by Louise Doyle
DONEGAL’S Garda Representative Association (GRA) President has said he was both “taken aback” by and “understanding” of the decision of many gardaí to quit the force.
Brendan O’Connor was speaking in the wake of a major new study exploring why so many gardaí are choosing to leave their job.
In March of this year, the GRA began a research project which saw them contact a significant number of gardaí who had recently resigned and ask if they might participate in an “exit interview”.
The study has uncovered a number of issues within An Garda Síochána including low morale within the ranks.
A significant number of former gardaí also reported feeling burnt out, stressed, victimised and bullied.
Mr O’Connor told the Sunday Independent that he was “taken aback” by the report’s findings.
“But I can completely empathise with those members who felt they had no option but to leave. While my time and career in An Garda Siochána has been largely enjoyable and fulfilling, I have been aware of many of my colleagues who have had very different experiences,” said the Dunfanaghy-based man.
Experiences of bullying, unfair treatment and the fear of discipline which have been cited by those surveyed are something I’ve witnessed colleagues struggle to deal with and the affect can be detrimental.
“A sense of isolation and a perception of not being supported can impact very negatively on self confidence and mental health, which in turn affects performance and ability to function as a garda.”
Mr O’Connor said now was the time garda management “take heed of the alarm bells ringing”.
In March of this year, the GRA began the research project, which saw them contact a significant number of gardaí who had recently resigned and ask if they might participate in an “exit interview”.
Forty frontline gardaí agreed to be extensively interviewed, on condition of anonymity, about their reasons for quitting the force. All interviewees had left the organisation between July 2021 and June 2023. In total, 200 gardaí quit the force during this period — so these interviewees account for 20 per cent of members who left in that time period.
The former gardaí were questioned to determine the reasons for their departure at a time of an unprecedented crisis in recruitment and retention in the organisation.
In recent years, there has been a steady increase in gardaí opting to leave their careers in law enforcement. Based on current figures, it is estimated that up to 150 officers will resign this year, up on 109 from last year. These numbers compare with just 47 in 2017.
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