Gardai will be given new uniforms from next week.
In the near 100-year history of the force, it's only the third time that the official Garda uniform has been updated.
Over the coming weeks, the new operational uniform will be delivered to over 13,000 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 change comes after an internal audit of 6,500 members from 2018 saw Gardaí ask for a new, practical operational uniform.
A Garda spokesperson said: "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 uniform will consist of:
- Two-tone soft shell jacket
- Two-tone waterproof jacket
- Garda blue polo shirt
- Operational trousers
- Practical base layers
The spokesperson continued: "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."
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 Garda Síochána has previously updated its uniform policy to embrace the wearing of official headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs including Turban, Kufi, Topi, Kippah, or Hijab.
