The newly established Mayo Divisional Protective Service Unit (DPSU ) commenced this week.
Mayo’s DPSU has been rolled out as part of A Policing Service For Our Future and the new Garda Operating Model. It brings to 24 the number of Divisional Protective Services Units that have now been established across the country.
DPSUs deliver a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of specialised crime types, including sexual crime, child abuse and domestic abuse.
The Mayo DPSU is headed up by Superintendent Joe McKenna, and currently comprises of one Detective Sergeant and six Detective Gardaí, with the commitment to expand to two Detective Sergeants and 10 Detective Gardaí. The Mayo DPSU is operating out of Ballina Garda Station.
Specialised training is provided to Gardaí in DPSUs, which gives them a greater understanding of victims’ needs. This in turn enables them to provide an improved experience for survivors of child sexual abuse. It also ensures that Gardaí investigating this specific range of very serious crimes are equipped with the knowledge and skills that these complex cases require.
Speaking about the official launch of the Mayo DPSU Superintendent Joe McKenna said: "The addition of a Divisional Protective Services Unit in Mayo will ensure the delivery of a consistent and professional approach to the investigation of specialised crime types, including sexual crime, human trafficking, child abuse and domestic abuse.
"The unit will also focus on providing support for vulnerable victims of crime, and will see enhanced collaboration with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children."
Chief Superintendent Tony Healy of the Mayo Garda Division said: "The Mayo DPSU provides us with an opportunity to place vulnerable victims of crime at the centre of the Garda service, and provides increased resources to protect the human rights of children."
The full list of crime types and service areas that will be for consideration by the Divisional Protective Service Units are: (1 ) Sexual Crime Investigation, (2 ) Online Child Exploitation Investigation, (3 ) Child Protection, Crimes against Children and Child Welfare, (4 ) Domestic Abuse Intervention and Investigation, (5 ) Human Trafficking Investigation, (6 ) Organised Prostitution Investigation, (7 ) Specialist Interviewing, (8 ) Sex Offender Management, (9 ) Missing Persons, (10 ) Missing Children in Care, (11 ) Support for Victims of Crime and (12 ) Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System (ViCLAS ).
The Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB ) provides advice, guidance and assistance to DPSU investigators and it leads the investigation in more complex cases.
Members of the public should report all crimes by contacting their local Garda station. All complaints will be handled sensitively, will be taken seriously and will be investigated. Relevant crimes will be forward for the attention of the DPSU.
