This is the story of a Force born out of a bloody War of Independence and launched in the teeth of a brutal Civil War following. During this time, An Garda Síochána functioned almost exclusively as an unarmed police force.
This year (2022) marks the Centenary of An Garda Síochána (The Irish Police and Security Service). The author is gratified with the commission and support given to him by the Garda Síochána Retired Members' Association (GSRMA) for this book.
It is a work dedicated to the men and women of the Force and their families. It pays tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in securing the Irish State during the last 100 years.
The nature of this work has not been attempted previously. It details one hundred years of policing and security in the Irish Republic. It is written from an ethnographic perspective. It is a first- hand account written by an author who served at many different levels in the Policing and Security Service of Ireland that is An Garda Síochána.
Historically, it is well established that a functioning acceptable police force is an essential enabler for stable democracy. This was the brutal lesson learned by An Garda Síochána's predecessors. When the police force is rendered impotent, the State collapses.
HISTORY OF POLICING IN IRELAND
The main purpose of this work, undertaken with the support and guidance of the GSRMA, is to share and explore information regarding the history of policing in Ireland from 1922 to 2022.
Understandably, the primary focus of the book is on the role of the An Garda Síochána in protecting and securing the State. Up to 1998, this threat was posed primarily by militant republicans, particularly the Provisional IRA. They posed an existential danger to the Irish State during that time, especially during the 1920s as well as the 1970s.
The main theme in 'Securing the Irish State' charts the relationship between the politicians and the Force, the ambiguity inherent in that relationship and the occasional explosive conflict. The leadership of the Force is critically examined from Commissioner Eoin O'Duffy to the present incumbent, Drew Harris. The leadership role played by senior politicians and Gardaí is examined as part of the overall context.
Labour relations and the overall implication for the control and direction of the Force figures significantly throughout the decades. The history of labour relations played an important and sometimes divisive role in the overall equilibrium of An Garda Síochána. These themes and others are explored using an evidence-based approach regardless of the conclusions. The history of 'The Troubles' is closely examined in the context the Dublin/Belfast and London's political and security axis.
The author presents a unique insider's view to the many complexities involved in a century of policing and security. His observations are critical, evidence-based and make no concession to conservatism in the State nor in the Force. John O'Brien joined An Garda Síochána in 1968 and served until 2006.
He enjoyed a varied and satisfying career which involved uniform policing as well as specialist roles. I have acquired considerable international experience. He progressed through the ranks retiring as a Detective Chief Superintendent.
Political influence in An Garda Síochána has been a research interest of the author throughout his career . He previously published 'A Question of Honour - Politics and Policing' in 2020.
