Restructuring changes are to be made in the Kerry Division of An Garda Siochána arising from the phased implementation of a new operating model, designed to implement a community policing policy for the future.
From January 16 next, the Kerry Division will be realigned into two community engagement functional areas – Kerry South and Kerry North – and it will create a post for a second community engagement superintendent to enhance capacity and to provide a more responsive service to the public as well as supporting frontline policing operations.
From that date, Supt Dave Callaghan will assume responsibility for Kerry North and Supt John Ryan will take charge of Kerry South.
The other lead officers in the restructured functional areas are Acting Superintendent James O’Donnell (performance assurance), Detective Superintendent Ferghal Pattwell (crime) and Assistant Principal Raemonn McDunphy (business services).
Welcoming the changes, Killarney councillor Martin Grady said it bolsters the community service operations within An Garda Siochana which is important given that communities and society are changing and population is on the rise.
“This will mean the addition of a second community engagement superintendent for South Kerry but I still believe towns and rural areas need more of a visual Garda presence,” he said.
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