The delivery of a new Garda Uniform to frontline operational Gardaí commences this week.

Over the next number of weeks this new operational uniform will be delivered to over 13,000 uniform members of An Garda Síochána of Garda, Sergeant and Inspector rank across every Garda Region, Division, District and in excess of 560 Garda stations nationwide.

The new uniform is contemporary, and incorporates elements such as durability, protection and functionality. A key finding of the internal Garda Cultural Audit 2018 was a desire from front-line Gardaí for a new, practical operational uniform. Over 6,500 members of An Garda Síochána contributed to the findings of the Cultural Audit.

The new Garda Uniform is also a key recommendation outlined in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland Report, ‘A Police Service For Our Future’.

At a later date, the Garda Commissioner will announce a formal ‘go-live’ date when this new uniform will become the operational uniform for daily duties, currently expected to be in March 2022.

As An Garda Síochána approaches the 100th anniversary of its establishment, this is only the third time in that century that a formal upgrade of the Garda uniform has taken place.

The new uniform will consist of:

• Two tone Soft Shell Jacket
• Two Tone Waterproof Jacket
• Garda Blue Polo Shirt
• Operational Trousers
• Practical Base layers

This is the first time that the Operational Uniform, other than the uniform cap, will feature the Garda Crest on the Operational Uniform, and demonstrates the respect held by An Garda Síochána for this unique symbol as we enter the second century of policing in Ireland.

The current uniform cap remains in operation as a unique and distinctive element of the Garda uniform.

An Garda Síochána has previously updated our uniform policy to embrace the wearing of official headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs including Turban, Kufi, Topi, Kippah, or Hijab.

In developing the uniform, An Garda Síochána embarked on a bottom-up collaboration through the Uniform Committee of An Garda Síochána, including international research and implementing a Pilot Project involving nearly 200 frontline Gardaí based at three Garda Stations (Tallaght, Henry Street and Bunclody). These extensive collaborations and engagement designed An Garda Síochána’s new uniform ‘by Garda members, for Garda members’.

An extensive delivery schedule is now in place, starting in the Dublin Region, to ensure that every uniform member of An Garda Síochána receives their new uniform, can check the uniform fits and arrange for returns if/ where required, prior to the formal commencement of the operational use of the new uniform.

Notes:

An Garda Síochána intends that this new uniform will become operational before the end of the 1st Quarter 2022.

Further information will be provided closer to that time.

The following foreword from the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána is included in ‘A Guide to your New Uniform’ being issued to all members.

Colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to update you all on the New Uniform Project, which has been ongoing within An Garda Síochána following its pilot in Tallaght, Bunclody and Henry Street stations.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming centenary celebrations, it is symbolic that this will be just the third time in our organisation’s history to upgrade the Garda uniform.

As you know, our organisation is undertaking a major process of modernisation, and our operational uniform will now reflect this important transition. It will be contemporary, while also incorporating necessary elements such as comfort, durability, protection and functionality to support your duties.

Your desire for a new uniform was made clear as part of the ‘Garda Cultural Audit’ and, based on this it became an initiative under ‘A Policing Service For Our Future’.

The new uniform, developed by the Uniform Committee in close collaboration with Gardaí nationwide, preserve the unique identity of members of An Garda Síochána and the colours most recognised by the public.

For the first time, the Garda Crest will be an appropriate feature of our operational uniform.

We are all working to ensure that Ireland’s national police and security service remains best placed to meet the needs of an evolving society, and embracing this re-designed, modern uniform is a visual representation of a new era in policing.

It is my hope that in receiving this new uniform, it will further enhance your sense of pride in being a member of An Garda Síochána as you go about your day-to-day duties. Projecting a professional appearance and wearing the uniform of An Garda Síochána with the deep respect it deserves are important because they underscore our overarching mission: Keeping people safe.

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