Law enforcement in the Republic of Ireland
Ireland has a single national civilian police force, Garda Síochána na hÉireann (Guardians of the Peace of Ireland). This force is responsible for all aspects of territorial civil policing. The Garda Síochána have been the only territorial police force in the Republic since their merger with the Dublin Metropolitan Police in 1925.
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An Garda Síochána
The Garda Síochána na hÉireann, (Guardians of the Peace of Ireland), also known as An Garda Síochána or more commonly referred to as the Gardaí, is the police force of Ireland. The service is headed by the Garda Commissioner who is appointed by the Irish Government. Its headquarters are located in Phoenix Park in Dublin. They provide both local and national policing.
The Garda Síochána Reserve is the volunteer reserve section of the Garda Síochána. Its purpose is to supplement the work of members of the Garda Síochána in performing its functions.[1]
Military Police Corp
The Military Police Corps or Póilíní Airm (English: Army Police) is the corps of the Irish Army responsible for the provision of policing service personnel and providing a military police presence to forces while on exercise and deployment. Its tasks increase during wartime to include traffic control organisation and POW and refugee control. The Military Police Corps are distinguished from other units by their wearing of a red beret.
The Military Police Corps enjoy a close working relationship with the Garda Síochána at both national and local levels, with the Gardaí providing specialist training to the Corps in criminal investigation.
Airport and Harbour policing
Within Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, and Shannon Airport the Airport Police Service (Irish: Póilíní an t-Aerfoirt), perform aviation policing functions. They are employed by Dublin Airport Authority and authorised by the Minister of Transport.
Within Dublin Port and Dun Laoghaire Harbour, the Dublin Harbour Police and the Dun Laoghaire Harbour Police (operated by the Dublin Port Company & Dun Laoghaire harbour company respectively) perform a similar role to the Airport Police Service.
The powers of these organisations are limited to the airport/port buildings and grounds.[2][3]
Special police organisations
The Special Detective Unit (SDU) is a unit of an Garda Síochána under its Crime & Security Branch (CSB).[4] Their responsibilities include counter-terrorism,[5] counter-espionage, providing an armed response to incidents, protection of the State, protection of cash shipments, monitoring the activities of subversive and extremist groups, protection of VIPs and operation of the Witness Security Program.[4]
Revenue Customs
The Office of the Revenue Commissioners operate a customs service at all major ports of entry to Ireland and are mandated to stop all illegal narcotics and firearms from entering the state.
References
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