criminal Burglary Public Vehicle Drink
Damage Order Offences Offences
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
CIONTA CÚISITHE
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
The number of non-indictable offences (drug offences excluded) in which proceedings were
taken are shown per 1,000 of population in the chart below. The rate per 1,000 in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region is considerably higher than elsewhere because of the relatively high rate
of traffic offences in that region. When the traffic offences are excluded the rates of non-
indictable offences per 1,000 of population are more consistent across the regions – they range
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
from 39 in the South Eastern Region to 55 in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
OFFENCES
Non-indictable offences per 1,000 of population (Drugs offences excluded)
Eastern 92
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Northern 73
S. Eastern 86
Southern 115
Western 82
NON-INDICTABLE
0 20 20 40 40 60 60 80 80 100
100 120120 140140 160160 180180
OFENCES
0 2
Non-indictable offences - proceedings and persons convicted in 1999 (Drug offences excluded)
proceedings were taken
Number of Convictions
without convicton
Adjourned or
disposed of
dismissed
otherwise
conviction
2 3 4 5 6 7
DRUG OFFENCES
1. (a) ASSAULTS 8,664 1,497 4,837 584 1,746 5421
(b) ,, (Gardai on duty) 807 81 506 48 172 554
2. CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(a) Badger baiting 10 1 8 1 0 9
(b) Cock fighting 0 0 0 0 0 0
(c) Dog fighting 7 0 7 0 0 7
(d) Other offences 463 67 299 23 74 322
3. TRAFFIC ACTS, OFFENCES AGAINST:
(a) Lighting Reg. - Pedal Cycles: 1,717 833 707 91 86 798
(b) ,, Mpv’s 5,617 1,221 3,458 626 312 4,084
(c) Not wearing seat belt 12,654 2,237 7,431 807 2,179 8,238
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
(d) Not wearing crash helmet. Motor cyclist. 1,391 163 943 206 79 1,149
(e) Licences - Driving 44,300 17,585 19,849 2,760 4,106 22,609
(f) Obstruction 1,661 400 1,033 78 150 1,111
(g) Dangerous Parking 364 89 229 8 38 237
(h) Road Traffic General Bye Laws, 1964 5,272 2,362 2,435 228 247 2,663
(i) Local Bye Laws 44,394 17,969 11,614 319 14,492 11,933
(j) (i) Dangerous Driving 3,865 747 2,454 143 521 2,597
(ii) Careless Driving 5,137 1,579 2929 137 492 3,066
(iii) Driving without reasonable consideration 3,960 1,342 2,267 135 216 2,402
(iv) Traffic lights: Non conformity with 5,152 2,612 1904 123 513 2,027
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(k) Compulsory Insurance:(i) No Insurance 32,420 11,527 17,056 864 2,973 17,920
(ii) Failing to produce 30,715 11,541 12,766 3,253 3,155 16,019
(iii) Insurance Disc Regulations 5,531 1,423 2823 351 934 3,174
Number of Convictions
without convicton
Charges proved
& order made
Adjourned or
disposed of
dismissed
otherwise
conviction
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
OFFENCES
(m) Exceeding speed limit: (i) Built-up area 13,714 883 6,010 207 6,614 6,217
(ii) Special 1,581 312 1,190 51 28 1,241
(iii) Ordinary 6,377 304 1,040 23 5,010 1,063
OFENCES
TRAFFIC ACTS OFFENCES SUB TOTAL. 264,577 82,353 121,617 12,555 48,052 134,172
4. (a) Taking M.P.V. without authority 3,199 192 2,003 353 651 2,356
(b) Unauthorised interference with mechanism of MPV 1,431 84 921 93 333 1,014
(c) Taking possession of pedal cycle without consent 48 8 32 2 6 34
5. EU Regulations: (i) Vehicle Testing 3,118 901 1,714 340 163 2,054
(ii) Tachograph 1,901 395 1,249 152 105 1,401
6. Road Transport Acts 3,698 917 2278 246 257 2,524
7. Roads Act and Finance Acts - Excise Duty 79,323 30,042 34,588 5,272 9,421 39,860
8. INTOXICATING LIQUOR LAWS, OFFENCES AGAINST
(a) Illegally on Licensed Premises during closing hours 5,173 545 4,132 216 280 4,348
(b) Drunkeness, Simple 1,190 171 784 149 86 933
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Number of Convictions
without convicton
Charges proved
& order made
Adjourned or
out conviction
disposed of
dismissed
otherwise
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
OFFENCES
(k) Persons under 18 years illegally on licenced premises
during period when exemption order is in force 1 0 1 0 0 1
(l) Licenced holders permitting person under 18 years
(unaccompanied) to be on premises used
for the sale of intoxicating liquor for
consumption off the premises. 21 6 5 0 10 5
(m) Offences in connection with Registered Clubs 38 3 24 2 9 26
(n) Other offences against Intoxicating Liquor laws 411 65 278 18 50 296
INTOXICATING LIQUOR LAWS SUB TOTAL. 13,072 3,194 8,213 740 925 8,953
JUVENILE OFFENCES
9. Criminal Damage 3,439 267 2,152 245 775 2,397
10. POLICE REGULATIONS, OFFENCES AGAINST
(a) Dublin Metropolitan Police Acts 182 27 112 18 25 130
(b) Summary Jurisdiction (Ireland) Act 1851 331 126 125 53 27 178
11. CRIMINAL LAW SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT 1993.
Soliciting or Importuning for commission of sexual
offences - Section 6. 6 3 0 0 3 0
Soliciting or Importuning for prostitution Section 7. 357 14 172 7 164 179
Loitering with intention of prostitution Section 8. 112 3 70 1 38 71
NON-INDICTABLE
Living on earnings of prostitution Section 10. 3 1 0 0 2 0
Other Offences. 29 4 1 0 24 1
OFENCES
12. CRIMINAL JUSTICE (PUBLIC ORDER) ACT 1994.
Intoxication in a public place - Section 4 11,009 1,425 7,245 973 1,366 8,218
Disorderly conduct in Public place Section 5. 2,445 276 1,651 226 292 1,877
Threatening or Abusive or Insulting Behaviour Sec 6. 11,140 1,596 6,871 990 1,683 7,861
Failing to comlpy with direction of Garda - Section 8 3,948 477 2,566 314 591 2,880
Entering building with intent to commit offence - Section 11 966 112 588 87 179 675
Control of Access to Special Events Section 21. 5 3 2 0 0 2
Surrender and seizure of Intoxicating Liquor Section 22. 46 18 17 2 9 19
Other Offences. 1,434 222 898 113 201 1011
13. Revenue Laws, Offences against 383 140 185 42 16 227
DRUG OFFENCES
14. Street Trading Acts - Offences against 360 85 153 24 98 177
15. VAGRANCY ACTS - OFFENCES AGAINST:
(a) Begging 557 50 318 49 140 367
(b) Other Offences 34 0 29 4 1 33
16. Wireless Telegraphy Act,1926-Offences against 50 2 34 0 14 34
17. Firearms Acts - Offences against 247 20 145 19 63 164
18. FIREARMS and OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT, 1990.
(a) Possession of knives and other articles - Section 9 (1) 925 88 625 39 173 664
(b) Possession of flick-knife etc - Section 9 (4) 85 15 55 1 14 56
(c) Possession of article with intent to cause injury - Sec. 9 (5) 243 25 157 12 49 169
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
A range of selected non-indictable offences are shown for each of the regions in the table
below. The largest volumes of many of the selected offences were recorded in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region. In keeping with the previous year, the highest number of prosecutions per
ANALYSIS OF INDICTABLE
1,000 of population for assaults were recorded in the Northern Region. Public order offences
OFFENCES
and firearms & offensive weapons offences taken per 1,000 of population were each highest in
the Dublin Metropolitan Region while the number of intoxicating liquor offences was the low-
est by far in that region. Per head of population the highest number of prosecutions for intoxi-
cating liquor offences were taken in the Northern and Western Regions. Offences under the
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act, 1993, were almost exclusively the preserve of the Dublin
Metropolitan Region.
Threat or abusive or insulting behaviour - S.6 1,618 4,990 1,007 727 1,642 1,156
Failing to comply with direction of Garda - S.8 495 2,009 262 291 608 283
OFENCES
Other offences 59 22 9 3 4 7
CRIMINAL LAW (SEXUAL OFFENCES) ACT, 1993.
Soliciting or importuning for sexual offences - S. 6 0 6 0 0 0 0
Soliciting or importuning for prostitution - S. 7 0 357 0 0 0 0
Loitering with intention of prostitution - S. 8 0 112 0 0 0 0
Living on earnings of prostitution - S. 10 0 3 0 0 0 0
Other offences 7 13 5 0 1 3
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
DRUG OFFENCES
CIONTA DRUGAÍ
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The table below shows the number of offences where proceedings commenced by drug
ANALYSIS OF
type and division. As in previous years, almost all (96%) of the heroin offences were
recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan Region. Equal proportions (29%) of the three
offences involving cannabis were recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan and the Southern
Regions. The Western and Eastern Regions recorded 14% and 13% of these offences
respectively.
Slightly more than one third (36%) of the offences involving ecstasy were recorded in the
Southern Region while the Dublin Metropolitan and Eastern Regions recorded 21% and
JUVENILE OFFENCES
20% respectively.
Cannabis Cannabis
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Cannabis Resin Plants Heroin LSD Ecstasy Amphet. Cocaine Other TOTAL
EASTERN REGION 95 445 3 19 3 200 83 9 17 874
Carlow/Kildare 49 175 0 3 0 62 24 1 5 319
Laois/Offaly 3 43 1 6 1 39 23 4 0 120
Longford/Westmeath 6 112 0 8 0 18 18 1 11 174
Louth/Meath 37 115 2 2 2 81 18 3 1 261
DUBLIN MET. REGION 464 737 7 852 2 211 70 126 250 2719
Eastern 35 202 1 16 0 17 15 15 22 323
North Central 108 30 0 126 0 30 3 13 49 359
Northern 207 137 5 247 0 61 27 25 105 814
South Central 12 87 0 191 0 35 1 38 39 403
Southern 13 228 1 127 2 26 22 10 22 451
DRUG OFFENCES
Western 89 53 0 145 0 42 2 25 13 369
NORTHERN REGION 76 100 11 0 1 60 16 4 7 275
Cavan/Monaghan 26 20 9 0 0 11 11 3 2 82
Donegal 31 42 0 0 1 31 2 0 3 110
Sligo/Leitrim 19 38 2 0 0 18 3 1 2 83
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 85 351 1 1 11 81 92 6 24 652
Tipperary 47 19 1 0 2 10 20 0 3 102
Waterford/Kilkenny 10 222 0 0 6 39 53 2 17 349
Wexford/Wicklow 28 110 0 1 3 32 19 4 4 201
SOUTHERN REGION 73 1147 7 12 5 368 108 10 40 1770
Cork City 2 708 1 7 0 259 36 5 0 1018
Cork North 26 62 2 0 0 11 14 0 3 118
Cork West 32 29 2 0 3 4 0 3 8 81
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
The quantity of drugs seized is shown in the table below and cannabis was involved in 62% of
cases while heroin was involved in 10% of cases. Ecstasy cases accounted for 15% of the total
and cocaine accounted for 3%.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Quantity Cases
Cannabis 66,048g 188
Cannabis Resin 2,511,296g 4,322
Cannabis Plants 352 28
Heroin (Diamorphine) 16,957g 767
Morphine 55 tabs 8
L.S.D. 577 squares, 4 tabs 29
Ecstasy MDMA 229,091 tabs, 46 caps, 236g 1,063
JUVENILE OFFENCES
During 1999 proceedings commenced in respect of 7,137 offences (indictable and non-
indictable) and 4,232 convictions were obtained from those proceedings which had been
processed by the end of the year. The majority of the proceedings relate to the supply or pos-
session of controlled drugs. Before examining these two offences in detail some other drug
DRUG OFFENCES
S. American 4
N. American 3
Middle Eastern 2
African 13
Total 6,022
The number of possession, supply, obstruction and other offences are shown in the table
below. Possession offences accounted for 68% of the total while supply offences account-
ed for 28%. The proportion of supply offences varied across the regions. They accounted
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
for 40% in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, 30% in the Eastern Region and 21% in the
ANALYSIS OF
Northern Region while they accounted for 19% to 14% in the remaining regions. In con-
trast, 77% of all obstruction offences were recorded in the Dublin Metropolitan Region.
The 119 other offences deal with offences such as importation, allowing a premesis to be
used, cultivation of cannabis plants and forging a prescription to obtain drugs.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Sec 3 MDA* Sec 15 MDA* Sec 21 MDA* Other Total
(Possession (Supplier/ MDA*
only) dealer) (Obstruction) Offences
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Longford/Westmeath 107 67 0 0 174
Louth/Meath 185 76 0 0 261
DUBLIN MET. REGION 1,437 1,097 127 58 2,719
Eastern 259 56 3 5 323
North Central 144 174 32 9 359
Northern 438 279 65 32 814
South Central 189 187 24 3 403
Southern 283 158 3 7 451
Western 124 243 0 2 369
DRUG OFFENCES
NORTHERN REGION 215 56 0 4 271
Cavan/Monaghan 61 20 0 1 82
Donegal 89 20 0 1 110
Sligo/Leitrim 65 16 0 2 83
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 534 103 11 4 637
Tipperary 83 17 2 0 102
Waterford/Kilkenny 273 67 8 1 349
Wexford/Wicklow 178 19 1 3 201
SOUTHERN REGION 1,394 341 14 21 1,770
Cork City 845 173 0 0 1,018
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Roscommon/Galway East 39 8 0 0 47
TOTAL 4,883 1,971 164 119 7,137
PERCENTAGE 68% 28% 2% 2% 100%
* Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977 (as amended)
The table below shows the number of persons against whom proceedings for (all) drug
offences were commenced by age and gender. Approximately 4% of persons were less
than 17 years of age, 38% were aged 17 to 21 years while the remaining 58% were
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
aged over 21 years. The majority (91%) of persons were male. This was similar to the
ANALYSIS OF
previous two years but a considerable change over 1997 when male persons accounted
for 78% of those who were prosecuted. The proportions of female persons in the three
age groups were 8%, 9% and 9% respectively.
The total number of persons prosecuted in 1999 was 1% higher than that recorded in
the previous year. In 1999 the number of persons prosecuted in the Dublin
Metropolitan Region accounted for 39% of the State total. The number of persons pros-
ecuted in the Dublin Metropolitan Region decreased by 26% over the previous year.
Increases were recorded in the remaining regions and they varied from 116% in the
Western Region to 6% in the Southern Region.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
numbers of persons prosecuted per
ANALYSIS OF
100,000 of population in each of the Eastern 117
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Western 164
State 166
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
EASTERN REGION 408
Carlow/Kildare 20
A total of 1,900 drug lectures were
Laois/Offaly 104
Longford/Westmeath 147
given by Gardaí during 1999 and
Louth/Meath 137
they are shown by location in the
DUBLIN MET. REGION 243 table on the left. The total number
Eastern 46 of lectures given was 13% less
North Central 52 than that in 1998 but those given
Northern 30 in the South Eastern and Western
South Central 38 Regions increased by 9% and 24%
DRUG OFFENCES
Southern 54 respectively.
