The results of the An Garda Síochána Public Attitudes survey were released today. The survey consists of 7,600 face-to-face interviews with adults aged 18 and over.
The results found trust in An Garda Síochána remains the same as in 2019, which was an increase from 89% in 2018.
Satisfaction with An Garda Síochána remains at a high level with 78% of respondents satisfied with Garda services provided to local communities.
There was an increase in those who were ‘very satisfied’ with An Garda Síochána in 2021 (19%), from 11% in 2019, and 10% the two previous years. The highest level of satisfaction was among 18-24 year olds (83%).
In general, 91% of those surveyed believe that they would be treated with respect if they had any contact with An Garda Síochána, and 77% said Gardaí would treat you fairly regardless of who you are.
Also, 77% agreed that Gardaí can be relied to be there when they are needed, a slight increase on 2019 (76%).
The vast majority of respondents said that Gardaí listen to concerns of local people (80%).
90% of all respondents were of the opinion that sexual offences should be the top policing priority for An Garda Síochána. This was the case regardless of gender, social class or nationality.
Domestic abuse, hate crime and road safety were new priority areas in the 2021 survey, with domestic abuse rated as a high priority by 87% of respondents, second only to sexual offences.
Human trafficking, illegal weapons and assaults featured highly across all demographics in terms of priorities for An Garda Síochána.
In 2021, 80% agreed that An Garda Síochána is focused on human rights, the first time this was included in the survey.
There continued to be an increase in the number of people who said that An Garda Síochána is community focused (77%), effective in tackling crime (72%), well managed (69%), modern and progressive (75%).
In particular, there was a 10% increase from 2019 in the view of respondents that the organisation was well managed.
Welcoming the results published today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said these survey results and the consistently high level of public trust in An Garda Síochána are a strong reflection of the hard work and dedication of Garda personnel nationwide.
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