An Garda Síochána: Ireland’s security force

Every country has its own hero! Operating in the shadows, the hero takes huge risks! To protect its citizens and assets, the hero is willing to sacrifice his life. Highly trained and skilled, the hero works day and night to preempt threats. In most countries its security and intelligence service chief is entrusted with this responsibility.

In the Bond movies, James Bond undertakes the most daring missions. Supported by teams of highly dedicated and competent men and women, they work relentlessly to secure the nation.

During my brief visit to Dublin, Ireland’s national police and security service impressed me!
Unlike in most countries, the An Garda Síochána or 'Guardians of Peace' have a hybrid role. That is their intelligence and law enforcement functions are in one service.

Known as An Garda Síochána, the commissioner of the Guards are responsible for both enforcing law and order and security and intelligence functions. Under Commissioner Justin Kelly is Michael McElgunn, the Security and Intelligence Chief. The very same way, James Bond (007) report to Brigadier M, McElgunn reports to Kelly.

When confronted with threats, Ireland is at an advantage. Unlike in most countries where the law enforcement and intelligence functions are bifurcated, they work together like a single family.

Furthermore, the Guards and the citizens are one! Ireland's first police commissioner, Michael Staines, famously said that the force "will succeed not by force of arms or numbers, but on their moral authority as servants of the people."
Although there are specialist units that are armed, the rank and file of the Garda are unarmed. This foundational philosophy remains the central ethos of policing in the Republic of Ireland today. May the Guards and their dedicated leaders continue to be a global model for securing and policing!

-Rohan Gunaratne