Law enforcement in Ireland

Law enforcement on the island of Ireland is divided into two distinctive areas due to political boundaries.

Policing in Northern Ireland

Policing in Northern Ireland follows a similar model to that of the rest of the United Kingdom in that it is the responsibility of the local territorial police force. However, unlike the rest of the UK, which has police forces divided by local areas such as ceremonial counties or local council areas, Northern Ireland has a single territorial police force, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), formerly known as the Royal Ulster Constabulary. This force, one of the largest in the UK, is responsible for all local policing in the region.

In addition to the PSNI, there are three small specialised constabularies that have responsibility for specific parts of Northern Ireland's transport infrastructure:
*Belfast Harbour Police
*Belfast International Airport Constabulary
*Larne Harbour Police

Officers of these forces have full constabulary powers within one mile of the specific locations they police, which come from specific pieces of legislation relating to them.

A further civilian police force with powers in Northern Ireland is the Ministry of Defence Police, which has responsibility for policing all MOD property. Additionally, the Royal Military Police has a presence in British Army barracks.

Policing in the Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland has a single national civilian police force, An Garda Síochána na hÉireann ("Guardians of the Peace of Ireland"). This force is responsible for all aspects of civil policing, both in terms of territorial policing and in the policing of infrastructure.

The Poilíní Airm is the military police corps of the Irish Army.

Within Dublin Airport, Cork Airport, and Shannon Airport the Airport Police Fire Service perform local policing functions. They are employed by Dublin Airport Authority. Within Dublin Port, the Dublin Harbour Police (operated by the Dublin Port Company) perform a similar role. The powers of both organisations are limited to the airport/port buildings and grounds.

pecial police organizations

*Special Detective Unit
*PSNI Special Branch