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The article discusses a news report about a senior garda visiting a gay club and argues that it was unnecessary and reflected outdated attitudes. It also talks about increasing acceptance of diversity and the gay community in Ireland.

When the plane took off from the long runway at the racecourse, its propeller struck a roller that was concealed in the long grass, causing the plane to crash and turn over on its side. However, the pilot and passenger were uninjured due to their seatbelts.

After the plane crash, the garda who had been in charge of procuring the keys to the racecourse appeared to have had 'a few drinks' and to be in a state of slight intoxication.

THE FORCE MAGAZINE SINCE 1923

GARDA

VOLUME 36 NO. 7

SEPTEMBER 2008

REVIEW

UNNECESSARY OBSTACLE?
www.gardareview.ie

DIABETES:

VOLUME 36 NO. 7

THE FORCE MAGAZINE SINCE 1923

GARDA

REVIEW

Ill judged commentary


SEPTEMBER 2008

GARDA REVIEW
Garda Review Ltd Floor 5, Phibsboro Tower, Phibsboro, Dublin 7. Tel: 01-830 3533 Fax: 01-830 3331 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.gardareview.ie EDITORIAL BOARD: Chairman: P Stone .J. Secretary: John Healy Michael OBoyce Donal Flannery Dave McMahon Tel: 01-830 3533 Garda Representative Association Views expressed in Garda Review do not necessarily reflect the policies of An Garda Sochna, the Garda Representative Association, the Editorial Board, or the Editor. EDITOR: Neil Ward

On Sunday 3rd August 2008 the Sunday Independent carried an article entitled Garda's gay club visit shows new face of the force that made news of a senior figure in An Garda Sochna seen leaving a gay club in Dublin wearing tight leather pants. We believe the report was offensive, inflamatory and above all unnecessary; while the tone tried to carry weight and authority it attained an sniggering undercurrent and an unpleasant aftertaste of homophobia. The world has changed; and Ireland is a country that has worked hard to catch up and keep apace. Homosexuality was decriminalised in 1993; and in recent years An Garda Sochna has proactively worked to make sure that no members were discriminated against because of their gender or sexual orientation. The Band of An Garda Sochna have shared concerts with the gay and lesbian choir on two occasions. An increased and open gay community with pubs, clubs and businesses indicate that society is changing and becoming more tolerant of diversity. Statistics indicate that eight percent of the Irish population is gay. This figure may be on the low side, because while the sexual act between gay men has been decriminalised for over ten years, some prejudice remains and many prefer to keep their sexuality secret. So is anyone supposed to be convinced that the Sunday Independent article was telling us anything new or otherwise? Decriminalisation was largely the result of a campaign by Senator David Norris and the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform. Indeed, Senator Norris wrote to Garda Review in 2006 to congratulate the magazine for an article on the welfare of gay and lesbian members. The offensive article in the Sunday Independent underlines that members of An Garda Sochna were quicker to realise that Ireland wants to be a pluralist society than our media commentators would allow. This is not the first time we have good reason to complain about this newspaper, indeed only last year we withdrew our support until members received an unreserved apology. We accept that it is not easy to be gay and be a member of An Garda Sochna, but articles like this one wont make it easier. The bigoted references included in the piece could be wrongly interpreted to cause tension in Garda Headquarters; and was intrusive into the private life of the member referred to. An Garda Sochna is also a community, one that is reflective of the public it serves, and the inflammatory remarks without doubt caused speculation to the identity of the senior figure. This in itself is distressing to all gay and lesbian members throughout the organisation. The article reflects the worst aspects of an old Ireland that we are all trying to leave behind. We cannot forget where we came from, but we must progress with unity and openness. As we do this, we have to come to expect that the media will trawl through their electronic archives to drag up the past and use it against the organisation in fortifying their new claims. We have to be more progressive than give us credit for.

