Commissioner Harris says 2022 recruitment drive will ‘strengthen front-line policing’

An Garda Síochána has announced a recruitment drive for 2022 which will see 800 new Gardaí being hired.

After the news was revealed, Garda commissioner Drew Harris said the programme will not “only strengthen front-line policing, but it provides us with a great opportunity to become a more diverse organisation.”

“Being more reflective of the society we serve will enhance our ability to provide an effective police service for all people,” he says.

“While we have one of the highest levels of female police officers in Europe, we fully recognise that this is not replicated when it comes to minority communities.

“There will be a significant focus in our recruitment campaign in reaching out to groups and individuals from these communities to encourage them to join An Garda Síochána. We know we have a lot of work to do in this area.

“We have already started this work with initiatives such as our Intern Programme, changes to our uniform policy, the establishment of the Garda National Diversity Forum, and the representation from diverse and minority communities in the Garda Reserve.

“Becoming a Garda is a chance to make a real difference in communities. We want people from all backgrounds to join us and make that difference.”