Western 23
NORTHERN REGION 258
Cavan/Monaghan 80
Donegal 92
Sligo/Leitrim 86
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 475
Tipperary 140
Waterford/Kilkenny 221
Wexford/Wicklow 114
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Galway West 75
Mayo 30
Roscommon/Galway East 48
TOTAL 1,900
STOLEN VEHICLES
FEITHICLÍ GOIDTE
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
The legal distinction between the larceny of a vehicle and the unauthorized taking of
ANALYSIS OF
a vehicle is carried into the statistics. The distinction arises from the intention of the
person who commits the offence. In common with all larcenies, the larceny (stealing)
of a vehicle requires an intention that the owner should be permanently deprived of
possession. This requirement is clearly not fulfilled where, for example, a person takes
a car, drives it for some hours and then abandons it by the roadside. In this case the
offence committed is unauthorized taking of a mechanically propelled vehicle (mpv)
as opposed to larceny. Unauthorized takings generally outnumber larcenies of
vehicles by a factor of about seven or eight to one.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
The following chart shows the number of unauthorized takings and larcenies of
vehicles for the 15 years from 1985 to 1999. The number of unauthorized takings
recorded in 1999 was an increase of 8% over the previous year. There were 791
larcenies of mechanically propelled vehicles recorded in 1999 from January to
September.
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Because the number of unauthorised takings recorded varies considerably from region
to region it is useful to examine them in terms of the number of vehicles in the
various regions. The chart below shows unauthorised takings as a proportion of the
vehicles taxed (using most recent Department of Environment figures) in each of the
regions. The figures should be interpreted with some caution as full account is not
taken of differences between Garda and local authority administrative areas. That
said, the chart provides a useful insight into the extent of the regional variation.
20,000
18,000
Unauthorised taking Larceny
16,000
14,851
14,844
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
14,289
14,000
13,793
13,405
13,589
13,244
12,182
12,072
11,570
11,754
12,039
12,000
11,478
11,273
10,915
10,000
8,000
6,000
2,129
2,450
4,000
2,136
2,092
1,780
1,546
1,775
1,507
1,350
1,661
1,787
1,499
1,523
1,500
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
2,000
0
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
30
ANALYSIS OF
26
25
20
15
JUVENILE OFFENCES
10
6 4
4
5
2 2
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
(* Figures are not adjusted for differences between local authority and Garda areas)
DRUG OFFENCES
Southern Region 1,355 1,234 -9%
10% other regions varied from 3% to
5%. The Southern was the only region Western Region 774 798 3%
to show a reduction, down 9% when TOTAL 13,793 14,851 8%
compaired to 1998. The Northern
region remained unchanged.
Mechanically propelled vehicles taken and recovered 1999
(Proportions for 1998 in brackets)
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
For the first nine months of 1999 (Jan-Sept incl.) a total of 791 vehicles were recorded as
larcenies. Cars comprised of three quarters of the stolen vehicles recorded in 1999
(Jan-Sept incl.) and they had an average value of £3,514. Motorcycles, with an average value
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
During 1999, the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation Unit processed 650 inquiries, examined
in excess of 2,000 vehicles and it identified 176 vehicles bearing false plates. A number of
vehicles which were stolen abroad (29 in Northern Ireland, 44 in the United Kingdom and 4
elsewhere in Europe) were recovered by Gardaí. In addition to this, 22 stolen caravans and
trailers were recovered. As part its role in cooperating with other police forces in the
investigation of international stolen vehicle trafficking, the Stolen Motor Vehicle Investigation
Unit was involved in a range of operations throughout the country.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
displayed, illegal parking and speeding offences) and Traffic Wardens (non display of licence
disc and illegal parking). The number of notices issued by the GardaÌ in 1999 for non display
of tax disc and parking violations increased by 11,661 (103%) and 4,213 (8%), respectively,
when compared with the previous year. Those issued by Traffic Wardens decreased by 15%
and 48% respectively. The number of fine on the spot notices for speeding offences issued
by GardaÌ is shown in the last of the three tables below. The 178,009 fines on the spot
issued in 1999 show a 35% increase over the number recorded in the previous year.
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Court proceedings 250 6,970 172 544 1,095 403 9,434 9,780
Notices cancelled 110 3,774 110 194 706 253 5,147 5,273
Proceedings pending 506 4,558 664 856 1,711 737 9,032 9,797
Spoiled notices 30 0 4 14 60 7 115 57
PARKING VIOLATIONS
Eastern Dublin Northern South Southern Western State State
Region Met. Region Eastern Region Region Total Total
Region Region 1999 1998
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Gardaí 3,291 31,983 3,574 4,505 12,086 2,903 58,342 54,129
ANALYSIS OF
Wardens 0 70,569 0 0 0 0 70,569 134,872
TOTAL ISSUED 3,291 102,552 3,574 4,505 12,086 2,903 128,911 189,001
Fines paid 2,269 56,825 2,023 3,110 7,696 1,981 73,904 108,512
Court proceedings 224 12,290 370 288 889 253 14,314 25,565
Notices cancelled 160 4,257 163 198 581 190 5,549 8,134
Proceedings pending 606 12,475 994 869 2,805 450 18,199 26,869
Spoiled notices 32 6,931 24 40 53 29 7,109 8,938
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Fines on the spot issued
SPEEDING OFFENCES
Eastern Dublin Northern South Southern Western State State
Region Met. Region Eastern Region Region Total Total
Region Region 1999 1998
Issued by Gardaí 44,924 34,949 17,186 26,199 37,485 17,266 178,009 131,931
Fines paid 38,739 24,212 12,474 22,207 32,689 14,996 145,317 108,344
Court proceedings 2,579 8,300 605 2,322 2,636 1,257 17,699 6,763
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Notices cancelled 419 494 67 187 1,006 207 2,380 1,477
Proceedings pending 814 15 316 921 1,092 432 3,590 14,924
Spoiled notices 761 361 11 24 22 19 1,198 192
A total of 178,009
speeding notices were Eastern
issued by GardaÌ and 26%
fines were paid in
DRUG OFFENCES
Dublin
respect of 145,317 or Western Metropolitan Reg.
82% of those which 10% 20%
were issued.
Proceedings were
pending in respect of
3,590 notices at the end
of the year.
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
15%
take place. The chart below shows the number Clare 5,095 5,162
of traffic offences per 1,000 vehicles which were Galway West 4,166 3,819
Mayo 3,139 3,732
taxed in each of the regions. (Figures are not
Roscommon/Galway East 3,993 5,328
adjusted for differences between local authority
TOTAL 264,577 238,171
and Garda administrative areas). As in 1998 road
traffic offences per 1,000 vehicles in the Dublin metropolitan Region are more than double
those recorded in each of the other regions. The annual rate of offences per 1,000 vehicles
increased in the Dublin Metropolition and Southern regions in 1999 and decreased in the other
four regions when compaired with 1998. (Overall, offences increased by 11% and licensed
vehicles increased by 11% when compared with the previous year.)
DRUG OFFENCES
Eastern 118
Northern 81
South Eastern 91
Southern 165
Western 88
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Dublin Met.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
51%
ANALYSIS OF
Northern
4%
JUVENILE OFFENCES
South Eastern
8%
Eastern
11%
Western Southern
6% 20%
DRINK/DRIVING OFFENCES:
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
BREATH, BLOOD AND URINE TESTS
CIONTA DÍ/TIOMÁNA:
SCRÚDAITHE ANÁLA, FOLA AGUS FUALA
The number of arrests for drink /driving offences for each of the last five years is shown in the
chart below. Arrests increased each year and the 9,570 arrests made in 1999 were 64% more
than the number recorded in 1995 and they were 862 higher than the corresponding total for
1998.
DRUG OFFENCES
Arrests for drink/driving offences 1995 to 1999
10000
10,000
9,570
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
8,707
8000
8,000
7,541
6000
6,000
5,843
6,286
4000
4,000
2000
2,000
0
1,000
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The number of breath tests, blood/urine and analyses of specimens is shown in the table
below. The number of breath samples provided to the GardaÌ in 1999 increased by 5% when
compared to the corresponding figure for the previous year. Positive breath samples for 1999
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
were almost the same as those recorded in 1998. In 1999, some 35% of the samples
ANALYSIS OF
provided to the GardaÌ tested positive while 37% of those taken in the previous year did so.
Breath samples were provided by 14,533 persons and 144 (1%) refused to provide breath
samples. Some 4,392 persons were arrested without the use of breath tests and this represents
an increase of 25% on the corresponding statistic for the previous year.
There were 8,757 blood/urine specimens provided, during 1999: blood specimens accounted
for the same proportion (62%) of the total provided. In keeping with the previous year,
approximately 90% of the specimens analysed contained a quantity of alcohol which was over
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Drink and driving offences: breath tests, blood/urine tests, arrests etc.
Arrests
a) For refusing breath test 26 28 20 25 32 13 144 133
(b) Arrest without breath test 716 1,649 660 334 367 666 4,392 3,521
DRUG OFFENCES
Blood/Urine tests
(a) Blood specimen given 1,123 1,211 649 769 935 777 5,464 4,926
(b) Urine specimen given 656 851 370 438 545 433 3,293 2,984
(c) Specimen refused 171 205 115 79 130 113 813 797
Analyses of specimens
(a) Under prescribed concentration 88 150 45 72 86 51 492 550
(b) Over prescribed concentration 1,631 1,805 936 1,096 1,316 1,130 7,914 7,114
(c) Specimens still to be analysed
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
ANALYSIS OF
Persons convicted of drink\driving offences 1995 to 1999
JUVENILE OFFENCES
the last five years. The 1999 4,379
total was an increase of 2% 4,000
3,810
3,683
over that of the previous year
3,000
and it represents an increase
of 37% over that recorded in
2,000
1995.
1,000
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
0 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
DRUG OFFENCES
on the chart below.
Male
93%
Female 7%
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The number of persons convicted of drink driving offences is shown in the table below.
During 1999 a total of 5,853 persons were convicted and this was an increase of 97 (2%)
over the previous year. Evidential breath testing was introduced in 1999 and the number
of persons convicted for driving /attempting to drive an MPV breath/alcohol
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
concentration above prescribed limit and refusing/failing to give evidential breath sample
are listed in the table below. Some 93% of those convicted were male.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FORÉIGEAN TEAGHLAIGH
There were 10,110 domestic violence incidents
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
recorded in 1999 which represents an increase of Domestic Violence Complainants and
ANALYSIS OF
20% when compared with the corresponding Offenders by gender
figure for the previous year. Considerable annual Male Female
change was recorded across the regions and, in
keeping with previous years, the volume of
incidents differed from region to region. Offenders 92% 8%
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Complainants 11% 89%
Although the offenders were predominantly male
some 8% of offenders were female. Complainants
were predominantly female and 11% were male.
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
charged injured convicted
DRUG OFFENCES
Southern 1,842 147 134 132 66
Western 1,585 165 141 62 111
NORTHERN REGION 281 161 132 136 56
Cavan/Monaghan 103 96 96 59 17
Donegal 108 46 19 43 26
Sligo/Leitrim 70 19 17 34 13
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 529 196 163 211 85
Tipperary 92 34 27 39 22
Waterford/Kilkenny 229 93 78 92 29
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Wexford/Wicklow 208 69 58 80 34
SOUTHERN REGION 1,373 188 235 254 189
Cork City 186 59 55 63 53
Cork North 106 26 26 34 24
Cork West 85 24 20 31 8
Kerry 102 14 69 35 51
Limerick 894 65 65 91 53
WESTERN REGION 481 171 139 131 102
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Clare 164 16 16 32 16
Galway West 133 87 77 24 68
Mayo 121 48 30 56 5
Roscommon/Galway East 63 20 16 19 13
Total 10,110 1,730 1,501 1,334 991
MISSING PERSONS
DAOINE AR IARRAIDH
The terms ‘acceptable and unacceptable’ are used to distinguish between two categories of
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
missing persons. The term ‘acceptable’ refers to (a) persons under 18 years, (b) aged persons,
ANALYSIS OF
(c) physically or mentally disabled persons, or (d) persons whose disappearance takes place
in circumstances which give rise to fears for the person’s physical or moral safety.
During 1999, the total number of ‘acceptable’ missing persons recorded decreased by 11%
over those recorded in the previous year. Twenty of the 1,800 missing persons recorded in
1999 remained untraced at the end of the year. As in previous years, there is considerable
variation between the numbers recorded in each of the regions. The largest proportion of
‘acceptable’ missing persons were recorded in the Dublin Region resulting in a rate of 119
JUVENILE OFFENCES
persons per hundred thousand of population. In contrast, the rate for the South Eastern
Region was 31 while the remaining regions varied between three and 24 per hundred
thousand of population. Some 691 ‘unacceptable’ missing persons were recorded in 1999
and this was an increase of 54% over the corresponding volume recorded in 1998.
Missing persons
Southern 195 1 41 0 0
Western 213 2 141 0 0
NORTHERN REGION 8 0 0 0 0
Cavan/Monaghan 6 0 0 0 0
Donegal 2 0 0 0 0
Sligo/Leitrim 0 0 0 0 0
SOUTH EASTERN REGION 142 5 197 0 1
Tipperary 22 0 1 0 0
Waterford/Kilkenny 100 3 193 0 0
Wexford/Wicklow 20 2 3 0 1
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
Mayo 2 0 3 0 0
Roscommon/Galway East 34 1 9 0 0
TOTAL 1,800 20 691 0 2
Note: ‘Acceptable’ means (a) persons under 18 years, (b) aged persons, (c) physically or mentally disabled persons, or (d) persons whose
dissappearance takes place in circumstances which give rise to fears for the person’s physical or moral safety.
The number of ‘acceptable’ missing persons recorded in the five year period from 1995 to
1999 are shown in the table below. Some indication of developments over time can be seen
by comparing the numbers shown as missing at the end of the year within which they were
recorded with the number which are recorded as still missing at the end of 1999.
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Acceptable missing persons recorded 1,800 2,015 1,877 1,848 1,658
ANALYSIS OF
Missing at end of year when recorded 20 14 6 8 12
Still missing at end of 1999 20 11 4 8 12
JUVENILE OFFENCES
FAOI BHANNAÍ
Some 15% of the indictable offences detected from January to September, inclusive, were
committed by persons on bail and this is similar to the situation in 1998. The chart below
shows the number of detected indictable offences committed by persons on bail in the period
1990 to 1999 (January to September inclusive).
For several reasons, a far larger number of criminal offences are likely to have been committed
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
by persons on bail than the figures shown in the chart below. During the period January to
September 1999, the 4,069 indictable offences committed by persons on bail takes no account
of those offenders who committed over 34,600 indictable offences which remained undetected
at the end of that nine month period. Similarly, the figures shown take no account of the non-
indictable offences which were committed by persons on bail.
8000
DRUG OFFENCES
6000
5,440
5000 4,069
4,416
4000
3,191
2,791
3000 2,690
2,494
2000
1000
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
0
‘90 ‘91 ‘92 ‘93 ‘94 ‘95 ‘96 ‘97 ‘98 ’99
(Jan-Sept)
The table on the right shows the number of Detected indictable offences committed by
indictable offences detected and committed by persons on bail by offence group (Jan-Sept)
persons on bail during 1999 (January to September). Offences against the person 28
Burglaries and larcenies from unattended vehicles
are the principal indictable offences involved. Offences against property 1,582
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Details of the firearms, ammunition and explosives that were seized by Gardaí are shown in
the table below.
AMMUNITION
7.62 X 39mm 1,735
7.62 X 51mm 75
Assorted ammunition 36,206
Shotgun cartridges 2,721
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
APPENDIX
AAGUISÍN
PPENDIX (2)
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
ANALYSIS OF
Some descriptions used in the table which summarises indictable offences for the last three years refer
to more than one type of indictable offence as set out hereunder.
JUVENILE OFFENCES
Dangerous driving causing sbh. Fraud by bogus advertisers Electoral Acts
Wounding etc. (f) Fraud by bogus sales persons Electoral Acts
Wounding (gdai on duty) Frauds by obtaining credit Personation on Indictment
Assaults wounding etc. (m) Fraudulent conversion Possession/Carrying Firearms, etc.
