Updated 09.00
The President of the body representing middle-ranking gardaí says there is a "disconnect" between senior management and officers on the ground.
It comes ahead of the publication of a report by the Independent Garda Inspectorate into work practices in the force in the coming weeks.
The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors says there is little interaction between regular officers and their superiors - and not enough training for gardaí.
The comments come ahead of a major report by the Independent Garda Inspectorate into work practices in the force.
AGSI President Tim Galvin told Newstalk's Breakfast the disconnect is a relatively new problem in the force:
Meanwhile, a pilot policing scheme in North County Dublin is aiming to dramatically change the way gardaí operate in the community.
The latest stage of the Small Areas Policing Programme will see gardaí visit every resident in their area and work their into the community.
It is hoped the scheme could be rolled out on a wider basis, if successful.
Garda representatives say it is about boosting garda standing in their communities.
