Garda operating model is changing in the county
Changes to An Garda Síochána's operating model in Cork county are underway, it was confirmed this week.
This model is designed to restructure garda divisions with a focus on community policing.
Under this new Operating Model Divisional Functional Structure, each division will be organised into four functional areas - Community Engagement, Crime, Performance Assurance, and Business Services.
The Cork County Division has already implemented the Business Services Functional Area, successfully reducing the administrative workload for operational gardaí.
The remaining functional areas began to be introduced on 11 August.
Each functional area will be led by a superintendent, with the exception of the Business Services Functional Area, which will be headed by an assistant principal officer.
Operating Model Project Lead and Assistant Commissioner, Southern Region, Eileen Foster said: “The changes coming into effect will enable us to provide a more responsive, efficient, and improved service to local communities across county Cork.
“This will help provide enhanced investigations into crimes against vulnerable groups, including sexual crimes, and community policing teams dedicated to identifying and addressing local issues.
“(The) announcements highlight the progress we've made and plan to continue in the coming months as we continue implementation of the Garda Operating Model,” she added.
The Garda Operating Model was introduced after recommendations from the Garda Inspectorate, the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland, and based on feedback from gardaí at all ranks.
It is designed to modernise organisational structures that have been in place for over 100 years and were not suited to delivering a consistent policing service in a rapidly changing society and crime environment, garda HQ said.
The model provides for greater community engagement, and the delivery of more specialised services at local level.
This implementation means that the southern region is the first garda region to have all its divisions (Kerry, Clare, Tipperary, Limerick, Cork City, Cork County) move to the Operating Model Divisional Functional Structure.
As part of the Operating Model, all garda stations and former districts have been realigned under the Community Engagement Functional Area, as outlined below:
• Bandon
• Kinsale
• Innishannon
• Ballinhassig
• Timoleague
• Kilbrittain
• Ballineen
• Clonakilty
• Rosscarbery
• Skibbereen
• Dunmanway
• Drinagh
• Baltimore
• Bantry
• Durrus
• Schull
• Drimoleague
• Castletownbere
• Glengarriff
• Kealkill
• Ballydehob
• Mallow
• Charleville
• Kanturk
• Buttevant
• Doneraile
• Milford
• Liscarroll
• Newmarket
• Glantane
• Macroom
• Baile Bhuirne
• Tarelton
• Millstreet
• Coachford
• Beal Atha An Ghaorthaidh
• Rathmore
• Boherbue
• Crookstown
• Ballydesmond
• Midleton
• Cobh
• Youghal
• Ballycotton
• Carrigtwohill
• Killeagh
• Cloyne
• Whitegate
• Fermoy
• Mitchelstown
• Kildmery
• Watergrasshill
• Rathcormac
• Castletownroche
• Kilworth
• Ballynoe