Moves and appointments for senior officers as new Garda Operating Model takes effect
Changes are on the way for Gardai in Meath in the recent announcements of appointments and allocations.
Supt Dermot Drea of Navan is being transferred to Mountmellick Garda Station with responsibility for Laois/ Offaly Garda Division Performance Assurance Functional Area.
A number of appointments have taken place in the Meath/Westmeath Garda division in line with the Garda Operating Model and these take effect from this week.
The appointment include: Chief Superintendent John Dollard, Athlumnney House, Navan - responsibility for Meath/ Westmeath Garda Division; Superintendent Martina Noonan, Navan Garda Station - responsibility for Meath North Community Engagement Functional Area; Supt Yvonne Murphy, Ashbourne Garda Station - responsibility for Meath South Community Engagement Functional Area.
Supt Bláithín Moran, Mullingar Garda Station now has responsibility for Westmeath Community Engagement Functional Area, while Supt David Nolan, Mullingar Garda Station has responsibility for Meath/ Westmeath Crime Functional Area and Supt Michelle Baker, Athlone Garda Station has responsibility for Meath/ Westmeath Performance Assurance Functional Area.
The Garda Operating Model is being introduced as part of A Policing Service for the Future, which is the implementation plan based on the report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland. This model is recommended by the both the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland and the Garda Inspectorate.
The restructure reflects international best practice as well as the realities of modern day policing in Ireland, the changing nature of crime and population trends.
It included restructuring at national, regional and local levels to provide a greater focus on community policed based on local needs. The new model introduces major changes to the structures of An Garda Síochána by providing a wider range of policing services for people in their local area, the Garda says.
It will particularly enhance the investigation of crime through the delivery of a greater range of specialised services in local areas, such as the investigation of sexual crime, domestic violence, cyber-crime, and economic crime.
The Operating Model will see the number of Garda Divisions reduce from 28 to 21.