New ‘contemporary’ uniform marks 100 years of An Garda Síochána

Wednesday (February 9) marks the centenary of the inaugural meeting of the foundation committee that led to the creation of the Irish police force.

Called by Michael Collins, the meeting took place at the Gresham Hotel in Dublin and among the attendees was Michael Staines TD who would go on to become the first Garda Commissioner.

This is only the third time in that century that a formal upgrade of the Garda uniform has taken place.

A series of local and national commemorative events and initiatives are planned to mark the 100-year anniversary, including the presentation of a centenary service medal to all serving and retired Garda members, the publication of two books on the organisation in its first 100 years and the renovation of the Garda memorial cenotaph.

A specially commissioned piece of music by the composer Odhrán O’Chasaide will be performed by Garda Band at a commemorative event in Dublin in August.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “Over the past century An Garda Síochána has established a very strong bond with communities and has become a central part of people’s everyday lives. As an organisation it has adapted to change in order to serve the past and present needs of a national, unarmed police service, while also striving to provide a specialist response to prevent and detect crime.

“As we reflect on one hundred years of Ireland’s police service and its achievements in keeping people safe, we must remember our 89 colleagues who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their brave and courageous efforts will be a core part of this year’s commemorations.”

He added: “The history of An Garda Síochána belongs to the Irish people and to the generations of Gardaí who have devoted their lives to keeping people safe. Just as the foundation of An Garda Síochána depended on the vision of people like Michael Staines, the very first Garda Commissioner, it will be the leadership shown by the men and women of An Garda Síochána that will maintain the public’s trust and respect through the next century.

“I hope that the planned events and initiatives will provide the public with an opportunity to learn more about An Garda Síochána, as well as pay tribute to those who currently serve and those who came before us.”

Roll-out of the new uniform commenced this week and it will be delivered to more than 13,000 uniform members of An Garda Síochána of Garda, sergeant and inspector rank across every region, division, district and in excess of 560 stations nationwide.

A Garda spokesperson said: “The new uniform is contemporary, and incorporates elements such as durability, protection and functionality. A key finding of the internal Garda Cultural Audit 2018 was a desire from frontline Gardaí for a new, practical operational uniform. Over 6,500 members of An Garda Síochána contributed to the findings of the Cultural Audit.

“The new Garda Uniform is also a key recommendation outlined in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland Report, A Police Service for Our Future.”

The Garda Commissioner is expected to announce a formal ‘go-live’ date this year when the new uniform will become the operational uniform for daily duties.

The new uniform will consist of two-tone soft shell and waterproof jackets, a Garda blue polo shirt, operational trousers and ‘practical’ base layers.

“This is the first time that the operational uniform, other than the uniform cap, will feature the Garda crest, and demonstrates the respect held by An Garda Síochána for this unique symbol as we enter the second century of policing in Ireland,” said the Garda spokesperson.

“The current uniform cap remains in operation as a unique and distinctive element of the Garda uniform.”

An Garda Síochána had previously updated its uniform policy to “embrace” the wearing of official headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs, including Turban, Kufi, Topi, Kippah or Hijab.

In developing the uniform, An Garda Síochána said it embarked on a “bottom-up collaboration” through its Uniform Committee, including international research and implementing a pilot project involving nearly 200 frontline Gardaí based at three Garda stations (Tallaght, Henry Street and Bunclody). These extensive collaborations and engagement designed the new uniform “by Garda members, for Garda members”, it added.

An extensive delivery schedule is now in place, starting in the Dublin Region, to ensure that every uniform member of An Garda Síochána receives their new uniform, can check the uniform fits and arrange for returns if/where required, prior to the formal commencement of the operational use of the new uniform.