Ireland Study Visit – An Garda Síochána

LCAPS is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage directly with international policing systems. A recent study visit to Ireland enabled students to undertake a comparative exploration of policing practice alongside An Garda Síochána.

The visit was developed through close collaboration with senior Garda officers and partner institutions, ensuring a structured and academically meaningful experience. It was designed to provide students with insight into how policing operates within a different national context, while encouraging critical comparison with UK practices.

Experience

The programme offered a comprehensive and immersive experience, combining operational exposure with academic input. Students engaged with neighbourhood policing teams, visited custody environments, and explored training provision at the Garda College in Templemore.

Academic engagement formed a key part of the visit, with input from experts on the development of policing in Ireland, neighbourhood policing strategy, and the structure of the Irish criminal justice system. Students also visited the University of Limerick, where they explored issues such as safeguarding vulnerable individuals within the justice system.

Operational visits included exposure to initiatives such as the Community Access Support Team (CAST), which integrates policing and healthcare responses to support individuals in mental health crisis. Additional visits to Limerick Prison and live court proceedings provided valuable insight into the wider criminal justice system.

Impact

The visit enabled students to engage in meaningful comparative learning, examining differences in policing structures, training, community engagement, and legal processes. This supported deeper academic understanding while also encouraging critical reflection on the strengths and challenges of different systems.

Students demonstrated high levels of engagement throughout, contributing to discussions and asking informed questions. Hosts consistently praised their professionalism, confidence, and willingness to engage with complex issues.

The experience also supported the development of key professional skills, including communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. It provided students with a broader perspective on policing, enhancing both their academic work and future career readiness.

Future

The visit has strengthened relationships with An Garda Síochána and the University of Limerick, both of whom have expressed strong interest in ongoing collaboration. These partnerships create opportunities for future student visits, joint initiatives, and continued knowledge exchange.

There is clear potential to develop further collaborative work in areas where LCAPS has established expertise, including evidence-based policing, problem-oriented policing, and investigative practice.

This study visit represents an important step in developing sustainable international partnerships that support both education and research.