Justin Kelly (police officer)
Justin Kelly | |
|---|---|
 Kelly in 2025 | |
| Garda Deputy Commissioner | |
| Assumed office 15 October 2024[1] | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1971 or 1972 (age 53–54)[2] Dublin |
Justin Kelly is the nominated 22nd Commissioner of the Garda Síochána, the police and security service of Ireland, having previously served in that force over 30 years, including in several senior roles. His appointment was confirmed by the government of Ireland at a cabinet meeting on the 29 July 2025, and becomes effective on the retirement of Drew Harris, not later than 1 September 2025. Kelly has been serving as Deputy Commissioner of the force since October 2024.[3][4]
Career
Kelly is from the Dublin 6 area. He joined An Garda Síochána as a trainee in 1992, and was assigned to Tallaght on mustering out. He worked at several locations as a Garda and Sergeant, and then served at the rank of Inspector in the stations of two of Dublin's larger suburbs, at Blanchardstown and Clondalkin. Kelly subsequently worked in the Drugs and Organised Crime unit, the Special Detective Unit and the Protective Services Bureau. In 2022, he was appointed as Assistant Commissioner for Serious and Organised Crime.[3]
He also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina. [2]
On 15 October 2024, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner for Security, Strategy and Governance.[5][1] Kelly was one of 14 candidates for the post of Commissioner, and his initial term will be five years at a salary of over 314,000 euro.[2] He will lead over 14,000 sworn Gardai and around 4,000 civilian support staff.[6]
Qualifications
Kelly studied for a bachelor's degree in Civil Law (BCL) at University College Dublin and later secured three advanced degrees: while on a fellowship in 2009, a master’s degree in Criminal Justice at John Jay College, New York, and later an executive MBA at Dublin City University and a first class honours master’s in Serious Crime Investigation from the University of Limerick.[7][8] He also studied at the UK's College of Policing and Ireland’s Institute of Public Administration.[9]
Personal life
Kelly is married with children.[2]
References
- ^ a b "Government appoints Deputy Garda Commissioner". gov.ie. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Who is Justin Kelly, the Garda commissioner in waiting?". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Justin Kelly named as new Garda Commissioner to succeed Drew Harris". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ "Justin Kelly appointed new Garda commissioner". Gazette News. 29 July 2025. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ "Justin Kelly named new Deputy Garda Commissioner". The Irish Times. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ Mathews, Jane (29 July 2025). "Deputy Commissioner Justin Kelly announced as new Garda Commissioner, succeeding Drew Harris". The Journal. MSN.com. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ UL graduate appointed deputy Garda commissioner
- ^ "Deputy Commissioner Security, Strategy and Governance". Garda. Retrieved 29 July 2025.
- ^ Burne, Louise (29 July 2025). "Justin Kelly to succeed Drew Harris as new Garda Commissioner". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 29 July 2025.