Issue Date: 22 March 2024
This morning 22nd March 2024, 165 Gardaí were attested as sworn members of An Garda Síochána.
• 110 Male / 55 Female (67% male, 33% female)
• 17 Gardaí born outside the state – Hong Kong, USA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom, Albania, Spain, Uganda, Lithuania, Latvia and Poland
• 1 probationer was a former Reserve Garda
Strength of An Garda Síochána (22nd March 2024)
• 14,091 Sworn Gardaí
• 3,494 Garda Staff
• 346 Garda Reserves
A further 277 Garda recruits, 2 intakes, are currently undergoing the training programme at the Garda College.
The next intake of Garda recruits is scheduled to enter the Garda College on the 8th April 2024.
Of the over 6,300 applicants in the 2024 recruitment campaign
• 69% male, 31% female
• 60% under 35 years, 40% 35 – 49 years
• 25% noted their ethnicity as other than White Irish
The 165 newly attested Gardaí bring to 553 the number of Probationer Gardaí attested since recruitment recommenced in 2022 following Covid-19 restrictions paused recruitment in 2020.
These 165 newly sworn members will be allocated as follows:
• Dublin Region 101
• Eastern Region 39
• Southern Region 14
• NorthWestern Region 12
(*166 allocations includes 1 probationer returning from Family Friendly Leave)
These newly attested 165 members of An Garda Síochána were recruited as part of the 2022 recruitment campaign.
The new Gardaí commenced their Garda training in July 2023, and have undertaken a blend of on-line learning, on-site learning in the Garda College, and experiential learning in training Garda stations.
During their training these new Probationer Gardaí observed and assisted at Fatal Road Traffic Collisions, major crime investigations, drug seizures, on duty in Dublin during Serious Public Order Incident in November 2023 and helped citizens in need at their most vulnerable.
These 165 newly sworn Gardaí will now take on operational responsibilities.
Speaking at today’s attestation, Commissioner Drew Harris welcoming the new Garda probationers said;
"An Garda Síochána is built upon the hard work, dedication and commitment given by its Gardaí and its staff.
As one of the most trusted police services in the world, the vast majority of people believe An Garda Síochána delivers a good service. And most people have few concerns about crime in their local area.
These significant achievements have been possible by the foundations laid by others who have passed through this college and stood where you are today.
And from today you will join them and strengthen this fine organisation.”
Further, Commissioner Harris highlighted:
"Of course having the right supports to do your job is also important. Enhanced personal safety equipment has recently been introduced.
This has included the roll-out of stronger incapacitant spray. And our public order units will soon be provided with tasers, and smaller riot shields.
An Garda Síochána also continues to invest in technology to support and protect front-line Gardaí. You will have already received our world-leading mobility device and this will greatly assist you and enable you to spend more time on patrol.
While the introduction of Body Worn Cameras will enhance Garda safety.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you all for choosing a career in An Garda Síochána.”
Speaking about An Garda Síochána successful recruitment campaigns Commissioner Harris said:
"Of course we do want to grow the organisation, and it is hoped to get to 15,000 Gardaí in time.
And our most recent recruitment campaign received over 6,300 applications, which is very reassuring. Indeed, I know many of you were involved in promoting this campaign by sharing your experiences of the programme.
We are also eager to diversify as an organisation and are proud to be members of the 30% Club with women currently making up nearly half of our senior leadership team. Meanwhile, 31% of those applying to this recent recruitment campaign were women.
Furthermore, a high proportion of applicants - almost 25% - noted their ethnicity as being "other than white Irish”.
This is very encouraging as we seek to ensure that An Garda Síochána is truly representative and reflective of all the people we serve.
Concluding Commissioner Harris welcomed the new Garda Probationers saying:
"Today is an immensely proud and important day for all of you.
Thank you all for your hard work and commitment.
As Gardaí, you will protect democracy, protect the most vulnerable, and protect the human rights of everyone you come into contact with.
By working together in a spirit of mutual respect, collegiality and doing our best for the country, you will play your part in An Garda Síochána continuing to deliver a high quality policing and security service that keeps the people of Ireland safe.
I want to wish each of you every success in your career and look forward to working with you.”
