The Policing Authority has described the process of civilianisation within the gardaí as disappointing and frustrating with little progress made.
It made the comments in its second quarterly report on garda implementation of the inspectorate report.
It said initial results from a countrywide census identified only 161 posts where gardaí could be replaced by civilian members.
The authority said this calls into question the quality of engagement with the idea of civilianisation and the depths of commitment across the organisation to its achievement.
It called for leadership on civilianisation and said this extends to leadership at local level.
The Policing Authority also said the roll-out of nine protective services units has not proceeded as hoped.
It was reduced to three units as this was regarded as more manageable for a pilot project.
It said issues around recruitment and accommodation have impeded progress.
However, the Authority has welcomed the announcement today that four new divisional protective services units are going live.
