On February 21, 1922, the first recruits of An Garda Síochána, Ireland's national police and security service, passed out at a ceremony in the RDS, Dublin. This marked a pivotal moment in the establishment of law enforcement in the newly formed Irish Free State. The Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) was being disbanded, necessitating a new policing agency. A 'Police Organising Committee,' convened by Michael Collins, laid the groundwork for this unarmed force. Michael Staines, who would become the first Garda Commissioner, led the new service, which aimed to gain public trust and respect.
