There are currently 50 Garda Criminal Asset Profilers active in the Shannonside Region. New figures from the Minister for Justice show that the Longford/Roscommon Garda Division has the highest number of the specialist Gardaí locally. Garda Asset Profilers work with multiple state organisations such as Revenue and the Department of Social Protection to identify criminal behaviour. Profilers receive special training from both Irish and international agencies such as Interpol.
The officers are trained to recognise those who's lifestyle identifies them as living beyond their stated means with these individuals then referred to the Criminal Assets Bureau for assessment. 22 profilers are currently assigned to the Roscommon Longford Division, 9 to Sligo Leitrim and 19 are working in the Westmeath/Meath Division. Longford Councillor Seamus Butler says the role is a vital one when it comes to tackling organised crime:
