Policing Authority

The Policing Authority (An tÚdarás Póilíneachta) is a statutory body in Ireland with certain powers of governance and oversight with regard to the police and security service of the country, the Garda Síochána. The Garda organisation is also answerable to the government through the Minister for Justice, and under the oversight of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate, while complaints about the actions of members of the force can be directed to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.

History
The authority was established in 2016, enabled by a 2015 law.

Structure
The body is led by a board of 8 ordinary members and a chairperson.

Functions
The authority oversees the working of the Garda force, including holding a monthly meeting with the Garda Commissioner. It promotes the improvement and reputation of the Garda. The body also has a role in nominating candidates for the roles of commissioner and deputy commissioner, and makes the appointments for the ranks of assistant commissioner, chief superintendent and superintendent, as well as certain senior civilian positions.

At a policy level, the authority is involved in setting long-term force priorities and approving three-year strategic plans, and annual policing plans. It also defines the force's ethical code.

The authority publishes reports on the progress of the Garda organisation against its objectives.

Criticism
The potential of the authority to meet the objectives claimed for it have been questioned, with one academic paper stating "It seems more accurate to describe it as an elaborate national advisory body rather than a national police authority. Despite the Irish government’s initial endorsement of the latter, it is likely that it never intended anything other than the former."

Planned changes
Under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023, it is planned to restructure both the Policing Authority and the Garda Inspectorate, forming a board for the Garda force, and a Policing and Community Safety Authority, and supporting bodies including a National Community Safety Steering Group and a National Office for Community Safety, as well as an Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.