Today 29th September 2020, a Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) will commence operation in the Meath / Westmeath Garda Division. This follows the recent commencement of units in the Mayo, Roscommon/Longford, Kildare and Laois/Offaly divisions on 21st September 2020 and in Wexford on 24th September 2020.
The addition of six DPSUs in September 2020, brings to 27 the total number of units that are operational across Ireland. There is now a DPSU in operation within every Garda division. Approximately 320 personnel are assigned to DPSU’s including members of Inspector, Sergeant and Garda rank.
These units will meet a key commitment in A Policing Service for the Future, the four-year implementation plan giving effect to the recommendations of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland.
Personnel assigned to DPSUs have been provided with a bespoke training course consisting of a number of modules addressing issues such as - investigation of sexual crime, child protection, investigation of domestic abuse, online child exploitation and sex offender management. This training course has been developed by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB), in conjunction with the Garda College.
