Limerick college hosts launch of new book on policing reform

THE TECHNOLOGICAL University of the Shannon (TUS) has hosted the launch of a new publication analysing Ireland's most far-reaching policing reforms in decades.

Entitled 'Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024: Annotations and Commentary', the new book is authored by a team of legal academics.

In that number is Dr PJ Ryan, a TUS lecturer, who was in attendance alongside co-author Dr John Byrne.

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They both attended the launch at TUS's Moylish campus, and took part in discussions around its contents.

The other authors are Raymond Byrne, adjunct full professor of University College Dublin (UCD), and Dr TJ McIntyre, associate professor at UCD.

Guests included Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Niall Collins, Limerick's most senior garda, the chief superintendent Derek Smart, superintendent Dr Andrew Lacey and Prof Robert Clark, representing Roundhall, the book’s publisher.

At the event, Mr Collins said: "I congratulate the authors on the publication of this book, which outlines the wide-reaching reforms achieved by the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. This comprehensive piece of legislation reorients how the State approaches community safety and modernises oversight of policing in the country. I commend the authors for charting the extent of these changes in this work.”

TUS president, Prof Vincent Cunnane said: "We are proud to see TUS scholarship contributing directly to national policy and public discourse. Dr Ryan’s work exemplifies our mission as a technological university: research that is relevant, engaged and impactful. This launch highlights not only the excellence of our academic staff, but also the role TUS plays in shaping conversations that matter to communities across Ireland.”