Garda Crime and Security Branch

The Crime and Security Branch (CSB) (Irish: Brainse Coireachta agus Slándála) – previously known as C3 – is responsible for the administration of national security, counter terrorism and serious crime investigations within the Garda Síochána, the national police force of Ireland.[1] The section oversees intelligence relating to subversive, paramilitary and terrorism matters, conducts counter-intelligence, liaises with foreign law enforcement agencies, handles confidential informants, administers VIP and witness protection, monitors potential corrupt Garda officers and provides information on threats to the state to the Garda Commissioner and Government of Ireland.[2]

Garda Crime and Security Branch
Irish: Bhrainse Coireachta agus Slándála
Agency overview
Preceding agency
  • C3
JurisdictionIreland
HeadquartersPhoenix Park, Dublin (D8)53°21′13.4″N 6°17′54.5″W
EmployeesUndisclosed
Annual budgetUndisclosed (part of Garda Síochána budget, €1.34 billion in 2014)
Minister responsible
Agency executives
Parent agency Garda Síochána
WebsiteOfficial website

The Crime & Security Branch comprises a number of Garda units, which it collects information from and issues directives to. The Garda CSB is based at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. It is headed by the Assistant commissioner in charge of Crime and Security, and is staffed mainly by senior officers and intelligence analysts.[3] The branch is responsible for up to 500 Garda officers in other units, who are mainly detectives with investigative duties.[4] CSB maintain the National Intelligence Database, which collates intelligence received from all its sources, and is linked to that of G2.[5]

Organisational Structure

Responsibilities

Security & Intelligence
Further information: Garda National Surveillance Unit

The role of this section is to identify and analyse the threat to the state from terrorists and organised crime gangs.[8] The section is accordingly divided into two sub-sections dealing with intelligence in relation to both terrorism and organised crime.[9] The section supports operational units by providing intelligence leads relative to both areas. Security & Intelligence (S&I) is the central point of contact for the Garda Síochána with all external agencies – both law enforcement and security/intelligence – with regard to international co-operation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.[10]

Liaison & Protection

This section is responsible for the protective security of the state and its institutions. The section also has a strong liaison function, housing both the Interpol National Central Bureau and the Europol National Unit. These are the central points of contact for secure communications between the Garda Síochána and all external agencies. Liaison & Protection also encompasses the Schengen Information System (SIS) of which Ireland is a member. A number of Garda Liaison Officers (GLO) attached to Liaison & Protection are posted abroad, including in foreign Irish embassies. The section coordinates the work of a number of European Union (EU) Council Working groups attended by Garda representatives.[9] It also has an administrative role in relation to the Witness Security Programme.[11]

Crime Policy & Administration

This section is responsible for:

  • Implementation of strategic policy
  • Mutual Assistance and Extradition in conjunction with the Department of Justice
  • Liaising with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) regarding crime statistics
  • Providing legal advice to the Garda Commissioner and the organisation in general
  • Coordinating the issuing and renewal of firearms licenses
  • Parole Board Applications
  • The Hague Convention regarding separated couples' issues
  • Betting Act applications from non-residents

The Missing Persons Bureau is part of Crime, Policy & Administration.[9][12]

Special Detective Unit
Main articles: Special Detective Unit and Garda Emergency Response Unit

The Special Detective Unit (SDU) is responsible for the investigation of threats to state security and the monitoring of persons who pose a threat to this on both national and international fronts. The SDU also provides security for visiting VIPs, cash-in-transit movements and armed response.[13] The SDU is the operational wing of the Witness Security Programme. The highly trained and equipped specialist armed intervention unit, the Emergency Response Unit (ERU), is also part of the SDU.[9]

Analysis Service

The Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) is responsible for providing analytical support to the Garda organisation. GSAS Management and Analyst staff provide valuable support at both a Regional, and National level, in relation to both operational and strategic policing initiatives. The Research Unit, based in the Garda College, also sit alongside the GSAS. The Research Unit conduct internal and external surveys and have been involved in the evaluation of policing initiatives in order to identify effective practice.[9]

See also

References
  1. "FBI's man puts away Michael McKevitt". Phoenix Magazine. 11 September 2003. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  2. Mulqueen, Michael. "United We Stand? EU Counter-Terrorism Initiatives". 23 February 2005. European Institute, University College Dublin (UCD). Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  3. "Ireland, Intelligence and Security". 2014. Espionage Information FAQs. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  4. Cusack, Jim (13 April 2014). "How Tango Squad evolved from watching a gangster to the Garda 'Big Brother'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  5. Mulqueen, Michael (2009). Re-evaluating Irish national security policy : affordable threats?. Manchester: Manchester University Press. ISBN 978-0-7190-8027-2.
  6. Williams, Paul (11 January 2015). "Ireland being used as 'transit hub for Jihadis' heading for Iraq and Syria". Irish Independent. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  7. "EU Terrorism Situation & Trend Report (Te-Sat) (Europol)" (PDF). 25 April 2013. Europol. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  8. Mooney, John (6 May 2012). "Security lapses by garda agents". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 3 June 2014.
  9. "The Crime & Security Branch". 2014. Garda Síochána. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  10. O'Keeffe, Cormac (20 April 2009). "Surveillance in the spotlight". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  11. Baker, Noel (27 March 2012). "Witness protection: history and reality". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  12. "Garda Missing Persons Bureau". www.garda.ie. Archived from the original on 30 April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
  13. "Crime Policy & Administration and the Special Detective Unit". An Garda Síochána. Archived from the original on 30 April 2014. Retrieved 30 April 2014.

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