Assaults wounding (gdai on duty) Embezzlement Poss fa or ammo wi endanger life
Endangering Rail Passengers Other Frauds Possession fa or ammo in susp circs
Endangering railway passengers False pretences Carry fa with criminal intent
NON-INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Interference with railway Cheating Other Indictable Offences
Robbery including muggings Coinage Acts - Offences Against Intimidation
Robbery Debtors Ireland Act 1872 Intimidation by letter etc.
Larceny from persons (muggings) Other frauds Official Secrets Act
Other sexual offences Armed Aggravated Burglary Treason Act 1939 Offences
Indecent exposure Armed Aggravated Burglary Affray, riot or violent disorder
Brothel keeping Armed attack on house Public Mischief
Larceny of Animals Possession of Explosives, etc Incitement
Larceny of horses cattle or sheep Possession of explosive substance Bribery
DRUG OFFENCES
Larceny of other livestock Making explosives Perjury
Larceny of MPV’s Causing Explosion, etc Destroy-dispose of dead bodies
Larceny of motor cars Causing an explosion Embracery
Larceny of motor cycles etc. Attempting to cause explosion Misprision of felony
Larceny of motor lorries Unlawful Seizure (Hijackings) Wireless Telegraphy Act
Larceny of other m.p.v.’s Unlawful seizure of aircraft Corruption
Larceny of Firearms Unlawful seizure of vehicles Obstruct clergy during services
Larceny of firearms Other - Criminal Damage Forcible Entry Act 1971
TRAFFIC OFFENCES
INDEX
A F Northern Region, 39
Accounting Officer, 6 FALCONE, 55
Andersen Consulting, 15 Federal Bureau of Investigation, 27 O
Annual Maintenance Budget, 8 Finance & Logistics, 5 ODYSSEUS, 55
INDICTABLE OFFENCES
Annual Policing Plan, 9 Finance, Services & Community Relations, 5 Office of Public Works, 8
Anti Racketeering Unit, 47 Fingerprint Section, 10 Oisín Programme, 52
ANALYSIS OF
Arts and Antiques Unit, 48 Fleet Management Computer System, 7 Operation Advocate, 37
Automated Fingerprints Identification System Fógra Tóra, 9, 13 Operation Clean Street, 52
(AFIS), 10 Forensic Liaison Office, 12 Operation Dóchas, 38
Fraud Alert, 49 Operation Lifesaver, 46
B Operstion Nightcap, 52
Bachelor of Arts (Police Management) Degree G Organisation Development Unit, 4
NCEA, 26 Garda Air Support Unit, 32, 35 Organisation Strength, 21
Ballistics Section, 12 Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, 49 Overseas Service, 25
Band of An Garda Síochána, 1,2 Garda College, 21, 27
Barrack Masters Section, 5 Garda Crime Prevention Design Advisor, 20 P
Bureau de Liaison, 45 Garda Criminal Records Office, 9, 13 Photographic Section, 11
JUVENILE OFFENCES
1999 EVALUATION
The Mission of An Garda Síochána is
to achieve the highest attainable level of
• Personal Protection
• Community Commitment
• State Security
Meastóireacht ar
Phlean Póilíneachta an Gharda Síochána 1998/99
MEASTÓIREACHT 1999
AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
CLç
çR
LEATHANACH
5 REAMHRÁ
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
CONT
TENT
TS
PAGE
5 INTRODUCTION
6 PROGRESS TO DATE
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Tá An Biúró Náisiúnta Cáilíochta Seirbhíse suite i gColáiste an Gharda Síochána ar An Teampall Mór. Ba
bhliain gníomhaíochta í 1999 chun réimse leathan feabhsúcháin seirbhíse a ghiniúint mar chuid den Phlean
Gníomhaíochta um Sheirbhísí Custaiméirí Cháilíochta an Gharda. Admhaíonn An Garda Síochána go bhfuil
dóchais agus riachtanais ag ár gcustaiméirí agus go gcaithfidh siad seo feabhas leanúnach a chruthú i
seachadadh seirbhíse ag comhaltaí den Gharda Síochána. Cuireadh tús le Painéalacha Custaiméirí Roinne ar
fud na tíre i 1999 chun dearcadh an phobail a seirbheálann muid a chur isteach.
Chabhraigh An Plean Póilíneachta, ag cur le rath an Dhoiciméid um Straitéis Corparáide 1993-1997 agus
agus ag dul isteach i Straitéis Corparáide an Gharda Síochána 2000-2004, le cur chuige níos dírithe chuig
póilíniú ag gach comhalta den Gharda Síochána a fhorbairt. Cuireadh réimse nua gníomhairí forfheidhmithe
le chéile agus méadaíodh éifeachtúlacht agus éifeachtacht. Tá siad go léir tar éis cur le titim 1999 eile i
gcoir taifeadta agus le méadú in éifeachtacht iomlán póilínithe.
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Pádraig Ó Broin
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Com
mmissiionerÕÕs Ad
ddress to the Miiniister for Ju
ustiice, Equ
uallityy and
d
Law
w Reform
m
The Garda National Quality Service Bureau is located at the Garda Síochána College, Templemore.
1999 was a year of action in generating a wide range of service improvements as part of the Garda
Quality Customer Service Action Plan. An Garda Síochána acknowledges that our customers have
expectations and needs and that these must lead to continuous improvement in service delivery by
members of An Garda Síochána. Divisional Customer Panels were set up throughout the country in
1999 to feed in the views of the community we serve.
The Garda Mounted Unit is based at Garda Headquarters and performs regular patrols in Dublin and
at major events nation-wide. The unit attracts widespread interest from all sections of the community
and is a valuable resource in providing a high visibility policing service to the public. During 1999
the Mounted Unit, the Water Unit and the Air Support Unit were attached to the new Special
Services Unit and, as the reports from Garda divisions show clearly, the Air Support Unit has
developed into a formidable asset in reducing and detecting crime.
The Policing Plan, building on the success of the Corporate Strategy Document 1993-1997 and
leading into the Garda Corporate Strategy 2000-2004, has helped develop a more focused approach
to policing by all members of An Garda Síochána. A range of new innovative enforcement agencies
have been created and efficiency and effectiveness has been increased. These have all contributed
to a further 1999 fall in recorded crime and to an increase in overall policing effectiveness.
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A
Patrick Byrne
COMMISSIONER OF AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
INT
TRODUCT
TION
Essentially, the Garda Síochána Policing Plan 1998-99 had 34 action points to achieve ten key
policing priorities for 1998-99. Table 1 overleaf shows what has been achieved in 1999. Fourteen
quality customer service initiatives were designed to increase customer satisfaction. The 34 action
points and 14 quality service initiatives are set amongst the 15 Strategic Management Initiative
projects being developed and implemented by the Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group.
The pace and scope of change has enormously accelerated in recent years and this evaluation shows
an organisation excelling in its outputs and outcomes; mainly by identifying problems at an early
stage and solving them.
The implementation of the Garda Síochána Policing Plan 1998-99 was completed effectively thanks
to the hard work of thousands of Garda and civilian staff and the co-operation and commitment of a
wide range of Government and Non-Government agencies and the community we serve.
RƒAMHR
Rç
Go bunúsach, bhí 34 pointe gníomhaíochta ag Plean Póilíneachta an Gharda Síochána chun deich
n-eochar tosaíocht póilínithe a bhaint amach do 1998-99. Léiríonn Tábla 1 thall an méid a baineadh
amach i 1999. Dearadh 14 tionscnamh um sheirbhís custaiméirí le sásamh chustaiméara a mhéadú.
Tá na 34 pointe gníomhaíochta agus na 14 tionscnamh um cháilíocht na seirbhíse curtha i measc na
15 tógra ar Tionscnamh Bhainistíocht Straitéiseach atá á bhforbairt agus á bhfeidhmiú ag an Grúpa
Stiúrtha Forfheidhmiú TBS.
Tá an luas agus an scóip athruithe tar éis luathaithe go mór le blianta beaga anuas agus léiríonn an
mheastóireacht seo eagraíocht atá ar fheabhas ina chuid táirgeachta agus ina chuid torthaí; go
príomha trí fadhbanna a aithint ag céim luath agus trí iad a réiteach.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
PROGR
RES
SS TO DAT
TE
The 34 Action points were completed as planned. Some of the activities although implemented will
require continuous and continuing attention into the future – targeting drug dealers, reducing death
on our roads, improving our emergency response, investigating crime, helping victims and providing
high visibility policing in our community.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
The 34 action points contributed to achieving the overall impact of the Policing Plan. The overall
impact sought was set out in ten points:
Each of these impacts was achieved. The policing plan ended on the 31st December, 1999 and
each Divisional Officer – having submitted a Divisional Policing Plan based on the Policing Plan –
provided an evaluation of their divisional 1999 plan achievements. The divisional evaluations from
each Garda Region are at pages 45 to 59.
CONCLUS
SION
The 34 action points planned have been achieved, crime is at its lowest for 20 years, road deaths
are down 12 per cent in two years and overall policing effectiveness has been increased. This was
achieved, in 1999, while An Garda Síochána stayed £3.9m. under budget.
Any follow-up work needed has been included in the Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan 2000.
Divisional policing plans were an important element in this healthy report and the summary of the
reports from each division at pp 45-59 indicates the success and effectiveness achieved at regional
and divisional level. The graphs from page 9 to 18 chart another year of progress.
The Commissioner, in this Evaluation, evaluates and reports policing plan results to the Minister for
Justice, Equality and Law Reform and to the community we serve. The evaluation will form part of
the Garda Síochána Annual Report this year and every year and, with the Garda Síochána Annual
Report, will be published on the web to afford increased access and transparency to everyone.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
MAJOR
R ACHIEVEMENT
TS IN 1999
The range of achievements shown here and charted in the pages following have been produced by
an effective organisation which has world-class excellence in police training,
community policing, assets tracing, restraint and seizure, and in anti-terrorist policing; a Garda
service which delivers a service to the community it serves which is a very close match with
community policing needs. rda Síoc
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EVALUATTION OF
AN GAR
RDA SêOCHç
çNA POLICING PLAN
1999 EVALUATTION
LUACHççIL 1999
Lu
uach‡il ar Plean P—il’neachta an Ga
arda S’och‡na 1998
8/99
SMI Background
In November 1997, the Government accepted in principle the recommendations set out in the
Report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána. That review
was conducted in the framework of the Strategic Management Initiative across the public service.
The Report contained many recommendations requiring a more comprehensive development of
issues relating to the organisation, operations, financing and performance and accountability of An
Garda Síochána. In January 1998, the Government established a new Garda SMI Steering Group to
develop the Report's recommendations for implementation. To this end, a BottomUP Review (BUR)
Group was established to focus on organisation structures/systems and the deployment of
operational resources and to bring recommendations to the Steering Group in the areas for which it
was made responsible. A full time Implementation Team comprising representatives from the Garda
Síochána and from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform was also appointed to
develop proposals for, and oversee implementation of, decisions made by the Steering Group and
BUR Group. The Government was advised in November 1997 that the overall implementation
process could be three to five years. This report is a summary of the second “Progress Report to
Government”. The first Report to Government was made in July, 1999.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
PART ONE
Part 1 summarises progress to date on BUR projects [(a), (b)and
(c), below] and other projects [(d), (e) and (f), below] which have been developed
and which are in the early stages of implementation:
(a) A National Quality Service Bureau has been established to drive the Garda Síochána Quality
Service Action Plan and a number of quality service initiatives and research are underway.
(b) A more efficient rostering system, agreed with Garda representative bodies is being
implemented on a pilot basis.
(c) Recommendations to strengthen student and probationer training are contained in an expert
report.
(d) A new Director of Finance is leading the implementation of a modern and strategic financial
management system for An Garda Síochána.
(e)The report of an Expert Group on criminal law was presented to government in 1998 and
arising from this the Government has approved the drafting of a new Criminal Justice Bill, to
improve the criminal justice system generally.
(f) The PULSE IT project which replaced outmoded systems in 1999 will process and present all
of the information resources of An Garda Síochána in a highly efficient and effective manner.
Table 3: Status of SMI Projects
PART TWO
Part II provides an outline of BUR projects [(a) to (e), below] and project (f) which have been
substantially progressed and which are nearing completion:
(a) Information seminars for all Garda ranks and civilian staff are continuing and a third
newsletter has issued.
(b) A new strategic Human Resource Management framework is nearing completion.
(c) A management and in-service training review is nearing finalisation.
(d) A working report recommending expanding and developing civilianisation has been
completed.
(e) A study to assess policing demands and to determine the best manner to allocate available
resources to meet those demands is nearing completion. See Action Point 12, pp 29 and 30.
(f) A review of Promotion has been completed and has recommended more efficient and
effective promotion methods.
PART THREE
Part 111 refers to the BUR project (a), below, and projects (b) and (c), below, on which work is
continuing and which it is anticipated will be completed at end-year 2000:
(a) A review to determine the Garda structures, work processes and systems needed to achieve
greater levels of efficiency and effectiveness.
(b) The Garda Commissioner will be extending an invitation in the near future to staff
associations to discuss a performance management system and this will be progressed in 2000.
(c) A High Level Review Group is developing an appropriate performance and accountability
framework for An Garda Síochána.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
The Garda National Quality Bureau was established in 1998 as part of the Garda SMI process,
developed strongly in 1999 and is located at the Garda Síochána College. A National Garda Quality
Customer Service Panel has been set up, supported by Divisional Customer Panels to gather the
views of all Garda customers particularly the community we serve. A results oriented Garda Quality
Customer Service Action Plan has been published. A Charter for Garda Customers has been
published.
A National Customer Panel and Divisional Customer Panels were established. Fourteen areas
highlighted in the Garda Quality Customer Service Action Plan have been targeted for immediate
priority action:
1. Improving our response to burglary victims.
2. Response times.
3. Keeping people informed of case-progress.
4. Improving the process of investigating Traffic accidents.
5. Satisfaction with counter service – Survey to be done by MRBI.
6. Satisfaction with phone calls to Garda Stations. Survey completed by IMS. Divisions
have improved their phone response.
7. Correspondence Register. Survey to be completed by Insight.
8. Community Policing; Report being completed by Organisation Development Unit.
9. Informal Service Complaint Procedure. Survey to be completed by IMI.
10. Citizen Group Liaiso: Information Flow. Survey to be completed by Insight .
11. Internal Information Flow. Survey to be completed by IMI.
12. Internal Customer focus (1) Resources. Climate survey of Gardaí completed. Civilians staff
climate survey near completion.
13. Internal Customer Focus (2) Inspections. Survey to be completed by IMI.
14. Bullying in Schools. Quality Bureau is co-ordinating a pilot project in Donegal.
Phone Response
A phone response survey was conducted in 1999. A Garda Quality Bureau survey of the telephone
responses of Gardaí to telephone customers completed by Irish Marketing Surveys indicates a very
high level of satisfaction with the response received. A key finding in a very high satisfaction rating
was that over 90 per cent of calls answered were dealt with to completion by the Garda who
answered the phone. Divisions who excelled have shared their best practice. Those who did less
well have improved their phone response by using the new procedures recommended by the
Quality Bureau, from a review of their own procedures and from reviewing best practice in other
divisions.
Call-out Response
A breakdown of Garda response times within 15 minutes to calls in the Dublin Region is at page 11.
The speed of response to emergency calls has been declining from 90 per cent to 83 per cent within
15 minutes over the past five years as the number of calls increase and road traffic intensifies.
