Organisational structure

An Garda Síochána, Ireland's National Police and Security Service, has its headquarters in the Phoenix Park.

The Garda Commissioner is responsible for the general direction, management and control of An Garda Síochána and is appointed by Government. The Minister for Justice, Equality & Law Reform is responsible to the Government for the performance of An Garda Síochána.  Commissioner Drew Harris has been Commissioner since the 3rd September 2018.

Background

An Garda Síochána has a long established tradition of working closely with communities all across Ireland. By fostering and maintaining effective community partnerships, and ensuring a more visible Garda presence, An Garda Síochána works to achieve a reduction in crime and the fear of crime in communities. The general direction and control of An Garda Síochána is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner who is appointed by the Government.

The Commissioner is responsible to the Minister for Justice and Equality who in turn is accountable to the Government for the security and policing of the State.

The Commissioner is assisted by two Deputy Commissioners and a Chief Corporate Officer. In addition, there are a number of Assistant Commissioners in command of Regions with others who have responsibility for critical portfolios such as Crime and Security Intelligence, Organised and Serious Crime, and Community Engagement and Roads Policing. 

There are also a number of Executive Directors with responsibility for Human Resource and People Development, Finance and Services, and Information, Communications Technology, and Organisation Development and Strategic Planning. An Garda Síochána is a community based organisation with over 17,500 Gardaí, Garda staff and Garda reserves. It has police officers located in every county in Ireland, listening to, acting and working with the community.

Some of An Garda Síochána’s core functions include:

• the detection and prevention of crime;
• ensuring our nation’s security;
• reducing the incidence of fatal and serious injuries on our roads and improving road safety;
• working with communities to prevent anti-social behaviour;
• promoting an inter-agency approach to problem solving and improving the overall quality of life.

Regions, Divisions and Districts

For policing purposes the country is divided into 4 regions, each of which is commanded by an Assistant Commissioner.  

Organisational Chart

The 4 regions are:

• Dublin Metropolitan Region
• North Western Region
• Eastern Region
• Southern Region 

The duties of the regional Assistant Commissioners are mainly operational. They are responsible for:

• Ensuring the operational efficiency of their respective region;
• The quality of operational management exercised by their Divisional and District Officers.

Each region is divided into divisions commanded by a Chief Superintendent, and each division is then divided into districts commanded by a Superintendent. A Superintendent in charge of a district is also known as the District Officer. He/she is assisted by a number of Inspectors. The districts are divided into sub-districts, each normally the responsibility of a Sergeant. Each sub-district usually has only 1 station, the strength of which may vary from 3 to 100 Gardaí. In some areas there are stations known as sub-stations which for administrative purposes are attached to a parent station. These sub-stations are usually occupied by one Garda member. There are 569 Garda Stations throughout the country.

Garda ranks

Garda rank structure in descending order:

• Commissioner
• Deputy Commissioner
• Assistant Commissioner
• Chief Superintendent
• Superintendent
• Inspector
• Sergeant
• Garda
• Reserve Garda

The Garda Uniform

An Garda Síochána's new Uniform became operational at 7am on Monday 15th August 2022. This change, during the 100th anniversary year of the founding of An Garda Síochána, is only the third time that An Garda Síochána has undertaken a formal change of the Garda uniform. Over the past number of months a logistical operation delivered the new uniform to approximately 13,000 members of An Garda Síochána of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector rank, in excess of 560 Garda stations across every Garda Region, Division, District nationwide. Logistics were also in place to facilitate size changes and returns across the organisation. The new contemporary uniform incorporates elements such as durability, protection and functionality and the new elements consist of: • Two tone Soft Shell Jacket • Two Tone Waterproof Jacket • Garda Blue Polo Shirt • Operational Trousers • Practical Base layers This is the first time that elements of the uniform, other than the uniform cap, will feature the Garda Crest and demonstrates the respect held by An Garda Síochána for this unique symbol as we enter the second century of policing in Ireland. The current uniform cap remains in operation as a unique and distinctive element of the Garda uniform. The uniform also consists of: Garda cap Shirt (formal /court) Tie (formal /court) Epaulettes Ballistic vest Trousers/Skirt (formal /court) Belt Waterproof jacket and fleece Waterproof trousers Utility belt Footwear Gloves (formal /court)
	The two tone high-visibility jacket is a very important part of protective equipment. The jacket is designed to provide a high level of visibility when a Garda is on outdoor duty especially at night time and when on traffic-related duties. The official Garda belt is worn with uniform trousers at all times.	The waterproof jacket.	The Ballistic/Anti-stab vest is a vital part of equipment issued to members of An Garda Síochána for their personal protection. The utility belt holds the Garda's handcuffs, torch, notebook, fixed charge forms, baton, radio and gloves.
	A Garda's epaulette displays his or her "Shoulder Number" which is assigned according to Division and is unique to each member.	Members are issued with two types of cap - one for wearing with their operational uniform and one for wearing with formal uniform. Garda caps have chin straps to keep caps in place in windy conditions.	Official boots are worn with the operational uniform on outdoor duty.