One of Dublin’s most successful Garda anti-crime units being disbanded as officers return to uniform duties

It’s also understood plans are being considered to send officers from other units, including a local drugs squad, back into uniform

×

One of the capital’s most successful Garda anti-crime units is being disbanded with officers returned to uniform duties.

Dublin Live has confirmed that those attached to the Crime Task Force in south inner city Dublin were told on Monday it is to be disbanded in the coming weeks. Sources say most of the officers in the unit – which was involved in several operations against the Kinahan mob – will be put back in uniform.

A small number will be reassigned to local district detective units, where they will act as aides to investigators. It’s understood the decision to disband the task force, which covers Pearse Street, Kevin Street, Irishtown, Kilmainham and Donnybrook stations, is connected to the simmering roster row gripping the force.

Commissioner Drew Harris has announced plans to end an emergency roster introduced when Covid-19 hit in early 2020, infuriating most members of the force. The roster saw gardai working longer shifts for four days in a row and proved popular.But Mr Harris said in July he plans to scrap the roster at the start of November and the old scheme, called the Westmanstown Roster, would be brought back. This would mean gardai working six days straight followed by four days off. Many claim that is unworkable and will lead to an exodus from a force that now has fewer than 14,000 members.The plan will also see the frontline force split into five units rather than four. Sources have said Garda bosses all over the country have been told to send their proposals on how they will find officers for the fifth unit to force HQ by the middle of next month.

138437485146

In the case of the south central division, the decision has been taken to disband the Crime Task Force. It’s also understood plans are being considered to send officers from other units, including a local drugs squad, back into uniform.

The GRA’s Representative for the DMR South Central Division Shane Bonner said: “We are extremely concerned by the decision to disband the Crime Task Force which is currently investigating almost 200 serious crimes. This will adversely affect our ability to deliver effective policing to the public.”GRA General Secretary Ronan Slevin also urged Mr Harris to reconsider. A Garda spokeswoman told Dublin Live last night: “The implementation of the Westmanstown Roster provides the opportunity to restructure local unit composition and enhance the service to the public. There are no plans for any station closures or changes to publicly advertised opening hours.”