website perspective on the road policing report: a critical issue of safety and survival
The recently published Crowe Report on Roads Policing presents a challenging picture of the state of Ireland's roads policing, with a focus on major issues that affect the safety of our roads and the public's confidence in the police force.
The report highlights several areas of concern, including a troubling operational picture, rising road deaths, and a policing function hampered by weak management, inadequate resources, and a lack of professional commitment in some quarters.
One of the key issues raised in the report is the lack of effective supervision within Roads Policing Units (RPUs). The report notes a "lack of effective supervision" and a reluctance by supervisors and managers to hold underperforming Gardaí accountable, partly due to fears of industrial relations issues. The report recommends an immediate review and replacement of the Performance, Accountability and Learning Framework (PALF) with a more appropriate policy that enables Garda management to effectively manage staff performance, including sanctions for poor performance.
Another area of concern is the staffing levels in RPUs, which have seen a 40% reduction compared to 2009. This reduction coincides with the rise in road fatalities, and the report recommends increasing Garda numbers in roads policing. An Garda Síochána has already responded by allocating extra personnel and plans further increases.
The report also calls for corrections in training deficiencies, emphasizing that Gardaí must be better equipped and prepared to fulfill their road safety roles professionally. While the report does not detail specific training programs, it is clear that improvements are needed in this area.
Addressing technical and operational issues with equipment such as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) systems, which have been found to be switched off or malfunctioning, is also recommended to improve the effectiveness of roads policing.
The report urges a comprehensive review and correction of operational procedures and governance structures within Roads Policing. This includes improved resource allocation and focusing effort on productive and professional policing activities. The report recommends that a Garda team produce a detailed transformation plan for Roads Policing within eight weeks, overseen by a project board, with the goal of resolving issues within 18 to 24 months.
The report exposes a minority within RPUs who are disinterested or "unproductive," openly admitting to lack of engagement and professionalism. Addressing this culture problem is a priority, with stronger leadership, clearer performance expectations, and consequences for poor behaviour needed to restore public confidence.
The report does not discuss any changes in the culture within the force, such as the fear of industrial relations fallout and the culture of poor work habits going unchallenged. However, it does recommend the establishment of a steering group under the Deputy Commissioner for Policing Operations to oversee implementation of reforms recommended by Crowe, and improved reporting and governance structures for Roads Policing.
Swift action on the report's recommendations is essential to reversing the rise in road fatalities and restoring public faith in the professionalism of the force. The new Garda Commissioner, Justin Kelly, is urged to act swiftly on the report's recommendations upon taking office in September.
In summary, the Crowe Report recommends a multifaceted approach that addresses key weaknesses in supervision, increases Garda staffing in roads policing, upgrades training and equipment, reforms operational procedures, and strengthens accountability and leadership to improve performance and public trust in An Garda Síochána’s roads policing.
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