Response to Priority 1, Priority 2 and Priority 3 calls has also been declining. This is the only
measure of Garda effectiveness which has been weakening. The Gardaí always try to minimise
response times to all calls. This is becoming more difficult as the number of incidents in the Dublin
Region and elsewhere continues to increase.
Response times are now the number one priority of the Garda Quality Service Bureau and are the
number one priority in the Garda Quality Customer Service Action Plan. The 50 per cent increase in
the Garda fleet over the past decade meant that the large increase in call-outs could be matched
with transport resources and underlines the importance of a further increase in the size of the vehicle
fleet, and the on-the-spot response of our Gardaí on foot and Community Gardaí. We must look to
other methods to improve the response times to the community we serve. Between the start of 1999
and 2002 we are committed to increasing the Garda strength from 11,300 to 12,000. The allocation
of that extra 700 staff should be to areas of highest service demand to improve our speed and quality
of response. Any increase in civilianisation will increase the number of Gardaí on our streets and on
our roads and should result in improved response times – unless demand rises even more sharply
than at present. The proposed new TETRA radio system will assist in reducing response times but
that will not come on-stream for four to five years.
Radical new ways of reducing response times will have to be considered. These include:
• Can one-person cars be safely used where two-man cars are currently operating?
• Has our implementation of the Comptroller and Auditor General’s recommendation to reduce
motor-cycle numbers worsened our response times and is it time to rethink?
• Should response times be a district performance indicator?
• Should Traffic Corps or specifically trained Gardaí investigate all traffic accidents?
• How accurately do we define Emergency Calls and Priority 1, 2 and 3 calls and will PULSE,
TETRA or current telecommunications improvements assist in fully accurate nation-wide call-
logging and call-categorisation?
Published research findings and the smaller number of rape victims in Ireland indicate that it may be
difficult to identify useful patterns of rape victimisation in terms of locations, times or repeat
victimisation. Different patterns of offending can be typical of different rape categories, perhaps
present in child abuse rapes but absent in other rapes. Because of this it is difficult to predict and
pro-actively prevent rape with policing because so few patterns are evident. If the present research
work provides useful patterns it will represent a big breakthrough. The Garda Research Unit has
completed useful work in this area already, the Forensic Science Laboratory has recently published
work on victims of sexual assault and Garda David Kelly has completed research and analysis of the
case outcomes of 186 rape cases recorded in 1996.
Personnel from the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit and Garda Trainers
regularly participate in seminars organised in conjunction with statutory bodies and voluntary groups
such as the Rape Crisis Centre, Women's Aid and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Children. The aim is to build on the good working relationship between these bodies and to improve
Garda investigation procedures and co-operation so that victims of rape are supported throughout. A
liaison procedure is now in place in all Divisions in accordance with the agreed policy between
Gardaí and Health Boards on the investigation of reports of suspected child abuse. The investigation
of crimes of violence against women and children is a core module in training courses at the Garda
Síochána College and In-Service Schools. All Students undertake a three-day seminar.
Victims of these crimes are supported in a sympathetic and sensitive manner and Victim Support and
other support groups have made a particularly impressive contribution to helping rape victims. A
Garda Victim Liaison Officer has been appointed in Community Relations Section.
High visibility patrols increased in 1999 and a range of new operations increased Garda activity on
our streets and roads resulting in less crime and less death on the roads. There has been an
increased emphasis on community policing and foot policing with pilot rosters to increase Garda
numbers during busy times. The increase in Garda strength to 12,000 by 2002 will further heighten
the high visibility policing policy.
5. Targe
et prrolifiic offe
enders
D’righ
h ar chiont—ir’ torthœlla
The reports from the Dublin divisions (pp 47-53) show how each division tackled prolific criminals
by targeting them and by fast-tracking their cases through the criminal justice system.
The expansion in the number of prison places over recent years resulted in prolific offenders
serving a longer portion of their sentence thereby reducing crime. The emphasis on targeting
prolific offenders has achieved a strong crime reduction.
Repeat Victimisation
The Organisation Development Unit reported on the top ten repeat victimisation locations in all 107
Garda Districts in the State during 1999. They will complete this research during 2000 by identifying
CCTV locations which will most prevent and reduce crime. The third part of this work should
identify the 100 most prolific offenders in the State and identify linkages with repeat victimisation
locations. This, again, is a task for 2000.
The Bureau has been extremely effective to date in the battle against organised crime and public
confidence in the ability of the Gardaí to tackle major criminals has been greatly increased. It
presents an Annual Report to the Minister each year.
Intelligence Gathering
The further development of intelligence systems and analysis and dissemination contributed
substantially to many successes in the fight against organised and subversive crime. Pilots have
improved our intelligence collating system with Releases of PULSE, our IT Project.
CrimeStoppers
Ciarán Conlon, Director of CrimeStoppers, at a reception hosted by the President, Mary McAleese,
described a very successful first year for the CrimeStoppers initiative by An Garda Síochána and
Dublin Chamber of Commerce.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
6. Crimee fo
ocus: Dubllin NC and SC. Imprrove e CCTV
coveeragee pa
articularly in Dubllin SC and NC
F—cas na coireachta: Baile çtha Cliath L‡ir Thuaidh
agus L‡ir Theas. Cuir feabhas ar fhaire theilif’se
ciorcaid iata go m—r mh—r i mBaile çtha Cliath L‡ir
Theas agus L‡ir Thuaidh.
The installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system in the greater O’Connell Street and
Fizgibbon Street areas was completed during the year. The existing CCTV system in the Pearse
Street/Temple Bar area and the new systems are proving very effective in crime prevention and crime
detection. The CCTV system extension is proving very successful and is welcomed by both city
centre traders and the public at large.
In 1999 CCTV reduced crime in Dublin districts where it was installed and detection rates were
increased. Detection rates in CCTV districts were 53.9 per cent compared to 35 per cent in non-
CCTV districts and crime in 1999 was reduced by 23.3 per cent in CCTV districts compared to a 19
per cent reduction in non-CCTV districts. The installation of 24 CCTV cameras is underway in
Tralee. There are proposals to introduce close circuit television cameras also to a number of other
town centres such as Dundalk, Limerick, Bray, Dun Laoghaire, Finglas and Galway. Submissions
have also been made to Assistant Commissioner Finance, Services and Community Relations from
other Garda divisions to install CCTV cameras in urban areas. These are being processed.
7. Compiile a databa
ase
e of po
olicing prrese
entations and
articles
Cuir bunachar sonra’ de chainteanna agus dÕaltanna
p—il’neachta i dtoll a chŽile
A database of all policing presentations and articles written about policing in Ireland has been
created at the Garda Síochána College library at Templemore. This will provide students and others
with useful source and reference material on policing in Ireland.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
A Garda Quality Service Bureau survey of the telephone responses of Gardaí to customers
completed by Irish Marketing Surveys indicates a very high level of satisfaction with the response
received. A key finding which improved the satisfaction rating was that over 90 per cent of calls
answered were dealt with to completion by the Garda who answered the phone (See p. 15).
The Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region Network (DMRnet) Project is designed to provide integrated
Telecommunications facilities to all 51 Garda sites within the Dublin Region. The main objectives of
this project are:
a) To ensure the most effective call answering service to the public
b) To provide the most efficient communication service between Gardaí
c) To provide for the development of new communications services for the Gardaí.
The system will support high-speed data communications between all stations in Dublin. This will
allow Gardaí in stations throughout the city using the new PULSE computer applications to access
the central databases, to share information and be informed of any relevant incidents or events as
soon as they occur.
Community Policing
Coastal watch, Business Watch and Campus Watch all expanded strongly in 1999. Community
Relations Programmes, including Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert programmes have
expanded strongly in 1998 and in 1999 they were examined and dormant programmes removed
from the list. A full breakdown is shown at page 14. During 1999 the initial steps to achieve a three
per cent increase in Neighbourhood and Community Alert Programmes during 2000 were taken.
Coastal Watch continues to provide a forum for acquiring the help and goodwill of the public
residing and working in coastal areas to prevent and detect the illegal importation of drugs,
contraband and weapons. During 1999, Coastal Watch encircled the entire seaboard of the State.
Estuary Watch on the Shannon was added.
Crime prevention advice was presented at major exhibitions including the National Ploughing
Championships and the Ideal Homes Exhibition. The message of crime prevention was promoted
through presentations and talks to courses and community groups by staff at the National Crime
Prevention Office and also by each Divisional Crime Prevention Officer. Talks and presentations on
computer crime were made to groups and organisations in the computer manufacturing and retail
trade. Advice has been given on crime prevention through “Crimeline” and other television and
radio programmes. Tourist Security Booklets are distributed in appropriate centres giving advice to
tourists on personal safety and property security. Crime prevention schemes expansion is welcome
and ensures closer co-operation between the public and the Gardaí.
During 1999, the EU Tampere Council put crime prevention firmly on the Justice and Home Affairs
agenda together with protecting individual rights. Both of these are key outputs of Community
Relations Section and 1999 saw a major initiative in the field of enhancing our response to a more
multicultural society and a strong Community Relations contribution to international multicultural
seminars and to the Garda Human Rights Initiative 1999-2000.
Community Relations Section now reports to Deputy Commissioner, Strategic and Resource
Management through Assistant Commissioner, Finance, Services and Community Relations.
The number of protests almost doubled from 172 to 332 in 1999. Commentators have various views
on the reason for the increase but a common thread throughout the views expressed is a drive by a
wide and diverse range of interest groups to put extra pressure on Government to apportion some of
a very large public finance surplus their way.
9. Targe
et Regiional repe
eat viictimiisa
ation by counting the
numbeer of repe
eat calls to sa
ame e address
D’righ ar ath’ospartacht, tri l’on na nathghlaonna chuig
an seoladh ceannann cŽanna a chomhaireamh
In 1999, the Organisation Development Unit analysed the 1997 and 1998 crime figures to
determine the level of repeat victimisation in every Garda District. The level of repeat victimisation
in each Garda district, the top ten locations in each district – key repeat victimisation locations, and
which crimes are most prone to repeat victimisation, and an up-to-date profile of victims will be
developed. The main report was completed during late 1999 and additional work dictated by early
research findings will be scheduled for 2000 for completion by August 2000. An essential element
of the additional work is to identify where CCTV coverage would most impact on reducing crime.
The methodology of the Repeat Burglary Victimisation Study in Tipperary Division completed by the
Garda Research Unit has been used as a model for the 1999 work. Identifying the 100 most prolific
current offenders in the State, the 100 who most specialise in repeat victimisation, and the 10 most
prolific criminals in each Garda District will complete the three linked elements of this work by
identifying the linkages between prolific offenders and repeat victimisation locations.
An Garda Síochána provides continued backup and assistance to Victim Support which has 17
branches throughout the country. This includes ongoing liaison with the Victim Support Office at
Dublin Region Headquarters, Harcourt Square to deal with tourists who became victims of crime.
The Superintendent at Community Relations is the liaison officer for An Garda Síochána with Victim
Support.
The Director of Finance and his team have been appointed and his primary task is to put in place a
framework to facilitate the Commissioner becoming the Accounting Officer by January 1, 2002. The
report, An Garda Síochána Financial Management Framework, was presented in January 1999.
Devolved budgeting seminars were held throughout the country and significant progress was made
in devolved budgeting during 1999. Purchasing policy and stock control have been thoroughly over-
hauled and effective systems introduced.
The Strategic Management Initiative Implementation Team has been tasked with developing a
model to improve resource allocation to provide an efficient and effective Garda service to the
public. This model is known by the acronym GERM, the Garda Establishment Redistribution Model.
During 1999, work continued on constructing GERM. This innovation will improve resource
allocation in the future. Activity Analysis in twenty selected Districts took place during 1999.
GERM is scheduled for completion by May, 2000. The differences between the Garda Human
Resource Allocation Model (GHRAM) and GERM are:
1. Crime,
2. Unlawfully taken vehicles recovered,
3. Personal injury accidents and
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
• Number of Stations
• Hours Open
• Manning for one patrol car
• Clerk
• Collator
• Posts
• Specialist posts etc.
The Garda numbers indicated by adding the workload indicators and the minimum establishment,
together, determines the number of members of Garda rank needed in each Garda District. Usually
the number of Gardaí in each district is higher than the GHRAM recommended level because extra
personnel were allocated to deal with emerging policing priorities. Population was never in the
model because research showed that the workload indicators and minimum establishment and
special priorities led to an allocation that broadly reflected population levels.
• Burglary,
• Patrolling,
• Accident investigation,
• Court attendance,
• and a wide range of other policing tasks.
Districts will be divided into Rural Districts, Mid-size Districts and City Districts with appropriate
manning levels. The improvement will be that manning levels will reflect policing needs more
accurately because it will include data on all the policing tasks which require attention. It is
customer-orientated and is future-proofed because new emerging policing tasks will be incorporated
into the model.
The GNDU in 1999 ran a series of seminars at regional level to ensure that members assigned to
talk to secondary school students and community groups are fully aware of all policy issues. The
programme includes material on drug identification, signs and symptoms of abuse, where abusers
can find help, international perspective, drugs misuse at rave discos, and other drugs misuse
information.
The Garda Schools Programme was extended to include a module on drugs awareness. Community
Relation Section has played a full part in community drugs awareness and special projects. 1999
saw a deepening of the community partnership against drugs. Coastal Watch continues to provide a
forum for acquiring the help and goodwill of the public residing and working in coastal areas to
prevent and detect the illegal importation of drugs, contraband and weapons. During 1999, Coastal
Watch encircled the entire seaboard of the State and Estuary Watch on the Shannon was added.
The Garda Research Unit in 1999 drew more results from the drugs-crime relationship study.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
• Operation Boulevard
• Operation Clean Streets
Operation Boulevard
Operation Boulevard continued in 1999 having been introduced in July 1997. The problems of
public order, drunkenness and drug abuse in O’Connell Street and its environs provided the focus of
the Operation. Initiated by the Dublin Metropolitan Region Headquarters, developed and
implemented by the North Central Division, it has given rise to continuing public confidence in the
safety and security of the city centre area.
Operation Godfrey
Motor-cycles taken increased significantly in the Dublin Region and Operation Godfrey was
developed in response. All motor-cycles encountered at co-ordinated checkpoints in each Garda
division were thoroughly checked. Gardaí from the Stolen Vehicles Unit were available at each
Divisional Headquarters to assist as required. The first phase of the operation resulted in the
recovery of 27 stolen motor-cycles from 1,253 that were checked. The Operation has now been
adopted nationally.
The focus of the operations includes monitoring the movements of travelling criminals and prevent-
ing attacks on the elderly particularly in the Southern, Western and Northern Regions. Intensive
crime patrolling takes place across Districts, Divisions and Regions co-ordinated by Regional
Commissioners. These initiatives provide a high visibility Garda presence in the Regions and help in
crime prevention generally.
The Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) became fully operational in September 1997. The unit has a
personnel complement of fifteen trained Garda Observers and nine pilots, seconded from the Irish
Air Corps. The unit provides air support for the Garda service nation-wide over a twenty four-hour
period. The unit operates from Baldonnell Aerodrome and comprises a twin-engine fixed wing
plane, a BN2TS Defender 4000 and a twin-engine helicopter, a Squirrel AS355N. The unit is now
equipped to the highest international spec.
The Garda Air Support Unit is deployed on those tasks where it is considered air support is required
and can be provided. Without the existence of the unit, with their prompt response and high level of
expertise, the number of arrests made at crime scenes would be considerably reduced. During 1999
the unit developed professionally into a very effective support unit and the selection, specification,
equipment specification, and purchase sanction for an additional helicopter was another highlight of
the year.
Two 1999 examples of the expanding role and operational expertise of the GASU are:
1. Fingal Council Officials were brought up by the Garda Air Support Unit to see the extent of the
traffic problems from the air. Videos were then taken of the problem areas and were later viewed
in consultation with the Gardaí and new slip roads are being constructed to provide better traffic
flow.