COVER IMAGE: Blood glucose meter. Picture by Neil Ward

Diversity, by definition, comes in many different forms and we must embrace them. Discrimination is unfair and unjust. It has no place here.
EDITORIAL
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

VOLUME 36 NO. 7

SEPTEMBER 2008

GARDA REVIEW
The magazine is published by Dyflin Publications on behalf of Garda Review Ltd and printed by Turners Printing Co., Longford Dyflin Publications Ltd. Cunningham House, 130 Francis Street, Dublin 8. Tel: 01-416 7900, Fax: 01-416 7901 JOINT MANAGING DIRECTORS Karen Hesse, Philip McGaley EDITORIAL DESIGN MANAGER Layla Hogan ADVERTISEMENT DESIGN MANAGER Diarmuid O Connor DESIGN Erica Lfman, Naomi Edwards ADVERTISEMENT PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Amina Ferradj ADVERTISEMENT DESIGN Michal Bartosz Ciarn McBride REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS June Caldwell Paul Golden EDITORIAL CONTENT All enquiries and submissions should be directed to The Editor, Garda Review, Floor 5, Phibsboro Tower, Dublin 7. [email protected] ADVERTISING SALES Tony Doyle Sandra Murphy Rosn OShea ADVERTISING CONTACT Contact Tony Doyle for rates. Advertising production should be directed to Amina Ferradj.

CONTENTS SEPTEMBER 2008


4 UNNECESSARY OBSTACLE? 29 REAL ROAD SAFETY

There are feasibly 1,200 diabetics in An Garda Sochna, yet the organisation has no cohesive, documented policy writes Neil Ward.
9 SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE

The current perception is of road safety in decline. Tom Prendeville asks whether this really is the case or are we looking in the wrong places?
32 THE LAST DAYS OF SUMMER

The Garda Review is 85 years old. Its a real achievement for a publication to survive in the modern era. Its survival through the entire history of the Force is remarkable, especially in the recent years.
10 TECHNOLOGY AGAINST CRIME

Next year, the Rose of Tralee will celebrate 50 years. It does not attract the crowds that it used to but remains the principal festival in Kerry. Neil Ward reports.
39 INFORMER

In May there was excitement that surveillance evidence would be admissible in court but its not straightforward, writes Paul Golden.
14 NEWS BRIEF

Garda stories and views from around the country.


47 PRESERVING EVIDENCE

The work-life balance is changing. Are 12-hour shifts the solution? June Caldwell reports. Members can express their views online on our website.
14 NEWS BRIEF

Sergeant Michael Daly LLB examines a Supreme Court judgment that has major implications for preserving evidence.
51 GARDA SPORTSFILE

Garda sports news from around the country and sports clubs.
55 PRIZE CROSSWORD

News round-up.
17 TRAUMA

Detective Garda Patrick Harraghy discusses the impact of trauma arising from police work.
20 CHASING THE CORSA

The first two correct entries drawn in this months crossword will receive the latest Motorola RAZR V8 mobile phones.
57 IN THE JOB

The list is outthe transfers, promotions and retirements.


64 END FRAME

Experts claim that speed and drink are crucial factors in traffic accidents. What happens when both are cocktailed? For an insight lets talk to Mallow Garda. By Tim Doyle.
23 21ST CENTURY ACCOMMODATION

Plane Crash by Joe McManus.

www.dyflin.ie

The new Ballymun Garda station opens its doors. Neil Ward reports.
26 PASSING OUT
Dyflin Publications is a member of the Professional Publishers Association of Ireland

No cutbacks in frontline policing, promises Government Minister. Pictures by Richard Cullinan.

NOTEBOOK/INDEX

GARDA REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2008

NOTEBOOK

FROM THE EDITOR

index
1 4 9 10 14 17 20 23 26 29 32 39 47 51 55 57 64 EDITORIAL DIABETES 85 YEARS SURVEILLANCE NEWS BRIEF WELFARE GARDA STORY NEW BALLYMUN GRADUATION ROAD SAFETY ROSE OF TRALEE INFORMER LEGAL GARDA SPORTSFILE PRIZE CROSSWORD IN THE JOB END FRAME

ITS ALL IN THE NAME


Most people would assume that you cannot use the word Garda for anything outside of An Garda Sochna, but this appears to not be the case. Whereas the Garda crest is copyrighted and protected, the word is not. It is my understanding that anyone could call themselves Garda Services or Garda Security without restriction. We have seen it in magazines; and once it is used in the title, the logical next step, it is then used in correspondence. There is an unofficial Garda publication that you may or may not have seen in your station, whose advertising sales executives use Garda Publication as the subject of their pitch and sign off their emails with the words Garda Record Office underneath their names and positions. They are doing nothing illegal. There is Garda copyright on the crest but not on the word. Last year a Garda investigation was launched into the apparent misuse of the Garda logo to sell caps, t-shirts and badges in Dublin and Limerick. The Garda Commissioner advised the public that the use of the Garda logo for commercial purposes was not authorised. The Garda logo is authorised for use on small toys, such as cars and helicopters. The Commissioner was rightly very concerned at the possible misuse and abuse of such products bearing the Garda crest. This was a brand issue, to protect the Garda logo from being attached to inappropriate items. It is, of course, illegal and indictable to use anything to impersonate a member of An Garda Sochna for fraudulent reasons. But the line is blurred is is illegal to print the word on an item of clothing? Only if it can be proven that it was a deliberate attempt to fraudulently impersonate a member of the Force. Commercial companies go to great length and expense to protect their trademarks, brand identity and reputation. It can make or break their business. In this world reputation is everything; Gerald Ratners comments brought down his jewellery empire. An Garda Siochana can protect its logo but not its most common name and asset. This surely has to be re-examined in legislation. There is only one Garda Review.

Editor Neil Ward

CONTENTS/INDEX
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

Unnecessary OBSTACLE?
There are feasibly 1,200 members with diabetes in An Garda Sochna, yet the organisation has no cohesive, documented policy writes Neil Ward.

reland has 120,000 people with diabetes and the figure is constantly rising as the disease is proliferating across Western Europe and many other areas in the world. Ireland has a complete blanket ban on diabetics joining An Garda Sochna, yet there is a growing momentum that this might be illegal under anti-discriminatory law; but this can only be tested when someone who wants to join is refused and takes an equality case to the courts. Someone might soon take a test case that is likely to be upheld. Despite tests at the recruitment stage, diabetes is a disease that can develop later. Most European countries have now brought their police services under the

auspices of discrimination legislation for good reason: that police officers work shifts and during a shift it is completely possible to exclude the risk of a low blood sugar, without compromising the persons control and long-term safety. People who are insulin dependent are not allowed to join An Garda Sochna yet in the North this is not the case. Most UK police services now actively recruit those diagnosed with diabetes. Most of the changes in the UK have happened in the last 10 years. Before 2006 police forces were exempt from the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and there was a blanket ban on diabetics being recruited especially those with

type I diabetes. The legislation change in 2006 brought police services under the cover of the DDA; and specifically prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals for reasons associated with their disability. Diabetes is classified as a disability. The blanket bans are now illegal and everyone has to be assessed on their own merits. An Garda Sochna directly operates under the auspices of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform one would reasonably expect the organisation to lead the field in anti-discrimination for its members. But there is no transparent policy or strategy for those diagnosed with diabetes or other conditions such

DIABETES

GARDA REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2008

DIABETES
Tony OSullivan who is the former chairperson of Diabetes Federation of Ireland, Diabetes has changed so much in the last 12 years; the technology has changed and so has the treatment. The choices of insulin have changed dramatically so that treating diabetics as one group that are equally disabled is completely wrong. Anyone with type II diabetes can be controlled without any risk of hyperglycaemia and should be able to do everything from fast driving to firearms and flying. They are in other countries. Anyone with type I diabetes who applies to join the Force can now be controlled so that they can realistically be able to do any kind of duty for limited periods of time. Anywhere there is discrimination; people mask their condition. It has been widely proven that this is the best way to make it dangerous. For example, if someone is driving a patrol car and they have not told their colleague that they are a diabetic; then if they start behaving oddly, the colleague will not react appropriately. Forcing people to hide their condition is a very bad way to go about it and it is definitely happening. The restrictive practices currently being offered to diabetics are a compelling reason for the Force to change its attitude. There is an alternative that is safer for everyone. The course taken at the moment for public safety is to take diabetics out of some operational duties. Modern society wants people to have as full a life as possible.
DISCIPLINARY MATTER

authorities will be afraid that testing at work might be discovered. As soon as a member pulls out a blood glucose meter everyone knows they are diabetic. This is part of the danger it is possible that a member who misses a meal may potentially develop a problem. This is easily avoidable. The current attitude is fuelling the possibility of this happening; because anyone hiding their condition will not be testing their blood sugar levels often enough even though it only takes a few seconds with modern technology. People ignore this for the first six months and then after this they become dishonest because the first question is always how long have you had this condition? Its a serious disciplinary matter. It starts off relatively minor but is inexorably progressive it will always become more of a problem to manage.

INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETICS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO JOIN AN GARDA SOCHNA YET IN THE NORTH THIS IS NOT THE CASE
The Metropolitan Police Service now actively recruits people with diabetes; and diabetics can now freely transfer between Forces. They have been doing this without any problems since 2006.
UNFAIR

as epilepsy. The policy or strategy if there is one is hidden and therefore ambiguous and open to abuse.
DISCRIMINATION

Diabetes is often misunderstood, and it is from this that discrimination arises. There are those diabetics who need insulin to regulate their condition (type I) and those that are not insulin dependent (type II) that need to monitor their diet and may need medication to avoid hyperglycaemia where the blood sugar levels drop too low that can give symptoms of drunkenness and lead to loss of consciousness. Discrimination is one of the things about diabetes that irritates me, said Dr

Terry Leonard is the Assistant to the General Secretary of the Garda Representative Associations. He is in complete agreement with Dr OSullivan and fears that a lack of strategy is actually causing more harm than good. He said, There is no cohesive, documented strategy or policy to how diabetes is handled in the organisation; that is the difficulty there should be. There hasnt been any movement on the issue. We should not be afraid of it. In most cases people will find that it doesnt affect them very much at all. Another problem with the non-existence of a policy is people feel that individuals are being treated differently. People want to know that everyone will be treated equally depending upon their condition. Members diagnosed with the condition who have not disclosed it to the

Dr Eileen Cahill-Canning, originally from Co. Longford, is the Chief Medical Officer for the Metropolitan Police Service in London; responsible for 36,000 police officers among a total of 55,000 employees; she has been in this role for the past eight years. She established a documented, cohesive system that can involve seeing the individual, writing to their GP, writing to their diabetologist. She said, We welcomed the DDA, we saw it as an opportunity. We try to be representative of the people we serve and we try to embrace diversity. It is part of our disability strategy. We are required by law to individually assess every applicant who has diabetes. We might have to make some small adjustments to their working practice. Most type I diabetics need very little accommodation we

DIABETES
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

DIABETES
have many performing frontline operational police duties. If a diabetic wants to join a safety critical unit, such as a firearms team, a response driver or even the air support unit there is a system in place to look at this. In the past, if a highly skilled firearms officer developed type I diabetes he immediately lost his licence; forever. Dr Cahill-Canning believes that not only is this unfair, but it immediately obliterated all the training and economic investment the organisation had put into this individual. She said, In certain circumstances this neednt be the case. Tim Savage recently retired from the Metropolitan Police Service as police constable who completed his 30 years service. He established the National Police Diabetic Association in 1993, whose President is now John Grieve the former head of the anti-terrorist squad. PC Savage became a diabetic in his second year of service and didnt know of any other diabetics in the organisation until he had his driving and firearms tickets taken from him. He said, They changed their opinion with every Chief Medical Officer; we had a good one who understood diabetes for about 10 years but was replaced with one who was punitive and decided that there were many things that diabetics shouldnt be allowed to do. I had been driving emergency vehicles for 10 years without an accident, but as a diabetic I was told that I was too dangerous to be allowed to drive. I was carefully managing my condition and had no problems at all. If you do manage it well, why should you be penalised for it? I was a police emergency driver; in London the average emergency call lasts two to three minutes. Whats going to happen in that time? Low blood sugar doesnt come on anything like that quick.
CONTROL

The most essential thing is that there is a fair, individual assessment for everyone. A diabetic who manages their lifestyle well might well be safer than others who do not manage their alcohol or obesity; as prevalent in the police service as the general population. Smoking also has a detrimental effect. Dr Cahill-Canning agreed, Its a medical fact that people who are well motivated and educated to control their diabetes have better control and are less likely to develop

the cardiovascular consequences of longterm health problems. She also pointed out that having insulin dependent diabetics in the police service and in safety critical roles can be argued from both sides; on one side there is the idea that it is dangerous or the other that it is inclusive, makes economic sense and complies with a disability strategy. Dr Tony OSullivan points out that the danger are now minimal; and points out that it is a condition because it can be controlled; Steve Redgrave has five Olympic gold medals and he won at least two of these while he was diabetic. Dr Tony OSullivan said, There are plenty of people who are very good at looking after themselves who follow the plans drawn up by their doctor. It is very unfair to think that they are being held back when they are managing it so well. The current policy is inviting trouble. With somewhere between 1,000 and 1,200 people with diabetes in the Garda Sochna, only 50 or so are insulin dependent, with another 30 who are using a lot of insulin, of the rest almost none are at serious risk of low blood sugars so why are we putting them behind desks? They are fully trained dedicated officers with a lot to offer. Terry Leonard said, People are afraid to disclose their condition because of the prejudice of the job. There is a wariness that is unnecessary. It is the fear of the unknown for members who are diabetics; the fear of what will be decided for their careers. We believe that it should be solely based on

the capacity of the individual to do the job for which they are detailed. I am very much aware that there are a good number of members with diabetes and that is reflective of society in general. In recent decades there has been a proliferation of the condition throughout Europe; I am convinced there are many people in our organisation who havent disclosed that they have diabetes and there are implication in that stance. Garda Leonard believes it is members of Garda management have a pre-disposition towards members with the condition and are making decisions out of ignorance. He said, The moment they hear diabetes, they are preventing members from driving cars, coming to work early or being part of a public order unit. While we are talking about diabetes today, I am sure there are members of our organisation who will be talking about other conditions in the future such as epilepsy. We want a formula and policy here as well; it is not confined to diabetes. It is of paramount importance that members know where they stand and have no fear of coming forward and disclosing their condition. GR Anyone who wishes to contact Dr Tony OSullivan at the Diabetes Federation of Ireland anonymously and in confidence on 01- 660 8629 or by [email protected] The national police diabetic association welcomes members from Ireland. www.npda.org.uk

DIABETES
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

85 YEARS

ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE


T
he Garda Review is 85 years old. Its a real achievement for a publication to survive in the modern era. Its survival through the entire history of the Force is remarkable, especially in the recent years. This magazine is the official magazine of the Garda Representative Association and has been styled as the Force Magazine since 1923. In 1926, the Commissioner of the day gave permission for Garda Review to use the Garda crest in our masthead, it has remained there to this day and we have great pride in our tradition and heritage. The strength and survival of the magazine have an important role in the development and changing role of the Force. In the very least it has provided an independent voice for members to present their side of any story. It has become, in many ways, the voice of the membership both individually and collectively. Despite the efforts of some to deny good commentary for An Garda Sochna, it is there for all to read and all to see, and has been that way since 1923. It is too easy to overlook the role that Iris An Ghrda / Garda Review played in the early days of the Force. In the same way, fewer members are aware of the historic origins of the representation within An Garda Sochna and the events of the Macushla Ballroom in 1961. Those with the vision at the time to create a magazine for the new Force of An Garda Sochna are to be complimented. In their foresight they were preparing the way for a modern society that does not always accurately represent the views of the Force; especially those on the frontline of policing. The Garda Review provides documentary evidence of the issues and concerns of the members and they are captured for posterity.

Those that have come and gone in the eighty-five years, not just in respect of the Garda Sochna and its proud tradition and history; but all those who have been associated with Garda Review must be extremely satisfied, and indeed proud, that from wherever they may look upon us that their endeavours have continued. Several magazines purport to be Garda titles and there is nothing in the current legislation or regulations to stop anyone setting up such a title and then selling advertising. They do not have to invest in the infrastructure to deliver a topical, in depth and relevant title to your doorstep every month. Several publications have reaped the benefits of our efforts and investments; several independent entrepreneurs have used our tradition for personal gain. We steadfastly refuse to be unfairly tarred with the same brush. In response, we are going to change our business model so there is no confusion. It has now come to a stage where we believe

that we have a responsibility to our heritage to withdraw from selling advertising space on the open market. Members in 1928 paid sixpence for each issue; in 1968 they paid two shillings and sixpence to have their voice heard. This magazine is proud that today new members are as willing to subscribe to be part of the magazines progress. Now, for as little as one euro per week, members can have it delivered to their door with all the benefits. Members are moving apace with the historic developments of their predecessors and maintaining the right to an independent voice to tell their story. We dont want to be so satisfied with our achievements that we make no effort to improve. Far from it. We have invested in a new community website that will continue to evolve. From next month we will have a new look to take your magazine, your voice, onwards to the another generation, another milestone. GR

