Unproductive and indifferent gardaí on certain roads allegedly failing to perform their duties effectively, as per a recent report.
A recent report commissioned by Garda headquarters, known as the Crowe report, has highlighted significant issues within Ireland's Roads Policing Unit (RPU). The report, which was released earlier this week, found that while the majority of Garda members are productive, professional, and focused on road safety, a noticeable minority are unproductive, disinterested, and demotivated in performing their roads policing duties [1][2][5].
The report found that these unproductive Gardaí were able to "get away with such behaviour," causing frustration among colleagues, supervisors, and managers [2][5]. Key specific issues highlighted include a lack of effective sanctions, poor performance monitoring and management, and a need for reform in accountability frameworks.
Lack of Effective Sanctions
Supervisors and managers are usually reluctant to sanction underperforming Gardaí due to fears of industrial relations problems with the Garda Representative Association (GRA) [2][5]. This reluctance has allowed some unproductive Gardaí to continue their lacklustre performance without facing any consequences.
Poor Performance Monitoring and Management
Gardaí not carrying out their duties showed little concern that they were being monitored, and their managers failed to address these failures adequately [3]. The report found that the Garda's Performance and Learning Framework (PALF) is interpreted in a way that significantly frustrates the right of management to manage.
Need for Reform in Accountability Frameworks
The report calls for an immediate review and replacement of the current performance, accountability, and learning framework (PALF) with a policy better suited to managing Garda staff performance, particularly within roads policing [5]. The report also stresses the need for a more proactive approach to management, with supervisors avoiding confrontation and shying away from proactive management.
Demoralisation Within the Force
The report describes some Gardaí as demotivated and demoralised, a reality it suggests Garda management and oversight bodies have ignored for too long [5]. The report found it disturbing that those members who told the authors how much they disliked their job had no difficulty in raising these issues in front of external consultants engaged by An Garda Síochána.
The Crowe Report also found no evidence of systematic culture of work avoidance or bullying within the RPU, indicating underperformance stems from a minority's disengagement rather than group culture [2].
Garda Commissioner's Response
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris was shocked at the findings and said it was unsatisfactory that supervisors do not believe they can, or should, engage in performance management of subordinates. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to rebuild trust and improve roads policing effectiveness [1].
The Minister for Justice also expressed "extreme concern" and highlighted the importance of addressing the small minority of Gardaí who are not fulfilling their duties [1].
In summary, the Crowe Report uncovers significant productivity and professionalism issues in a minority of Roads Policing Unit Gardaí, linked primarily to lack of accountability and ineffective management responses rather than systemic cultural problems [1][2][3][5]. The report also stresses the need for reform in accountability frameworks and a more proactive approach to management.
- The Crowe Report revealed that the lack of effective sanctions for unproductive Gardaí, combined with poor performance monitoring and management, has allowed a demotivated and disengaged minority within the Roads Policing Unit to continue their lacklustre performance, causing frustration among colleagues, supervisors, and managers.
- As a result, the report calls for an immediate review and replacement of the current performance, accountability, and learning framework with a policy better suited to managing Garda staff performance, particularly within roads policing, and emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach to management, with supervisors avoiding confrontation and shying away from proactive management.
