Garda Professional Standards Unit

The Garda Commissioner established the Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU) in February 2006.  

The Garda Professional Standards Unit (GPSU) was established in 2006, it’s role to examine, review and propose measures to enhance performance in An Garda Síochána. Its primary function in 2026 is to oversee a national Inspection and Review governance process.

The Garda Ethics and Culture Bureau, Garda Risk Management Unit, Garda Protected Disclosures Unit, the Garda Policy and Governance Coordination Unit and the PCSA Inspectorate Liaison function all report to Chief Superintendent GPSU. The role of GPSU has evolved over time to take in a wider governance role. The unit is developing its capacity to act as a central hub to support and coordinate the development of Divisional Performance Assurance Functional Area units nationally.

The Garda Professional Standards Unit is primarily concerned with organisational compliance with systems and policy rather than individual behaviour. In this regard it different from Professional Standards Units in Home Office police services. Complaints regarding the individual behaviour of Garda members are managed by Internal Affairs Division, the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit or Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman.

The GPSU can be contacted at:

Garda Professional Standards Unit Garda Headquarters Phoenix Park Dublin 8 D08 HN3X

Tel: +353 1 6660441