Gardai have launched four new units to tackle sex crimes and domestic abuse. 

Gardai say the units will be tasked with investigating incidents of domestic and sexual crimes across the country. 

They will also focus on support for vulnerable victims of crime, including enhanced collaboration with the Child and Family Agency to safeguard children. 

The first locations to receive  Divisional Protective Services Units (DPSUs) are Cabra, Clondalkin, Anglesea St and Dundalk. 

There will be a phased nationwide roll-out of DPSUs in all Garda divisions with Phase 2 commencing in 2018.

The new units are part of An Garda Síochána’s Modernisation and Renewal programme which aims to improve the policing service to the public.

The units will be supported on an advisory level by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau.

Vulnerable people 

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said "Today marks a significant step forward in the provision of protective services for vulnerable people in Ireland.

"our response to the investigation of missing persons, children who are missing in care, and sex offenders will be enhanced by the establishment of DPSUs."

Meanwhile, Noeline Blackwell, CEO of the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre, said "Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has waited for these units for a long time. 

"We are pleased to see four units being rolled out. We need well informed, well trained Gardaí to effectively combat sexual, domestic and gender based violence.

She finished by saying "We need victims to be confident that if they work up the courage to report, their cases will be investigated in a consistently high quality manner."