2. A number of travelling criminals who were responsible for a spate of crimes in Mayo Division
were arrested. The arrests were effected by the Garda Air Support Unit following the effective
communication of information and interception/pursuit of suspects by Mayo Gardaí on Operation
Iarthair and local Mayo District Patrol crews.
A draft constitution and framework for a Police Foundation has been prepared to assist the
introduction of a Police Foundation. During 1999 further work continued on researching and
assessing the setting up of the Foundation.
In 1998 the Garda Mounted Unit was launched. The Unit is based at Áras an Uchtarán and consists
of nine Gardaí and eight horses. The unit perform regular patrols in Dublin and at major events
nation-wide. The unit attracts widespread interest from all sections of the community and is a
valuable resource in providing a high visibility policing service to the public. The Irish Draught
Horse Association generously presented the unit with an Irish draught gelding. Mounted unit
members have gained training qualifications in the UK and with the NYPD and plan to learn from
the expertise of the Mounted Unit of the Hungarian National Police in 2000.
A suitable craft was purchased during 1999 and the new boat – a TARGA 31 and will be delivered
and made operational in 2000. The unit will be based on the river Shannon and will be staffed by
members of the Water Unit and personnel from the Western Region.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Contained in the Equality and Law Reform Strategy Statement 1998 - 2000 are five objectives
relating to An Garda Síochána. They are:
Objective 15 Ensure that An Garda Síochána is adequately resourced in terms of manpower and
equipment to address their mandate in an efficient and effective manner.
An Garda Síochána contributes to this objective by maintaining a properly managed and efficient
transport fleet including specialist support needs and by developing cost effective CCTV monitoring.
The Garda Síochána College training intake has been geared up to meet the Government’s target of
12,000 Gardaí by 2002.
Objective 16 Develop and implement the programme for change arising from the
recommendations of the Report of the Steering Group on the Efficiency and
Effectiveness of the Garda Síochána.
The “Bottom-up” review continued throughout 1999. This will lead to revised operational
and organisational structure for An Garda Síochána resulting in increased efficiency and
effectiveness. Progress is reported on civilianisation, rostering, customer quality service, and IT
PULSE implementation. Progress on the 15 projects is shown at p.20.
Objective 17 Provide An Garda Síochána with modern integrated IT systems to enhance the
efficiency of the Force.
Full implementation of the Garda IT plan is continuing with phased PULSE Project roll-outs and
1999 saw the successful system changeover with no Y2K problems.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
The number of searches carried out under Section 29 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939
during 1999 was 529.
Breakdown of Searches
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
1999 has been the Bureau’s most successful year to date when its full functionality played a major
role in a large range of high-profile investigations and its expertise and talented Garda, multi-agency
and legal team were the catalyst in bringing to justice some of the key criminals involved in
organised crime and drug trafficking.
The Criminal Assets Bureau draws together representatives from the Garda Síochána, Revenue
Commissioners, (both Inland Revenue and Customs Services), and the Department of Social
Community and Family Affairs, under the control of a Garda Chief Superintendent. In general, the
Bureau adopts a proactive approach in the gathering of intelligence and information on known
criminals who are believed to be major players in drugs and serious crime in this jurisdiction.
Therefore, the intelligence gathering mechanisms of all the agencies involved are being optimised
through this multi-agency approach.
The development of the concept of inter-agency co-operation has been a feature of the Garda
approach over the past number of years in tackling various social problems.
The strength of the bureau was increased in 1998 to meet its increased workload and it hosted a
major international conference in 1999 on the restraint, tracing and seizure of illegal assets.
The Criminal Assets Bureau was formed on 31 July 1996. The core objectives of the Bureau as set
out in the Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996 are:
1. the identification of the assets of persons which derive or are suspected to derive, directly or
indirectly, from criminal activity;
2. the taking of appropriate action under the law to deprive or to deny those persons of the assets or
the benefit of such assets, in whole or in part, as may be appropriate; and
3. the pursuit of any investigation or the doing of any preparatory work in relation to any
proceedings arising from the objectives mentioned in paragraphs (1) and (2).
The Bureau has identified appropriate areas for action. A proactive multi-agency approach
is being pursued with the gathering of intelligence and information on known criminals who are
regarded as major players in drugs trafficking and other serious crime in the State.
The creation of the Criminal Assets Bureau as an operational unit within the structures of An Garda
Síochána constitutes a significant re-focusing of operational methods in dealing with criminals
engaged in the illicit drugs trade and serious crime. The Bureau has been
extremely effective to date in the battle against organised crime and public confidence in the ability
of the Gardaí to tackle major criminals has been greatly increased.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Analysis of data in relation to traffic accidents throughout the country highlighted the need to target
particular road traffic offences during the year. The data illustrated that speed, not
wearing seat belts, drunk driving and dangerous driving were key factors in many fatal road traffic
accidents.
Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver was initially launched in to provide a Garda response to these issues. There are
four key offences prioritised for enforcement;
• Exceeding the speed limit;
• Non-wearing of seat belts;
• Drunk driving;
• Dangerous driving.
Operation Lifesaver has attracted considerable media attention and has been received very
favourably by the public. Prior to Operation Lifesaver road deaths had been increasing. From its
launch date road deaths started falling and were down 12 per cent at the end of 1999 compared to
1997. Patrolling schedules have been drawn up in all Garda divisions to ensure that there is high
visibility patrolling and specific static detection time on selected routes.
completion of Form C(T) 68 in respect of each traffic accident which comes to the notice of the
Garda, a copy of which is transmitted to the relevant local authority, provides them with valuable
information on the condition of roads.
The GATSO mobile speed detection system has been in operation in the Dublin Region and on the
periphery of the Dublin Region. It has also been used in different Garda divisions to deal with
speeding problems in particular areas. The Judiciary have been briefed on it’s use. The GATSO
System resulted in 16,870 prosecutions in 1998 and contributed to the massive increase in speeding
detections to 177,000 in 1999 when the number of GATSO mobile units was increased to five with
two in the Dublin Metropolitan Region and one in each of the Eastern, South Eastern and Southern
Regions. Additional speed meters were distributed during the period under review as well as new
laser speed meters.
A strong increase in enforcement of drunk driving legislation took place throughout the year.
A total of 8,757 blood and urine samples were forwarded to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety in
1998 – a 75% increase since 1995. The Garda Road Safety Initiative ran from July 1999 to
November 1999 and included Operations Belt Up, Check-up, Juggernaut and Fare.
Operation Belt-Up
Checkpoints Traffic Unit PSVIs Seat Belt Seat Belt Other
Members Offences FOTS Offences
1761 511 13 11116 5755 8530
Operation Check-Up
Checkpoints Traffic PSVIs Vehicle FOTS Other Seized
Members Offences Offences
1757 443 43 12396 4000 3970 87
Operation Juggernaut
Checkpoints Traffic PSVIs Vehicles Vehicle FOTS Other Seized
Members examined Offences Offences
1034 540 72 15588 12803 2344 4115 122
Operation Fare
Checkpoints Traffic PSVIs Vehicles FOTS PSV Other Seized
Members examined Offences Offences
1176 478 59 12922 1796 632 4023 69
Note: PSV means Public Service Vehicle (taxis, buses mainly). FOTS means fine on the spot notices.
Operation Dóchas
Operation Dóchas commenced in the Dublin Region in October 1996 and continued into 1998 and
1999. The primary objective of the operation is to make substantial inroads into the drug problem
in Dublin through the identification of the critical areas requiring action and the deployment of
Gardaí solely to the operation in those communities. The initiative operates through an overt Garda
presence in these communities and through intelligence driven operations against those people
engaged in illegal drug activity. An underlying principle of Operation Dochas is to attract the
support and assistance of members of the community and engage their participation as a positive
contribution to reducing drug activity in their communities. With the success of Operation
Boulevard and Operation Clean Streets Operation Dochas is under review.
Through Operations Boulevard, Clean Street, Godfrey, Lifesaver, Belt-up, Check-up, Fare, Juggernaut,
Blackwater, Shamrock and a range of other divisional, regional and national operations An Garda
Síochána has shown it has the capacity and ability to respond quickly to any emerging policing
problem.
The NOW (New Opportunities for Women) initiative was funded by the European Union in
partnership with each Member State and aims to promote equal opportunities for women in
vocational training and employment. The first NOW project was completed in 1997. A second
NOW project for An Garda Síochána was approved for 1998 and 1999. Training programmes were
developed for three target groups – managers, trainers, and women – and were delivered over the
project period through a series of one and two day seminars. The project raised awareness of all
members of An Garda Síochána in relation to equality matters, set standards and contributed to
appropriate policy reassessment.
The PULSE (Police Using Leading Systems Effectively) project included the development of a Garda
Central Records System to replace the existing Garda mainframe systems. Year one was completed
in September 1997 and phased roll-outs continued in 1998 and 1999.
During 1999 part of the PULSE team was dedicated to avoiding Y2K problems. All Garda stations in
the DMR and Divisional and District headquarters stations outside the Dublin Region are linked
through Wide Area and Local Area networks using micro-computer equipment. All members of An
Garda Síochána have viewed the PULSE video, received the PULSE information booklets and a
survey of PULSE readiness has been carried out in all Garda divisions.
Additional Garda and Civilian personnel were appointed to the Information Technology Division
during 1998 and 1999 to progress the IT PULSE Project in accordance with the terms of the contract.
Over one hundred personnel are now assigned full time to the PULSE project. Third level IT and
management courses were also provided in 1999.
A case was submitted to Government for the replacement of the present insecure system and the
Government announced in 1998 that a TETRA system would be provided in Ireland. Detailed
planning and specification for the TETRA secure radio system continued during 1999. This
paralleled developments in Europe where police and emergency services were preparing TETRA
system projects. This development is for the entire country and has superceded the planned Dublin
Region system.
The system will take a number of years to install but when it is up and running the Gardaí and
emergency services in Ireland will have a secure service with vastly improved connectivity. It will be
possible for Gardaí in Kerry to talk to Gardaí in Donegal and, in future, for Gardaí in Athlone to talk
to police anywhere in Europe who have a TETRA system. The planned pilot for the TETRA system
will be in the Dublin Region.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
BA in Police Management
The Garda Síochána College was awarded a Certificate of Course Approval for the Bachelor of Arts
Degree in Police Management by the National Council for Educational Awards (NCEA) in December
1996. The BA Degree course is designed to focus on management practices within the Garda
organisation with particular emphasis on strategic management practice. It is available to
Superintendents, Chief Superintendents and to Officers who hold more senior management
positions within the service. At the end of 1999, 18 course participants completed the Core Module
of the course and will graduate in June 2000. Another 15 will participate in the core module in
2000.
The Foundation Module was introduced in September 1999. Applications procedures were
prepared for participants to commence the course at the Foundation Module stage. Applications for
entry to the Core Module in 1999 were invited and accepted. From September 1999, the Foundation
and Core Modules were conducted in accordance with an academic calendar with 15 to18
participants on each module. 18 BA Degree graduates per year are planned from the year 2000.
The examination of the reward structure was completed by the Garda Research Unit late in 1999. It
recommended a range of reforms which are being considered for implementation.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Civilianisation
At the start of 1999, there were 1739 civilians employed in full and part time capacities providing
necessary support services for An Garda Síochána. There are 774 civilian clerical/administrative
personnel. In 1999 it was also planned to recruit civilian financial managers, call takers,
photographers and drivers. In addition to 774 civilian clerical/administration staff, there are a
number of civilian personnel employed by An Garda Síochána:
• 39 in specialist areas, such as information technology, accountancy, research, nursing, teaching,
etc
• 150 full time general operatives, services attendants, storemen and cleaners.
• 626 part-time cleaners and service attendants.
• 150 Traffic Wardens.
The Garda SMI Implementation Team identified over 600 posts which could be civilianised. The
eventual extent of this civilianisation will depend on negotiations with staff, top Garda management
decisions, and provision by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Recruitment intake
In 1999, 550 Trainee Gardaí – 180 women and 370 men – were admitted to the Garda Síochána
College in four groups in January, April, July and October. In March 1999 a new Garda trainee
competition was announced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. A total of 9,000
application forms and information packs were issued by the Admissions and Appointments Office,
HRMR Branch. Of this number, 5,287 candidates lodged application forms with the Civil Service
Commission.
The written tests for Garda applicants were held in September and 1770 were placed as a result of
which 250 were interviewed and selected before the end of 1999. The number of applicants in 1998
and 1999, 6,399 and 5,287 show a high degree of interest in a career in An Garda Síochána during
a labour shortage when prospective employees can be very choosey. Twenty technicians were also
recruited. An Garda Síochána is a very attractive employment destination with a retention rate of 99
per cent. Less than one per cent of our workforce leave before retirement. (Source: Communiqué,
forthcoming)
Since the summer of 1998 a Garda internet web site has been available. The site is updated and
monitored by the Garda Press Office and its scope and usefulness was expanded during 1999. The
technical support is provided by the Garda IT Section. The site can be located on the web at
www.garda.ie. The McCabe Fellowship funded a staff member at John Jay College NY to look at
NYPD web site design, construction, and maintenance.
During 1999 net inward migration increased considerably and Irish demographics became more
multicultural. An Garda Síochána responded appropriately by examining best practice, adapting our
training, by creating a more inclusive culture in the organisation and by including principles of
partnership, inclusivity, respect, values, behaviour standards and individual rights in the Garda
Corporate Strategy 2000 – 2004 and in our Annual Policing Plan 2000. The depth of the work we
have done in respecting individual rights includes:
EASTERN REGION
1999 HIGHLIGHTS: EASTERN GARDA DIVISIONS
RÉIGIÚN AN OIRTHIR
Carlow/Kildare
• Crime was down five per cent with only one serious case of crime against the elderly in 1999
which was detected.
• Fatal road accidents went up from 29 to 31 in 1999.
• Major events policed during 1999: Event Days Crowd
Irish Masters Snooker In Goffs 4 days 20,000
Punchestown Racing Festival 4 days 87,000
Derby Racing Festival 3 days 60,000
European Open Golf 4 days 75,000
• Twelve people representing various groups in the Division were nominated to the Divisional
Quality Service Panel.
• The Division provided data to the Garda Research Unit for research on rape victimisation.
• A high number of detections were made for speeding and drunken driving as part of
high visibility policing in Operation “Lifesaver” and Operation “Eagle”. The GATSO
van was used particularly in accident blackspots. A new unique computer system was designed
and developed in the division to record fines on the spot more efficiently. Carlow/Kildare are the
leaders in this design and implementation and other divisions are anxious to copy this system.
• A new phone system was installed in all the major stations and the division is in the top bracket
for speed of answering and identifying the station.
• Carlow/Kildare worked on devolved budgeting and have all budgeting accounts for
1999 available as required.
• Drug units are operating in Naas, Newbridge and Carlow with good success rates.
• The Divisional Search Team was called out 24 times in 1999 mainly for missing persons.
• The division suffers from residential expansion by metropolitan overspill from the Dublin region.
Laois/Offaly
• Counter telephone call service was improved and recent stickers for telephones will help improve
it further.
• The “ Slí Eile” Project includes Tullamore and Clara in a More Effective Partnership Against Crime
and is funded by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The key objectives of the
project were youth orientated:
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
Longford/Westmeath
• The number of burglaries went down by 2%.
• One drink outlet was closed as a result of a prosecution under the Licensing (Combating Drug
Abuse) Act, 1997.
• A Pilot Initiative for Early School Leavers at Longford is on the drawing board.
• The number of road fatalities was reduced by one from 14 to13 in 1999 and drunken driving and
speeding enforcement was significantly increased.
• Campus Watch was successfully launched at Athlone IT and plans were advanced for a Business
Watch Scheme in Athlone.
• Calling Cards were issued to all members in the Division, a Call Answering Service was provided
and a Divisional Customer Service Panel formed.
Louth/Meath
• The most notable search success in 1999 was the discovery of a training bunker at Stamullen, Co.
Meath. Ten persons were arrested on site. The operations against dissidents will continue.
• Recorded crime showed a further drop of 5% following a 6% decrease in 1998. Crimes against
the elderly were reduced.
• A drug unit has been established at Dundalk and continued co-operation between divisional
personnel and GNDU resulted in large drug seizures. Operation Clean Street has been brought to
provincial centres with success.
• A Divisional Customer Service Manager was appointed and a Divisional Customer User Group
was set up.
• CCTV installation plans for Dundalk Town were moved forward and sites for cameras have been
decided upon and the system will be in place during 2000.
• The Garda Research Unit was given assistance in research into rape and sexual assault.
• Meath Victim Support Branch was launched.
• Campus Watch was launched at Dundalk Institute of Technology.
• Operation Eagle was introduced over the Christmas period to target travelling criminals and
reduce the incidence of speeding and drunk driving. Operation Conifer in Navan/Kells and
Cavan/Monaghan counteracted attacks on the elderly and burglaries.
• There was a greater 1999 emphasis on Community Policing.
• Operation Lifesaver was expanded with GATSO equipment allocated, fixed cameras in
place and Traffic Corps fully committed to the Government Road Safety Strategy.
• Slane Concert was policed efficiently in both 1998 and 1999.
• Ashbourne District is now fully operational.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
DMR East
• A Divisional Traffic Unit was launched on 4th December, 1998 with 2 Sergeants and 10 Gardaí –
1 high visibility 4WD vehicle, six high visibility motorcycles, one Tripod Mounted Laser Speed
Detection Device and two Hand Held Speed Detection Devices. During 1999 they had 30
drunken driving offences, 3000 speeding fine notices and 2000 fine notices for other offences.
The increased enforcement level contributed to a 1999 fall in fatal accidents from 13 to 6.
• Crime in the Division fell by 9% in 1997, by 20% in 1998 and by 8% in 1999. “Operation
Campfire” improved crime detection, recovered stolen property and gathered intelligence on
targeted groups involved in crime.
• Weekly Divisional Conferences with District Superintendents were a key resource in reducing
crime and road fatalities in 1999.
• The DMR East Devolved Budget Annual Report has been commended by Assistant Commissioner
FSCR as a model of how such annual reports should be produced. The weekly overtime report
which we prepare is useful to monitor how overtime is being expended and to take remedial
action in the event of overruns. This Division has had the lowest overrun in 1999 compared with
other Dublin Divisions.
• The Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown Drugs Task Force objectives are to deal with the drugs problem from
a supply and demand point of view.
• The Divisional Customer Panel met several times during 1999 as part of the Quality Service
Action Plan.
• In 1999 areas not covered by Neighbourhood Watch were identified. Seville Place/ Sheriff Street
were selected for the next Neighbourhood Watch, and, for 2000, apartment blocks not covered
by Community Police beats will be considered. Steps to improve the security of the elderly and
identify areas badly affected by graffiti were taken.
• Crime for 1999 decreased by 17 per cent – and the detection rate stands at 42 per cent, a rate
twice as high as the US rate and very high for a city centre division.
• The telephone survey indicated a good response overall from the Division on telephone
answering. A survey was carried out in Store Street between 1st and 15th August, 1999 to
establish the number of telephone calls highlighting the busy periods in a 24 hour cycle and
identifying areas where problems arose, to improve our service further in 2000. A queuing system
at Store Street has worked very successfully with callers being dealt with in privacy and a new
information rack and standard forms has also helped.
• A list of 100 active criminals was compiled and sent to the District service to target prolific
offenders. Increased surveillance increased arrests of our most prolific criminals. The Crime Task
Force targeted disorder hotspots, targeted repeat offenders and focused on larceny from shops and
vehicle thefts.
• A library and index of policing articles and presentations has been established at the Divisional
Training Office in Store Street.
• The proactive drug policy was intensified and pubs and clubs targeted successfully. Improved
contact with statutory and voluntary agencies through
1. the integrated services process,
2. Drugs Task Force and projects operating in the area such as NCCCAP,
3. after schools project,
4. Sean McDermott Street and Sheriff Street Community Groups,
5. through Community Police Forum (at least one meeting with the community from each flats
complex/road/street),
6. and through a focus group meeting held at Store Street on 23/10/99 with representatives from
the four Community Police sectors.
Community representatives have given talks to Community Gardaí on 24/2/99 and 3/3/99.
• Nine members of the Drug Unit are now trained in relevant tactical skills. The seizures of drugs
in the Division were: Heroin 7.5kgs, Cocaine 0.9kgs, Cannabis 23kgs, Ecstasy 559 tablets,
Amphetamines 8kgs, LSD 34 Tabs. Operation Shamrock resulted in the seizure of 7 kilos of
Heroin and £80,000 in March. 159 persons were charged with supply/dealing offences – an
increase of 25% on 1998, up 90% on 1997. Two joint operations with Customs resulted in the
seizure of 5 kilos of cannabis and regular meetings are held with Revenue Commissioners, Social
Community & Family Affairs, Probation Service, and Dublin Corporation. Twenty members were
trained in the Divisional Search Team.
• The targeting of open street dealing by Drug Unit, CTF, and Community Gardaí has practically
eliminated the high profile nature of this activity and has resulted in a change of tactics by the
unit to police the more hidden dealing.
• A new pilot scheme for bench warrants had an excellent execution rate of 66% for 1999.
DMR North
• The Dublin Airport major emergency plan was completely updated in 1999.
• The fatal road accident rate was 11– the same as1998.
• An anti-graffiti initiative to prevent damage to buses was organised jointly with Dublin Bus. Last
year was the first time Dublin Bus provided a service to Ballymun on Halloween after a joint
operation to prevent stone throwing and attacks on bus crews.
• New neighbourhood watch schemes were set up and old ones were reactivated.
• Operation scooter was put in place in the Kilmore area from 26th February, to 1st March with
excellent results.
• A Divisional Quality Manager, D/Inspector Murphy, was appointed.
• A new branch of Victim Support was launched in Santry District.The branch operating in the
Clontarf sub-district extended to the whole Raheny District.
• The division continues to have outstanding success with fingerprints submitted to AFIS – with the
highest hit rates in the country.
• Divisional Traffic Unit was set up in June 1999 and had the highest arrest rate in the city for drink
driving over the Christmas period and was complimented by the Regional Assistant
Commissioner.
• There was a 13% reduction in crime and an above average detection rate of 46%.
• Satisfaction with DMR North phone answering was 90.9 compared to 89.1 nationally.
• The Divisional Policing Plan reflects the views and ideas of all members on the ground including
civilian personnel, in this way there was more ownership of the local plans and a greater
commitment to its objectives. The overall assessment of the plan has shown that it works
extremely well.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
• Full advantage was taken of the CCTV cameras in Temple Bar and CCTV expansion is at an
advanced stage of installation.
• Fatal accidents in the Division in 1999 fell from 13 to 8, a decrease of 5. 352 were arrested for
drunken driving in 1999, compared with 323 in 1998 and road traffic operations implemented
during 1999 were Operation Juggernaut, Belt Up, Godfrey, Fare, and Operation Check Up.
• A Divisional Quality Service Customer Panel was launched – and a Divisional Customer Manager
was appointed.
• The introduction of PULSE is receiving the fullest co-operation.
• Three 1999 murders in the ‘A’ District and a fourth on the 27.12.98 had a high level of resources
devoted to clearing them up and the trial of four for the murder of Josie Dwyer in 1996 started in
October 1999.
• Major events to be policed in 1999 were a fireworks display on the river Liffey, nine full Rugby
Internationals, six full Soccer Internationals and two concerts at Lansdowne Road – and three
concerts in the RDS.
• Good progress was made during 1999 with outstanding detections and drug seizures and other
personal achievements by individual members – the Division was in a healthy state at the end of
1999.
DMR South
• The pilot scheme at Tallaght Garda Station to reduce complaints against members has been an
unqualified success with complaints down by 40%.
• Crime is down by 10% – the third year in a row to show a decrease in reported crime. The
detection rate for the Division is 35%.
• DMR South scored well in the phone survey on the aspects of identifications of Station and giving
the Garda’s name where it was the top Division in the country.
• Three meetings of the Divisional Customer Service Panel have been held.
• In keeping with the Victims Charter which was recently published by the Minister for Justice,
Equality & Law Reform, each operational Garda carries a name card so that victims of crime are
made aware of the name, telephone number and station of the investigating member.
• Traffic management is now a top priority keeping traffic flowing.
• A total of 5,440 speeding fine notices were issued, 733 summonses were applied for and drunk
driving arrests were made to improve road safety.
• The Integrated Services Project is now well established in West Tallaght with KEY and Deonach,
and a European Structural Funds Project in Jobstown.
• Community Policing has now been revamped with a full time unit of 1 Inspector, 4 Sergeants and
21 Gardaí allocated to the task. Already this initiative is paying dividends: an Inter-agency Action
Plan is being put in place with the first meeting due to take place in February 2000.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
DMR West
• Community Gardaí have been assigned to town beats in Leixlip, Lucan, Neilstown, Liffey Valley
Shopping Centre, Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Ladyswell, Drumheath, Corduff, Sheepmore
and smaller shopping centres in the Division.
• Each new estate when it is built and completed is visited by Community Gardaí and encouraged
to set in place Neighbourhood Watch Scheme. Community Gardaí perform a beat in Finglas
Village. The Community Gardaí are the visible part of our “Dochas” approach to drugs.
• The street value of drugs seized amounted to £4,513,740 consisting mainly of heroin and
Cannabis – and £140,500 cash. Operation Clean Street is used to target all drugs offenders and
small time sellers and distributors. An operation has been on-going in the past 12 months to
target the drug pushing in the Neilstown area. Drugs couriers were arrested and a large quantity
of drugs were recovered with a street value of £1,178,000. 134 houses were searched and 52
persons were charged with possession of drugs with intent to supply. Street dealing is more
prevalent in Ballyfermot sub-district.
• Operation Clean Street was used in April and June 1999 with positive results and 12 arrests.
In October Operation Lawns was initiated in Ballyfermot with these results
1. Possession, Section 23 MDA 233 Arrests.
2. Supply, Section 3 & 15 MDA 5 Arrests.
3. Public Order 25 Arrests.
In addition, 57 houses were searched, with 89 arrests and 20 people being charged and 27
summonsed.
• Consideration is being given to establishing a Garda First Point of Contact initiative with the
Eastern Regional Health Authority. This would involve assisting known drug users in seeking
rehabilitation assistance from the Health Authority. It would be primarily used where drug users
come into contact with the Gardaí for the first time.
• Council Officials were brought up by the Garda Air Support Unit to see traffic problems from the
air. Videos were then taken of the problem areas and later viewed in consultation with the
Gardaí. New slip roads are being put in place on the M50 and the Council will close the Oval
after Easter, 2000. This will help N4 traffic movement.
• Fatal accidents in Dublin West went down from 21 in 1997 to 17 in 1999 and the Divisional
Traffic Unit – two Sergeants and 10 Gardaí – seized close to 200 Section 41 vehicles; dangerous
and defective vehicles.
• Special operations such as “Fare”, “Juggernaut” and “Belt Up” reduced accidents and made buses
safer.
• Discussion Forums involving Dublin Corporation, Fingal Co. Council and elected representatives
now address local issues. GRAFT is still a very vital project in the community as is the Tower
Project in North Clondalkin. The WEB project ran in Blanchardstown – diverting young people
from crime – and the FAN project in Finglas South. Antisocial behaviour and disorder is now
being addressed through education as well as enforcement.
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• The trial of Brian Meehan for the murder of Veronica Guerin concluded
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with his conviction and sentencing. John Gilligan was brought before
the Irish Courts.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
NOR
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Cavan/Monaghan
• During 1999 the division increased the level of Gardaí involved in crime prevention initiatives
and improved the service to the victims of crime.
• Drugs misuse problems were identified and a co-ordinated strategy in preventing and fighting
drugs misuse was developed. The Divisional Drugs Unit was further developed by training
additional members in surveillance and suspect handling and a preventative strategy to reduce
street drug dealing was implemented in 1999.
• Liaison with RUC on prolific offenders in each jurisdiction likely to offend in the other was
improved.
• Call cards for each member of the Division were issued.
• Financial structures were developed to monitor and control systems in the following areas,
1. Transport cost
2. Travelling expenses
3. Subsistance allowance
4. Electricity costs
5. Heating costs
6. Telephone costs.
Donegal
• Prolific offenders have been identified and targeted.
• The Division has a record of thorough enforcement of anti-drugs legislation with a
D/Superintendent appointed to co-ordinate all anti-drugs activities. A trained Divisional Drugs
Unit has been established who target known dealers particularly with overt operations where
dealing takes place. Known dealers are being stopped and searched on every occasion they are
suspected of being in possession of illegal substances.
• Each vulnerable elderly citizen is visited by members on patrol as a means of assuring them of a
Garda presence in their area.
Sligo/Leitrim
• 1999 has been an exceptional period with three murder investigations and six cases of rape and
with many members deployed on major investigations the detection rate of 35% shows a
decrease from the 1998 figures. The division had 14 fatal traffic accidents, an increase of 6 over
1998 figures. With Operation “Twilight” there were no attacks on the elderly
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
• The Division scored highly in the telephone answering survey with a high customer satisfaction
rating.
• The Divisional Quality Service Customer Panel is now in place and a Customer Charter is in
place in Sligo District.
SOUT
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1999 HIGHLIGHTS IN SOUTH EASTERN GARDA DIVISIONS.
RÉIGIÚN AN OIR-DHEISCIRT
Tipperary
• The detection rate for Tipperary Division stands at 58%, which is the second highest detection
rate in the country (jointly with Waterford/Kilkenny). The aim in the Divisional Policing Plan to
maintain a detection rate of 55% was achieved and exceeded.
• Crime in 1999 fell marginally after a 1998 fall of 10%. The recorded crime for 1999 stands at
1468, a reduction of 5 crimes.
• Road fatalities in the Division for 1999 totalled sixteen, a reduction of six on 1998. Drink
Driving, Speed and Safety Belt offences received attention during the year with increased
detections in all categories.
• In 1999, drugs prosecutions reached 102 compared to 117 for 1998.
• A major extension and refurbishment at Thurles Station was completed during the year and
improvement and maintenance at other stations is continuing.
• A personnel carrier issued to Clonmel in 1999 is effective in policing public disorder.
Waterford/Kilkenny
• The divisional Plan set a target of a 20% increase in detection and prosecution of illegal drug
offences. The number of seizures of illegal drugs increased from 465 in 1998 to 607 in
1999 – a 30% increase.
• Of even greater significance is the increase in dealing detections from 30 to 67 – an increase of
123%.
• The crime detection rate in the Division continues very high – 57% in 1997, 60% in 1998 and
58% in 1999.
• Fatalities declined from 20 in 1998 to 15 in 1999, an additional Traffic Corps Unit of 1 and 3 was
established at Dungarvan and significant strides have been made in having a fully computerised
road traffic enforcement system. Serious injury casualties declined from 87 to 72 which is the
lowest on record. Serious injury casualties have almost halved since 1993 from 136 to 72 and
Operation “Blitz” was very successful.
