Four new specialised units of An Garda Síochána went into operation today

The units will be rolled out nationwide from next year on.

Conor Heneghan

The units will be based in Dublin, Cork and Dundalk.

Four new Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) went live across three Garda divisions for the first time on Friday, June 2, with the aim of providing a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of domestic and sexual crimes across the country.

The units are based in Cabra and Clondalkin in Dublin, Anglesea Street in Cork and in Dundalk and are the first to be established as part of a phased nationwide roll-out of DPSUs in all Garda divisions, with Phase 2 commencing in 2018.

An Garda Síochána say that DPSUs are a major commitment in their modernisation and renewal programme, which aims to deliver a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of specialised crime types, including sexual crime, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse.

DPSUs will also focus on the provision of support for vulnerable victims of crime, including enhanced collaboration with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children.

DPSUs will go live in the remaining 25 Garda divisions from the beginning of next year; they will be supported on an advisory level by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

Commenting on the first day the DPSUs went into operation, Deputy Commissioner of policing and security, John Twomey, said that this project will impact positively on Garda members and the public.

“Today marks a significant step forward in the provision of protective services for vulnerable people in Ireland. It means that people who are victims of a range of crimes, including sexual, domestic or child abuse, prostitution and human trafficking can expect a more professional and consistent service from the Gardaí,” Twomey said.

“Equally our response to the investigation of missing persons, children who are missing in care and sex offenders will be enhanced by the establishment of DPSUs.

“It will also provide us with an opportunity to place vulnerable victims of crime at the centre of the Garda service, which is in line with our stated ethos of providing a more victim-centred, empathetic and meaningful service to the people who need it most. It also reaffirms our commitment that there is no place for deferential treatment in modern Irish policing.”

The introduction of DPSUs has been welcomed by organisations such as the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, One in Four and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.

There will be up to 15 personnel attached to each of the units, including an Inspector, two Detective Sergeants, 10 detective Gardaí and two administrative staff, with a small number being allocated on a phased basis.

The full list of crime types and service areas that will be for consideration by the Divisional Protective Service Units are: