This comprehensive inspection report examines how effective the Garda Síochána is at preventing and investigating domestic and transnational organised crime and disrupting and dismantling organised crime groups.
Given the international dimension of transnational organised crime, this inspection adopted the approach of reviewing the strategic leadership provided within the Garda Síochána, the available resources, the investigation capabilities and how investigation teams worked in co-operation with others and shared information. The approach also involved developing an understanding of the impact of transnational organised crime on victims and how they were supported through their traumatic experience, as well as exploring what is in place and what is required to prevent organised crime, enhance community safety and reduce recidivism through diversion and disengagement from organised crime groups.
The Garda Inspectorate acknowledges the considerable success the Garda Síochána has had in targeting high-profile crime groups and seizing large volumes of drugs and other criminal assets. However, disruption is often temporary and does not address the harmful effects on individuals and communities. Fully understanding and tackling the impact of organised crime on Irish communities presents a significant challenge.
To address the threat posed by organised criminal networks, the Inspectorate has made 68 recommendations to the Garda Síochána, the Department of Justice and other agencies. If fully implemented, they will help the Garda Síochána and other agencies to work more collaboratively to prevent domestic and transnational organised crime, tackle the crime groups that cause most harm in communities, and better support the victims of these crimes.