Drunk Driving Arrests F.O.S. Speeding Summary Traffic Prosecutions
1998 463 8,544 18,768
1999 506 9,687 17,432
• The Waterford/Kilkenny Divisional Quality Service Panel is now in place.
Wexford/Wicklow
• Fatalities on the road dropped from 40 to 24 in 1999.
• Crime in early 1999 increased strongly with vacant holiday homes an easy target for criminals
during a time when increased resources were applied to the increase in asylum seekers at
Rosslare Port. The divisional crime prevention initiative, Operation Baseline, and the restructuring
of the Crime Unit in Wexford District proved effective in halting the increase in crime during the
rest of the year leaving a 10% overall crime increase for 1999.
• 1999 was marked by a number of notable successful drug seizures. A good working relationship
exists with Customs Officers at Rosslare. Indeed, one of the notable successes during the year
involved a drug seizure at Rosslare Port which was allowed to proceed in a controlled delivery to
Dublin involving Gardaí from Wexford Drugs Unit with the support of local Customs Officers
and Gardaí from the Garda National Drugs Unit. A number of drug dealers from the Dublin area
were arrested and will be appearing before the Courts. The Wexford Drugs Unit was established
and rotation of personnel on the unit generates healthy competition, particularly amongst the
younger members who would like to develop into these areas.
• Bree Community Alert won the Regional Chubb Award for the best overall Community Alert
Scheme in the South Eastern Region. A presentation involving some of the participants in the
Scheme and local Gardaí was held at Wexford Station.
• Two community relations projects from the Division were nominated for funding.
• The Port of Rosslare has witnessed a significant increase in the number of foreign nationals
seeking political asylum during the year. During 1999 a total of 698 persons at the Port sought
political asylum – an increase of 85% over 1998. In addition 100 other persons were refused
leave to land and returned to the country from which they came. Immigration duties continue to
impose a significant drain on resources with as many as nine sailings a day during the Summer
season. The possibility of installing CCTV at the Port is currently being examined.
• An intensive operation, “Operation Blackwater” targeted dissident Republicans. During the
operation a significant arms find included a home made rocket launcher, ammunition for a
Barrett Light Fifty heavy rifle, two pounds of Semtex, three hand guns and ammunition, plastic
tubing, fittings for a rocket launcher and diagrams for a rocket launcher. A man arrested was
subsequently charged.
• A two-day inter-agency co-operation seminar involving the Gardaí and the Health Board in
November 1999 in Wexford gave everyone a greater appreciation of each other’s role in helping
victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence and in providing a professional, more integrated
and supportive service.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
SOUT
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Cork City
• Crime shows a decrease of 9% over 1998 figures.
• ‘Fast Tracking’ habitual criminals through the courts and the establishment of briefing stations in
each of the District HQ stations where quality-briefing packages were prepared daily contributed
strongly to reduced crime.
• The contract for the CCTV System for Cork City was awarded in November 1999 and the project
will commence in 2000.
• Resources to deal with public order problems were allocated and An Garda Síochána and Bus
Eireann worked closely to reduce public order problems associated with buses.
• A Victim Support study was completed and recommendations implemented.
• The Divisional Drugs Unit had drug seizures valued at £3.75 million during 1999. Interaction
with the SHB, an excellent partnership with GNDU, a close relationship with CAB, a successful
joint operation with Customs, obligations of nightclub under current legislation communicated to
them personally, 845 drugs possession prosecutions and 173 prosecutions for supplying marks
1999 as a high water mark in drugs enforcement in Cork City.
• Uniform personnel were rotated in operations to the Drug and Crime Units giving them valuable
operational experience in these areas.
• Public Order assaults were linked to late night drinking in night clubs but co-operation has been
forthcoming and a high level of inspections took place.
• Fatal accidents are down 3 on 1998 figures, 24,700 fine on the spot notices were issued for
speeding and other offences and 460 drunken drivers were arrested during 1999.
• Cork’s Operation Freeflow was continued throughout 1999 and ensured that traffic received
priority at peak times at important and high visibility junctions. This enhanced the public
perception of the Gardaí and resulted in a very positive response from the public in this area.
This successful operation will continue in 2000.
• The emergency plan incorporating the opening of the Lee Tunnel was completed in co-operation
the local authority and Southern Health Board.
• The Traffic Office is now dealing with monies in the region of £0.75m. – increased monies
received for on the spot fines. To ensure efficient handling of these monies an audit process is
now in operation.
• The First Phase Rollout of PULSE was progressed and made operational and a divisional
implementation plan put in place for training.
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• The Divisional Customer Panel was set up and is addressing issues. n
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• Cue Call, a new system, to answer and ensure quality response to telephone
calls was received at the Communication Room and will be in place in
2000.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
• A 24-hr Garda presence to improve Garda response in Carrigaline, Douglas, Blackrock and
Bishopstown was achieved completely during 1999 with the help of additional personnel
allocated to the division in 1999.
• There is still a considerable amount of munitions available to subversive elements but the level of
their activity has dropped.
Cork North
• Two people less were killed on the roads of North Cork during 1999. In 1999, twenty people
died in 14 fatal accidents and twenty-two died in 18 fatal accidents in 1998.
• Crime in Cork North Division, Fermoy, Mallow, Midleton and down to Youghal, was 12 per cent
less in 1999 – down from 1610 in 1998 to 1415 in 1999. The detection rate for both years was
one of the highest in the country at 55 per cent.
• This reduction in crime follows from a broad range of Divisional anti-crime measures such as
regular crime conferences, increased training in incident room management, a Divisional Briefing
Package for all members, an increase in quality intelligence to Collators, a focused crime
prevention effort, increased training for Liaison Gardaí, more members trained in drugs
enforcement with the Cork Drug Squad, and major drug seizures at Araglen and Kilworth and
other seizures at Charleville, Rathcormac and Fermoy.
Cork West
• Road fatalities fell from 20 deaths in 1998 to 13 in 1999 based on a strongly increased
enforcement level: drunken driving detections went up from 65 in 1998 to 99 in 1999 and
speeding detection fine notices system rose from 2300 in 1998 to 3226 in 1999.
• Another major drugs importation seizure was made in 1999 at Schull in September. All vessels
moored and kept in the Division have now been registered on Garda files. The Inter-District
Drugs operation continued until the commencement of Operation “Long Nights” and had
successes in Bandon and Macroom resulting in the arrest of local drug dealers. Other notable
highlights to date this year have been the successful convictions of Michael Tune and John
O’Toole and the finding of 1,000 kilos of Cannabis in Naas.
• All PULSE timetables were adhered to during 1999.
• All Community Schemes were reviewed and are active and progressive.
• Crime went up by 4% in 1999 and only a few attacks on the elderly were committed and the
culprits were arrested for these. Crime had been increasing strongly by about 24 per cent in the
early part of the year but a very strong policing performance by the division reversed that trend
during the year and an eventual outurn of plus 4% was an excellent result.
• The core in-service training presentation was delivered to 88% of Gardaí in this Division during
1999 which signifies a good overall attendance for the In-Service programme. All probationer
Gardaí received quality training.
Kerry
• The divisional crime level was reduced by 6% and the divisional detection rate increased by 2%
and 1999 was marked by a number of very high profile and successful drug seizures and
convictions.
• The Divisional Investigation and Search Teams were updated.
• Speeding notices issued increased by 58% and there was a 51% increase in Drunk Drivers
arrested – a very strong increase in enforcement level.
• High levels of satisfaction with telephone answering service were recorded in the phone survey
throughout the Division.
• A new Business Watch was set up in Castleisland and Campus Watch at Tralee RTC.
• Victim Support was initiated in Tralee and Killarney.
• There was no physical attack on the elderly in Kerry in 1999.
• Operation Deiscirt and Operation Longnights were designed to prevent serious recidivist activity,
burglary and crime against the elderly.
• Tenders for monitoring Tralee’s CCTV system were received.
Limerick
• Crime trends for 1999 show an overall reduction of 4% with Limerick City down 6%. Crime
blackspots and trends were targeted during the year.
• In the two City Districts Gardaí on beat and mobile patrols swept through estates and black spot
areas at irregular intervals and received a favourable public response where the patrols;
1. Fostered public confidence.
2. Prevented crime.
3. Had the desired effect on road users.
• A Community Policing Sergeant was appointed in Limerick to co-ordinate Community Gardaí
working in the City.
• Specifications for CCTV in Limerick City Centre were addressed in 1999.
• The division had 22 fatal traffic accidents in 1999 – one more than in 1998.
• The Limerick Garda Quality Service Panel was set up and
• Victim support achieved a marked increase in support given – thanks to the Liaison Inspector.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
WES
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1999 HIGHLIGHTS FROM WESTERN DIVISIONS.
RÉIGIÚN AN IARTHAIR
Clare
• Divisional crime fell by 18% during 1999, down from 1,101 crimes in 1998 to 901 crimes in
1999.
• The Ennis Branch of Victim Support was established during 1999.
• A Divisional Customer Panel for Quality Service was established and satisfaction with how phone
queries were handled in Clare was 90%, higher than the average of 89.1%
• Operation Cuairteoirí, set up for the Summer period, was successful in combating tourist related
crime.
• Mobile crime patrols countered travelling criminals and Operation Iarthair ran from 18th
November (scheduled to end on the 17th January 2000) proved to be effective.
• Operation Rees consisted of members from the Clare Division, the Garda National Drug Unit and
the Criminal Assets Bureau. This was set up with a clear target and a clear objective. There has
been a sustained enforcement of the Misuse of Drugs Act and the unit has targeted big drug
dealers.
• Co-operation was high between Clare and neighbouring divisions. This was highlighted during
December following the murder of Christopher Cybulla in Newport, Co Tipperary (Clare
Division).
• The Major Accident Plan was updated in 1999.
• An unmarked Camera Car was put in use by the Divisional Traffic Corps who continue to have a
high return of Fines on the Spot for Speeding Offences. Nine were killed on the roads in the
Division, an increase of two over 1998.
Galway West
• Crime in Galway West was down by 1 per cent in 1999, down from 2226 to 2193, up marginally
in Galway City and down in rural Galway districts. Thefts from cars were prioritised.
• An improved call-back system for victims was introduced.
• The Divisional Drugs Unit was expanded, and more than doubled in size.
• High-profile patrols of estates were introduced.
• Operation Fionn successfully targeted those who prey on the elderly.
• Road accident fatalities, at 18, were the same as 1998 and 64 people were seriously injured
compared to 63 in 1998. Road accidents in the division increased by close to 25 per cent and
the fact that neither fatalities nor seriously injured numbers reflect that increase is down to a
focused and increased speeding and traffic enforcement effort in the division and
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• Galway West excelled with the highest satisfaction rating in the country
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Mayo
• A number of travelling criminals who were responsible for a spate of crimes in the Division were
arrested. The arrests were effected by the Garda Air Support Unit following the effective
communication of information and interception/pursuit of suspects by members on Operation
Iarthair and local District Patrol crews.
• An Intoxiliser Machine was put in use in 1999 and training was provided. It is proving successful
and has overcome the difficulties of getting the services of a doctor during the night hours in
some Districts.
• Mayo Division featured highly in the recent Garda Quality Bureau Report on the Telephone
Survey. A standardised telephone answering procedure has been introduced and stickers with the
procedures are on all phones.
• Mayo Gardaí were highly complimented for the way they operated the Major Emergency Plan at
Belmullet on 1/4/99.
• Referrals to Victim Support have increased but there is still room for improvement.
• A Fraud Seminar was organised during 1999 for business owners and banks.
• Public order patrols were introduced with the local Districts and Chief Fire Officer.
• The Divisional Investigation Teams were successful arresting and bringing to justice two members
of a gang who were responsible for at least thirty crimes in the Division.
• Full use is being made of the 4 X 4 Isusu Jeep with operations throughout the Division such as
Operation Fionn and Iarthair, Operations Belt Up, Fare and Juggernaut. Operation Fionn and
Iarthair proved effective in curbing attacks on the elderly.
• One Garda is being detailed for Patrol Car during day light hours – to place more emphasis on
foot patrols to show a greater Garda presence on our streets in response to the Public Attitudes
Survey findings. The Garda Quality Customer Service Action Plan is being implemented
throughout the Division.
• Road accident black spots are monitored and enforcement levels are up. The introduction of the
Intoxiliser and a Joint booklet, ‘Road Safety Together – Plan for County Mayo’ was produced by
Mayo County Council and Gardaí and teachers to reduce the rate of accidents in the County.
Roscommon/Galway East
• Two part time drug units started in Ballinasloe and Tuam during 1999 had success in curbing
dealing.
• Operations “Fionn” and “Lifesaver” checkpoints were manned.
• The 1999 survey showed satisfaction from the public with how Roscommon/Galway East Garda
dealt with phone calls.
• During 1999 a number of cattle dealers residing in this Division were investigated for stealing
cattle and sheep in the area.
