New operational uniform goes live at An Garda Síochána
An Garda Síochána has announced that its new contemporary uniform for frontline officers became “operational” this week.
The change, during the 100th anniversary year of An Garda Síochána’s establishment, is only the third time in that century that a formal upgrade of the Garda uniform has taken place.
In the months since the new uniform was announced in February this year, it has been delivered to more than 13,000 uniformed members of An Garda Síochána of Garda, sergeant and inspector rank across every region, division, district and in excess of 560 stations nationwide.
Arrangements were put in place to enable size changes and returns prior to this week’s formal commencement of the operational use of the new uniform.
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 previous Garda operational uniform came on stream in 2006.
The new uniform consists 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 has 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 the Uniform Committee, including international research and implementing a pilot project involving nearly 200 frontline Gardaí. It said these extensive collaborations and engagement designed the new uniform “by Garda members, for Garda members”.
The contract for the manufacture, supply and delivery of the new uniform was awarded to Monaghan-based JBS Group, a specialist supplier of operational uniforms and protective supplies.
An Garda Síochána has also issued an updated ‘uniform and dress code’ effective from this week.