A new electronic system to track all aspects of criminal investigations is to be introduced by the end of next year, An Garda Síochána has said.
The initiative is a part of a five year renewal and modernisation programme for the garda service.
It commits to having a new computer aided dispatch system within three years, as well as greater use of forensic evidence and DNA.
Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan said today marks the beginning of an intense period of "change and growth" for the gardaí.
The programme is a response to 43 highly critical reports on the work of the gardaí including the O'Higgins Report.
As part of the programme a new criminal investigations management system will be established to record and manage the chain of events from crime scene to courts.
It will include an electronic exhibit management system so that vital evidence such as computers, cash, statements or CCTV footage no longer goes missing.
The programme will also establish a new structure to investigate cyber crime such as online fraud, paedophilia and illegal trading - including a new national and regional computer crime investigation units.
It commits to standardising the level of policing all over the country - so that the successful resolution if the complaint is not dependent on the garda who responds to it.
There are also promises of stronger governance with more responsibility devolved to the regions to allow the gardaí police communities based on their needs.
It also promises to create a more supportive environment for whistleblowers as part of an organisational culture change.
Gardaí say this is an ambitious plan - but while it contains targets in many areas - other proposed changes - particularly in relation to national security and organised crime - are left open and non specifics
And while the gardaí accept they have up to now been seen as insular, defensive and resistant to change -they say the implementation of this programme will go a long way towards changing that perception.