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AN GARDA SêOCHçNA EVALUATION OF AN GARDA SêOCHçNA POLICING PLAN 1999
INDEX
A CCTV System, 55 Criminal Assets Bureau Act 1996, 37
Acmhainn luachmhar, 3 CCTV system extension, 26 Criminal cases, 25
Activity Analysis, 29 Ceamaraí socraith agus, 38 Criminal Justice Act, 25
Additional Garda, 41 Certificate Approval, 42 Criminal Justice Bill drafting of new, 20
Aidhmeanna na heagraíochta don tréimhse Certificate of Course Approval, 42 Criminal Justice Management, 42
soiléir, 3 Chief Fire Officer, 59 Criminal justice system, 20
Air Support Unit, 4, 6, 8, 33 Child abuse investigation of reports of Cuardacha airm agus pléascáin
Aithint ag céim luath agus trí iad, 5 suspected, 24 Críochnaigh clár nua, 36
Anailís ar agus gníomhaigh ar, 31 Chiontóirí torthúla Dírigh ar, 24 Cuir feabhas ar shábháilteacht ar, 38
Annual Policing Plan, 8, 44 Chlár bliantiúil agus teascán, 41 Cuspóirí Seachadaigh, 35
Aonaid éifeachta táirgeachta, 3 Chuige níos dírithe chuig póilíniú ag gach, 3 Customer satisfaction, 5
Appointments Office B Branch, 43 Ciarán Conlon, 26 Customer service initiatives, 5
Assist National Crime Council, 34 Citizen Group Liaison, 22 Customs Officers, 54
Assistant Commissioner, 28 City Districts Gardaí, 57
Assistant Commissioner Finance, 26 Civil Service Commission, 43 D
Association of Asylum Seekers, 47 Civil strife, 35 Data Network Contract, 8
Association of Refugees/Asylum Seekers, 47 Civilian personnel, 41 Database of policing presentations, 26
Asylum political, 54 Civilianisation, 35, 43 Deloitte & Touche Management Consultants, 29
Athchóirithe Dlí Comhionnannais agus, 3, 35 Closed Circuit Television system installation of, Department of JELR Strategy Statement
Athchúrsáil oibríochtaí rathúla cosúil le 26 Garda objectives of, 6, 35
Athchruthaigh agus, 40 Coastal Watch, 31 Department of Justice, 35, 45
Athruithe tar éis luathaithe scóip, 5 Coireacht eagraithe ngleic le, 37 Department of Social Welfare, 37
Coireachta síos, 3 Deputy Commissioner, 28
B Commissioner of Garda Siochana, 44 D'fhás Biúró Náisiúnta Cailíochta, 3
BA Degree, 42 Communication service, 27 Dhul chun cinn ó Achoimre Réigiúnach ar, 1
BA Degree course, 42 Community Alert Programmes, 27 Director of CrimeStoppers, 25
Bachelor of Arts Degree, 8, 42 Community Alert Scheme, 54 District headquarters, 41
Baile átha Cliath Láir Thuaidh agus Láir, 26 Community Gardaí, 23, 48 Divisional Crime Prevention Officer, 27
Baldonnell Aerodrome, 33 Co-ordinate, 57 Divisional Customer Panel, 47, 55, 58
Barrett Light Fifty, 36, 54 Community Police Sergeants, 47 ,57 Divisional Customer Panels, 21, 22
Beaga anuas agus léiríonn mór le blianta, 5 Community Policing, 22 Divisional Customer Service Manager, 46
Bhaineann sé le cláracha nua le hacmhainní, Community Policing Unit, 47, 49 Divisional Customer Service Panel, 46, 50
29 Community Relations, 8, 26, 28 Divisional Customer Service Panels, 4
Bhaitsiléir Ealaíne forbairt ar, 42 Community Relations contribution, 28 Divisional Customer User Group, 46
Bheith ina bhuntáiste le coir, 3 Community Relations Programmes, 27 Divisional Drugs Unit, 52, 55, 58
Bhfuil dóchais agus riachtanais ag ár Community Relations Section, 28 Divisional Investigation Teams, 59
gcustaiméirí, 3 Computer crime, 27 Divisional Officer, 7
Bhreis oibríochtaí réamhghníomhacha, forbairt Computer fraud, 25 Divisional Policing Plan, 7, 49
ar, 32 Computer manufacturing, 27 Divisional Quality Customer Service Panels, 21
Bhuntáiste le coir bheith ina, 3 Córais Braite Luas Gatso mbóthair le breis, 38 Divisional Quality Service Customer Panel, 46,
Biúró Náisiúnta Cáilíochta Seirbhíse suite, 3 Core Module, 42 50, 53
Biúró Náisiúnta Tráchta mbóthair le, 38 Core Module of course, 42 Divisional Quality Service Managers, 21
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, 51 Core Modules, 42 Divisional Quality Service Panel, 45, 51
BN2TS Defender, 33 Cork City, 55 Divisional Quality Service Teams, 21
Bottom-up review, 35 Cork Drug Squad, 56 Divisional Search Team, 45, 48
Bottom-UP Review Group, 19 Cork North Division, 56 Divisional Traffic Corps, 58
Branch, Assistant Commissioner C, 26 Cork's Operation Freeflow, 55 Divisional Traffic Unit, 47, 51
Bree Community Alert, 54 Corporate Strategy Document, 4 Divisional Training Office, 48
Bureau of Road Safety, 39 Correspondence Register, 22 DMR East Devolved Budget Annual Report, 47
Business Watch Scheme, 46 Council of Europe programme, 44 Dóchais agus riachtanais ag ár gcustaiméirí
Crime detection, 26 bhfuil, 3
C Crime figures, 28 Domestic Violence, 23
Call Answering Service, 46 Crime Forum Cuidigh leis, 34 Drug activity, 40
Camera Car, 58 Crime prevention, 26, 27, 33 Drug problem, 32, 40
CCTV, 7, 35 Crime prevention advice, 27 Drug Unit, 48
CCTV cameras, 26, 50 Crime rate, 4 Drugaí ngleic le mí-úsáid, 31
CCTV coverage, 6, 8, 26 Crime Task Force, 48 Drugs awareness, 31
CCTV installation plans, 46 CrimeStoppers initiative, 25 Drugs field, 32
CCTV system, 26 Criminal assets, 8, 6, 8, 25, 37 Drugs menace, 32
Drugs trade, 25, 37 G Garda Síochána, 2, 3, 4, 19, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28,
Drugs worth, 8 Garda Air Support Unit, 33, 51, 59 29, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 44
Drunk driving, 38, 46 Garda approach, 6, 30, 35, 37 Garda Síochána Annual Policing Plan, 7
Drunk driving legislation, 39 Garda Bureau of Fraud Investigation, 8, 25 Garda Síochána Annual Report, 7, 23
Dublin, 4, 27, 34, 40, 54 Garda Central Records System, 41 Garda Síochána College, 4, 6, 21, 42, 43, 44
Dublin Airport major emergency plan, 48 Garda Chief Superintendent, 37 Garda Síochána College library, 26
Dublin Bus, 49 Garda College, 4, 6, 21, 24, 42, 43 Garda Síochána College training intake, 35
Dublin Chamber of Commerce, 25 Garda College library, 26 Garda Síochána Complaints Board, 49
Dublin Corporation, 48, 51 Garda Corporate Strategy, 4, 44 Garda Síochána Financial Management
Dublin Divisions, 47 Garda Corporate Strategy2000-2004, 8 Framework, 29
Dublin Garda Divisions, 47 Garda Customer Charter, 21 Garda Siochana Human Rights Initiative, 44
Dublin Metropolitan Region, 32, 39 Garda David Kelly, 23 Garda Síochána Organisation Development
Dublin Metropolitan Region districts, 16 Garda Districts, 24 Unit, 16
Dublin Metropolitan Region Headquarters, 32 Garda divisions, 26, 38, 39, 41 Garda Síochána Policing Plan, 4, 5
Dublin NC, 6, 26 Garda Dublin Metropolitan Area Network Garda Síochána prioritise, 4
Dublin North Central, 7 Project, 27 Garda Síochána Quality Service Action Plan, 20
Dublin Region, 6, 22, 27, 32, 39, 40, 41 Garda Dublin Metropolitan Region Network Garda Síochána tús áite, 3
Dublin Region Headquarters, 28 Project, 27 Garda Síochána's Annual Policing Plan, 4
Dublin Region system, 41 Garda effectiveness, 22 Garda sites, 27
Dublin Region Voice, 8 Garda Establishment Reallocation Model, 29 Garda SMI Implementation Steering Group, 5
Dublin SC, 6, 26 Garda Establishment Redistribution Model, 29, Garda SMI Implementation Team, 43
Dublin West, 51 30 Garda SMI Steering Group, 19
Dundalk Institute of Technology, 46 Garda First Point of Contact initiative, 51 Garda staff, 5
Dundalk Town, 46 Garda fleet, 23 Garda Stations, 21, 22, 41
Dunlaoghaire/Rathdown Drugs Task Force Garda Headquarters, 4, 34 Garda strength, 23
objectives, 47 Garda Human Resource Allocation Model, 29 Garda Superintendents, 42
Garda Human Resource Model, 29 Garda Trainers, 23
E Garda Human Rights Initiative, 28, 44 Garda Victim Liaison Officer, 24
Early School Leavers, 46 Garda Human Rights Office, 44 Garda visibility, 6,, 33 34
Eastern Regional Health Authority, 51 Garda internet web site, 43 Garda Web Site, 8
Education, 38 Garda investigation procedures, 24 Gatso speed detection system, 6, 38, 39
Educational Awards, 42 Garda mainframe systems, 41 Gcaithfidh siad seo feabhas leanúnach, 3
Effectiveness of Garda Síochána, 6, 19, 35 Garda mainframe Systems, 41 Gcoibhneas idir dhrugaí agus choireacht, 31
Egan, Assistant Commissioner Joseph, 34 Garda Mounted Unit, 4, 8, 34 Gcoir taifeadta agus le méadú, 3
éifeachtacht iomlán póilínithe, 3 Garda National Bureau of Criminal GComhairle Náisiúnta Coireachta agus le
Emergency services, 41 Investigation, 8 Fóram na, 34
Ennis Branch of Victim Support, 58 Garda National Drugs Unit, 8, 31, 32, 54, 58 Gelding Irish draught, 34
EU Tampere Council, 28 Garda National Quality Bureau, 4, 21 Gharda de chuid Ráiteas Straitéiseach na
Europe, 41 Garda National Quality Service Bureau, 4, 8 Roinne, 35
European Structural Funds Project, 50 Garda National Traffic Bureau, 4, 6, 38 Gharda Síochána agus comhlíonann sé patróláil
European Union, 40 Garda Observers, 33 rialta, 3
Evaluation of Neighbourhood Policing, 8 Garda organisation, 42 Gharda Síochána agus cuir le Máistir Ealaíona,
Garda phone service, 6, 27 42
F Garda presence, 33, 40 Gharda Síochána agus foilsigh Plean
Feabhas ar fhaire theilifíse ciorcaid iata Cuir, 26 Garda Press Office, 43 Gníomhaíochta Seirbhís, 21
Feabhas ar shábháilteacht ar cuir, 38 Garda protection, 25 Gharda Síochána agus na céadta Gardaí
Feidhmiú Tuarascáil Ghrúpa Stiúrtha Cuir tús le, Garda Quality Bureau Report, 59 dícheallacha, 3
19 Garda Quality Bureau survey of telephone Gharda Síochána agus póilíniú phobail, 27
Financial institutions, 25 responses of Gardaí, 22, 27 Gharda Síochána ar Éifeachtacht agus ar
Financial Management Framework, 8 Garda Quality Customer Service Action Plan, 4, Fheidhmiúlacht, 19
Fingal Council Officials, 33 6, 21, 22, 23, 59 Gharda Síochána chun deich n-eochar
Firearms, 8 Garda Quality Programme, 6, 21 tosaíocht póilínithe, 5
First Phase Rollout of PULSE, 55 Garda Quality Service, 21 Gharda Síochána lonnaithe, 3
Fizgibbon Street areas, 26 Garda Quality Service Action Plan, 21, 22 Glacadh isteach na hoiliúna agus Méadaigh ar,
Forbairt ar bhreis oibríochtaí Garda Quality Service Bureau, 8, 22 43
réamhghníomhacha, 32 Garda Quality Service Bureau survey of Glacadh isteach na sibhialtaigh, 43
Forensic Science Laboratory, 23 telephone responses, 27 Government commitment of wide range of, 5
Form C, 39 Garda Research Unit, 23, 28, 31, 42, 45, 46 Government Buildings, 28
Foundation Module, 42 Garda response, 38 Government Road Safety Strategy, 46
Foundation Module stage, 42 Garda response times, 22 Government's target, 35
Garda Road Safety Initiative, 39 Gréasáin web site Oscail láithreán, 43
Garda Schools Programme, 31 Grúpa Stiúrtha Forfheidhmiú TBS, 5
Garda service, 6, 7, 8, 29, 33
Policing Plan runs, 7 Seo eagraíocht atá ar fheabhas ina TETRA system, 41
Policing Service, 34 mheastóireacht, 5 TETRA system projects, 41
Political asylum, 54 Seoladh ceannann céanna, 28 Thabhairt dá gcuid riachtanais agus tá áthas, 3
Prevention of Cruelty, 23 Seville Place Sheriff Street, 48 Thionscnaimh Deiseanna Nua déan
Príomha trí fadhbanna, 5 Sexual assault, 23 meastóireacht ar, 40
Prioritise Garda Síochána, 4 Sexual Assault Investigation Unit, 23 Tionscnamh Bhainistíocht Straitéiseach
Probation Service, 48 Sheirbhís custaiméirí le sásamh chustaiméara Thosaigh athbhreithniú struchtúrtha faoin, 3
Provide Garda Síochána, 35 tionscnamh, 5 Tionscnamh Bhainistíocht Straitéiseach atá
Provision of suitable offices, 35 Shuaimhneas le póilíniú ard-infheictheacht agus tógra ar, 5
Public confidence, 25, 37 lean leis, 24 Tionscnamh sheirbhís custaiméirí le sásamh
Public satisfaction, 7 Siad seo feabhas leanúnach gcaithfidh, 3 chustaiméara, 5
Public Satisfaction, 21 Síos coireachta, 3 Tipperary Division, 28
Public Service Vehicle, 39 Slí Eile Project, 45 Torthúla Dírigh ar chiontóirí, 24
PULSE computer applications, 27 Sligo town, 26 Tourist Security Booklets, 28
PULSE implementation, 35 Soccer Internationals, 50 Traffic accident, 39
PULSE information booklets, 41 Social Community & Family Affairs, 48 Traffic accidents, 22, 38
PULSE project, 6, 35, 41 Social problems, 37 Traffic congestion, 40
PULSE readiness, 41 Soiléir aidhmeanna na heagraíochta don Traffic Corps, 38
tréimhse, 3 Traffic Corps Unit, 54
Q Sonraí de chainteanna agus d'altanna Sonraí Trainee Gardaí, 43
Quality Service, 22 suas Múnla Cionroinne Acmhainní Daonna Transport fleet, 35
Quality Service Action Plan, 47 le, 29 Treisigh póilíniú ar mhí-úsáid drugaí
Quality Service ethos, 21 South Central, 7 réamhghníomhach agus, 31
Special Detective Unit, 25 Tripod Mounted Laser Speed Detection Device,
R Special Services Unit, 4 47
Radio programmes, 28 Speeding Offences, 58 Tuairiscí ó Ranna léiríonn na, 3
Radio system, 6, 41 Squirrel AS355N, 33 Tuarascáil Ghrúpa Stiúrtha Cuir tús le feidhmiú,
TETRA, 23 Staff Attitude Survey, 21 19
TETRA secure, 27, 41 Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá, 3 Tús áite Garda Síochána, 3
Raibh fáilte, 3 State Act, 36 Tús le Marcaonad Cuir, 34
Rape Crisis Centre, 6, 23 Statutory bodies, 23 Twin-engine fixed wing plane, 33
Real IRA, 36 Stolen Vehicles Unit, 32
Regional Assistant Commissioner, 49 Storemen, 43 U
Regional Chubb Award, 54 Strategic Management Initiative, 19 Ullmhúcháin le gur féidir leis, 29
Réigiún Limistéar Chathair átha Cliath, 47 Strategic Management Initiative Implementation Urban centres, 28
Réimse leathan feabhsúcháin seirbhíse Team, 29 Urine samples, 39
Réimse leathan gníomhairí phobail leathnú le, Strategic Management Initiative projects, 5
31 Struchtúr luach saothair na seirbhíse Scrúdaigh, V
Réimse nua gníomhairí forfheidhmithe le chéile 42 Victim Support, 24, 28, 47
Cuireadh, 3 Struchtúrtha faoin Tionscnamh Bhainistíocht Victim Support Office, 28, 47
Réir agus de, 3 Straitéiseach Thosaigh athbhreithniú, 3 Victim Support Service, 49
Repeat Burglary Victimisation Study, 6, 19, 28 Vocational training, 40
Report of Steering Group, 19, 35 T
Resource Management, 28 Taifeadta agus le méadú gcoir, 3 W
Response times, 22 Taighde ar mhéadú Críochnaigh, 23 Waterford Divisional Quality Service Panel, 54
Retail trade, 27 T-Aire Dlí agus Cirt, 3 Western Region, 34
Revenue Commissioners, 37, 48 Táirgeachta agus ina chuid torthaí Wexford Drugs Unit, 54
Road accidents, 6, 38 Tallaght Garda Station, 50 Wide Area, 41
Road traffic accidents, 38, 39 T-Aonad Aerthacaíochta le hAonad nua Women's Aid, 23
Road Traffic legislation, 38 Seirbhísí Speisialta, 3
Road traffic offences, 38 TAonad Uisce agus, 3
Roinn Gharda gach, 1 Target Regional repeat victimisation, 6, 28
Roinn le bás ar ár mbóithre ngach, 3 Teacht chun solais Saincheisteanna atá ag, 44
Rugby Internationals, 50 Teascán chlár bliantiúil agus, 41
Telecommunications facilities, 27
S Telecommunications improvements, 23
Santry District, 49 Telephone Callers, 21
Scóip athruithe tar éis luathaithe, 5 Television, 28
Security programme, 25 Television cameras circuit, 26
Seirbhís póilíniú chun, 3 Temple Bar, 50
Seirbhíse ag comhaltaí den Gharda Síochána TETRA radio system, 23
seachadadh, 3 TETRA secure radio system, 27, 41