NEW FIT

Opinions divided as gardai unveil new uniform accessory and people say ‘branded flip flops next’

‘God, this looks so cheap. The current garda hats look very smart and distinctive!’

• Published: 15:05, 6 Dec 2023
• Updated: 15:05, 6 Dec 2023

OPINIONS have been divided after gardai unveiled a brand new uniform accessory.

The new navy and light blue Garda-branded baseball caps will be made operational in three stations as part of a pilot scheme.

Gardai in Ballinasloe Co. Galway, Terenure, Dublin, and Bantry, Co. Cork will trial the hats to see if they will be made a permanent part of the uniform.

Announcing the move, a garda spokesperson said: “From tomorrow, we will begin a pilot of new operational uniform baseball caps in three stations: Ballinasloe Co. Galway, Terenure, Dublin and Bantry, Co. Cork.

“The pilot will include two sample caps: a soft baseball cap and a ‘bump stop’ cap.”

But people were left stunned by the new caps as they raced to the comment section to brand them as “unprofessional” looking.

One person said: “Branded flip flops next.”

Another wrote: “They are a terrible design. Look very unprofessional for a police force.”

“Too casual, lacks the authority of traditional Garda cap,” commented a third.

Another joked that the new caps would surely help gardai to stop “troublemakers”.

They said: “This will really have the troublemakers shaking in their boots? I despair.”

A second said: “God, this looks so cheap. The current Garda hats look very smart and distinctive!”

While others questioned whether or not the hats were “appropriate”.

They said: “They are terrible, why would anyone think that an American baseball style hat is appropriate head gear for the Garda.”

However, others were in favour.

One person said: “The baseball one works perfect gets my vote but definitely the traditional dress uniform needs to stay for ceremonial purposes.”

‘I LIKE THEM’

While another said: “I like them…..best wishes.”

It comes after it was revealed some 434 gardai have left the force so far this year, shocking new stats reveal.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee revealed the number, which could eventually top the 476 cops who went last year — the highest ever.

She said there were 143 resignations, 199 voluntary retirements, 55 compulsory retirements, 22 medical discharges and 10 deaths up until October 31.

Another ten cops were dismissed by bosses and fewer than ten left in lieu of being fired.

Minister McEntee also told Aontu leader Pedar Toibin in reply to a parliamentary question that 2,297 members had left the Gardai in the past six years.

This includes 1,220 voluntary retirements and 560 resignations.

McEntee also said 1,882 new members had been recruited since 2019.

However, only 237 have been hired this year —  way short of the 1,000 new cops the Government promised.