New garda rosters came into effect today aimed at improving efficiency and targeting resources at peak times.
The changes negotiated under the Croke Park Agreement have been described as among the most significant for gardaí in 40 years.
Previously, the garda roster cycle was based around four units working eight-hour shifts, with one unit resting at any given time.
However, the new rosters involve more flexible ten-hour shifts with staggered starting times and a six-day on, four-day off cycle.
Each garda will work an average of 40 hours before overtime.
The changes will allow garda management to schedule staff better to meet peak demand, for example on Friday and Saturday nights.
The new rosters were seen as essential to meet demands with fewer resources, given that staff numbers have fallen from 14,400 at the beginning of 2011 to 13,603 at the end of March 2012.
The changes were also required to comply with the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Garda unions said the new rosters will be cost neutral and will not affect staff incomes.
The new rosters will operate on a pilot basis for a year from today, after which garda unions will ballot on them for final approval.
