Specialised Garda unit tackling domestic violence and sex crimes launches in Clondalkin

Gardai say a new Divisional Protective Service Unit (DPSU) to be located in Clondalkin will deliver a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of specialised crime types.

These crimes will include sexual crime, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse.

According to Gardai, DPSUs will also focus on the provision of support for vulnerable victims of crime, including enhanced collaboration with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children.    

In total, four new DPSUs will go live from today in Clondalkin, Cabra, Cork and Dundalk, while a phased nationwide roll-out will commence in 2018.

Speaking about the launch of the new units, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, Noeline Blackwell said: “Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has waited for these units for a long time. 

“We are pleased to see four units being rolled out. We need well informed, well trained Gardaí to effectively combat sexual, domestic and gender based violence.

“We need victims to be confident that if they work up the courage to report, their cases will be investigated in a consistently high quality manner.

“These units are structured to provide that. We hope that now that the roll out programme has started it will continue so that victims of sexual crime everywhere will have access to these Protective Service Units.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner for Policing and Security, John Twomey beleives this project will impact positively on Garda members and the public.

He said: “Today marks a significant step forward in the provision of protective services for vulnerable people in Ireland.

“It means that people who are victims of a range of crimes, including sexual, domestic  or child abuse, prostitution and human trafficking can expect a more professional and consistent service from the Gardai.

“Equally our response to the investigation of missing persons, children who are missing in care, and sex offenders will be enhanced by the establishment of DPSUs.

“It will also provide us with an opportunity to place vulnerable victims of crime at the centre of the Garda service, which is in line with our stated ethos of providing a more victim-centred, empathetic and meaningful service to the people who need it most.

“It also reaffirms our commitment that there is no place for deferential treatment in modern Irish policing.”