Some Roads Gardaí are 'Unproductive'

A significant number of gardaí working in the Roads Policing Unit are unproductive, demotivated and unconcerned with doing an effective job.

At a time when the issue of road safety is seriously concerning, this independent review by Crowe Consultants makes for alarming reading.

The researchers engaged with over 100 gardai involved in road policing across six divisions.

They found the majority were professional and dedicated, but say a ‘noticeable minority ‘ were disinterested, had a poor work ethic and were ignoring offences on purpose.

Researchers found it disturbing that the poor-performing officers had no issues outlining to them how they go about avoiding work, with some allegedly hiding the patrol car out of sight to do little work.

The report also found that in a third of cars they went out in the number plate recognition system wasn’t working properly.

Managers also appeared rather accepting of the situation of poor performance and felt their opportunity to manage this was limited.

As the interviews were meant to be anonymous to encourage honesty, nobody has been sanctioned or disciplined following this report.