Pics: First look at new Garda uniforms

An Garda Síochána has unveiled a new uniform which will be visible across the country by the end of March.

Over 13,000 gardaí nationwide will wear the new uniform, which includes polo shirts, two-tone soft shell and waterproof jackets, practical base layers and operational trousers.

The force described the new uniform as contemporary and it incorporates elements such as durability, protection, and functionality. The uniform will also be clearly badged with the Garda crest for the first time. 

The current uniform cap will remain in operation as 'a unique and distinctive element of the garda uniform'.

A key finding of the internal Garda Cultural Audit 2018 was a desire from front-line gardaí for a new and practical operational uniform. The delivery of a new garda uniform to frontline operational gardaí is set to start this week.

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the organisation is undertaking a major process of modernisation, and the operational uniform will now reflect this important transition. 

“It will be contemporary, while also incorporating necessary elements such as comfort, durability, protection and functionality to support your duties."

“The new uniform, developed by the Uniform Committee in close collaboration with Gardaí nationwide, preserve the unique identity of members of An Garda Síochána and the colours most recognised by the public,” he added.

The Garda Commissioner will announce a formal ‘go-live’ date when the new uniform will become the operational uniform for daily duties, currently expected to be in March this year.

As An Garda Síochána approaches the 100th anniversary of its establishment, this is only the third time in that century that a formal upgrade of the garda uniform has taken place.

An Garda Síochána has previously updated its uniform policy to embrace the wearing of official headwear for religious and cultural reasons and beliefs including Turban, Kufi, Topi, Kippah, or Hijab.

In developing the new uniform, An Garda Síochána said embarked on a bottom-up collaboration through the Uniform Committee, including international research and implementing a pilot project involving nearly 200 frontline gardaí based at three Garda stations.

These extensive collaborations and engagement designed An Garda Síochána’s new uniform ‘by Garda members, for Garda members’.