An Garda Síochána / EIQA Dedicated to Excellence Programme and Q Mark Awards

An Garda Síochána was acknowledged on 9th February 2012 for its commitment to operating its management systems to the highest standard of quality and excellence

An Garda Síochána was acknowledged for its commitment to operating its management systems to the highest standard of quality and excellence as both the ‘Q Mark for Quality Management Systems’ and ‘Dedicated to Excellence’ accreditation were awarded to the Organisation by Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA).

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Alan Shatter, TD attended the awards ceremony and the awards were accepted on behalf of An Garda Síochána by Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan.

The Q Mark for Quality Management Systems, recognised as being Ireland’s highest standard of quality and excellence, was awarded to the Garda Professional Standards Unit and to the Garda Change Management Unit for their dedication and commitment to management practices, policies and procedures. Effectively, this means that all processes, procedures and resources within the units are aligned, continuously monitored and reviewed for best practice.

The awarding of ‘Dedicated to Excellence’ accreditation to DMR North Central and DMR West Divisions is evidence of the Organisation’s continued journey towards excellence.

It is significant at this time where transformation, reform and improved customer facing initiatives are required, that the two Garda Divisions driving An Garda Síochána’s comprehensive transformational change programmes are accredited with this achievement. To have achieved this while also implementing such significant change as the GRACE Programme (Garda Response to A Changing Environment) and projects under the Croke Park Agreement provides real evidence of An Garda Síochána’s ability, commitment and flexibility to deliver tangible change.

It is also significant that two of the busiest and most difficult policing Divisions, while faced with the challenges of investigation of organised crime at the highest level, have implemented excellent public facing initiatives.

A summary of the Improvement Initiatives implemented and accredited is as follows:-

Division / District

Improvement Initiative

Key Results

DMR North Central

· Bridewell

· Fitzgibbon Street

· Store Street

Customer Relationship Management

Making each District in the Division a safer place to live, work and visit

Stakeholder Management

· Process improvement and increased efficiency

· Divisional issues dealt with promptly

· Improved relationships with all stakeholders

Victim Management

· Process improvement and increased efficiency

· Increased support to victims of crime

· Regular engagement with victim support agencies

Case Management

· Process improvement, increased efficiency and cost savings

· Intensive focus on the activities of prolific offenders

· Streamlined liaison with all stakeholders including Probation Service and Courts Service

DMR West Division

· Blanchardstown

· Clondalkin

· Lucan

Daily Briefing Document

· Improved Communication channels leading to a more co-ordinated deployment of Garda resources

· Improved monitoring of District incidents and policing strategies

· Increase to local knowledge and intelligence

Development of a programme to improve the standard and management of investigation files

· Improved efficiency and cost saving on Garda resources

· Increase in the availability of Gardaí for frontline duties

· Improved internal and external stakeholder relationships

Operation Deer, Safe Shopping Experience at Liffey Valley Shopping Centre

· Decrease in crime recorded and increase in criminal intelligence

· Increase in visible policing and improved external stakeholder relationships

· Increase in teamwork and innovation among District personnel

Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA) recognises the commitment to excellence demonstrated at all levels of the Organisation. This includes the innovative approach by An Garda Síochána to empower members at every level, to manage risk, implement change and improve communications.

These awards are recognition of An Garda Síochána’s commitment to its vision of “Excellent People Delivering Policing Excellence”. The Continuous Improvement Programme was developed and rolled out by the Garda Professional Standards Unit and is central to their Examination and Review Process as part of their statutory remit under the Garda Síochána Act 2005. Comprehensive Improvement Plans are in place in over 60 Garda Districts to ensure that continuous improvement is deeply embedded within processes and procedures to support the mission of An Garda Síochána; ‘Working with Communities to Protect and Serve’.

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