70% jump in human-trafficking victims
The annual report of An Garda Síochána shows that gardaí identified 114 people as potential victims of human trafficking in 2025 – a 70% increase on the previous year.
The report also shows that deportation orders almost doubled to 4,699, while the number of new cyber-crime cases rose from 624 to 633.
Writing in the report, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said that the increase in road deaths last year was “a concern”, adding that the force had “more to do” on the issue.
The commissioner also said that the “highly concerning” findings of the Crowe Report into roads policing were being addressed.
Dublin patrols ‘a success’
Kelly said that the introduction of high-visibility patrols in Dublin city centre had been “a significant success”.
“It has seen many crimes fall and provided Dubliners, businesses and visitors with re-assurance,” he wrote, adding that the initiative was being expanded into other cities and urban areas this year.
The report shows that gardaí seized drugs worth €126 million and cash worth €2.8 million and Stg £268,860 during the year.
In December, the force began a Taser pilot for 128 uniform gardaí from four designated stations, who have been authorised to carry Tasers while on operational duties in conjunction with their body-worn cameras (BWCs).
The pilot has drawn criticism from the Irish Council for Civil Liberties.
Garda numbers rise
By the end of the year, the force’s strength stood at 18,405 – 14,425 gardaí, 308 reserves, and 3,672 garda staff.
The number of gardaí rose by around 230, while Commissioner Kelly said that two recruitment campaigns during 2025 had resulted in more than 11,000 applications.
The year saw a change in garda oversight structures with the commencement of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024, which established a Garda Board, the Policing and Community Safety Authority, and Fiosrú.