85 YEARS
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

TECHNOLOGY AGAINST CRIME


In May there was excitement that surveillance evidence would be admissible in court but its not straightforward, writes Paul Golden
SURVEILLANCE

10

GARDA REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2008

SURVEILLANCE

arlier this year, when Brian Lehihan was Minister for Justice, he brought forward legislation that would make evidence obtained through Garda surveillance admissible in court. But this is exercising the minds of legal and civil liberties groups as well as those directly involved in the fight against crime. The European Convention on Human Rights, Article 8(1), provides that everyone has the right to respect for his private and family life, his home and his correspondence. However, a public authority has a defence under Article 8(2) if the interference takes place in accordance with the law and is necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security, public safety or the economic well being of the country, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals or, for the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Mark Kelly, director of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) said his organisation has made it clear to senior Garda management that the absence of a lawful basis for surveillance is problematic and potentially leaves Ireland in breach of article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. We need a clear legal framework within which surveillance can take place, he said, but the law needs to make it clear that it must be necessary and that the interference with privacy has to be proportionate in a democratic society. We welcome the prospect of legislation but it will require to be human rights proofed. In 1996 the Law Reform Commission produced a consultation paper on surveillance and the interception of communications, which was followed in 1998 by a report. One of the reports recommendations was that surveillance by a member of An Garda Sochna of any private place using any optical or hearing device, without the consent of the occupier, may be authorised either for an initial period (non-renewable) of 14 days by a chief superintendent or for any period of up to three months (renewable) by a judge of the district court. The ICCL is very much in favour of what Mark Kelly describes as intelligence led policing and would prefer that there is enhanced legal

provision for the proportionate use of surveillance and other forms of intelligence led policing rather than a diminution in the rights of people accused of crimes.
REASONABLE EXPECTATION

Ironically, one of the most significant cases of this type to come before the European Court of Human Rights concerned a senior police officer. Alison

THE LAW NEEDS TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IT MUST BE NECESSARY AND THAT THE INTERFERENCE WITH PRIVACY HAS TO BE PROPORTIONATE IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY
Halford, who was assistant chief constable with Merseyside Police, claimed her office phone calls were intercepted because her employers were trying to obtain information to use against her in a sex discrimination claim she had brought against them. In 1997 the European Court of Human Rights held that the interception of calls amounted to an unjustifiable interference with her right to respect for her privacy and correspondence contrary to Article 8(1). One of the factors underpinning the courts ruling was that Halford had not been warned that calls made using the internal telephone system were liable to

be intercepted. She, therefore, had a reasonable expectation of privacy. The Halford case forced a review of UK legislation and was a major factor in the establishment of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act, which legislates for using methods of surveillance and information gathering to help the prevention of crime, including terrorism. Brian Lenihan made a commitment at the GRA annual conference to introduce similar legislation in Ireland, saying officials in his department had begun drafting legislation to provide a clear statutory basis for certain forms of surveillance. To date evidence obtained this way has not been used for legal and/or operational reasons. Pat Rabitte, Labours justice spokesperson said most people would have been shocked to learn that the Garda had no legal powers to undertake electronic surveillance of criminal suspects, although these powers form a central part of the anti-crime armoury of most other countries. There is, as far as we know, no rule of law or constitutional or human rights provision that prevents evidence acquired from lawful covert surveillance being presented in court, he said. But, historically, there has been a reluctance to do so, both in this jurisdiction and in the UK. The impression seems to be that covert surveillance is regarded as a useful tool for acquiring background information but not for acquiring evidence that will be put forward in court.

SURVEILLANCE
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

11

SURVEILLANCE
Commissioner spokesperson Gary Davis. Such a balance is provided, for example, in our legislation permitting the Garda to covertly intercept and record phone conversations of suspects (the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages (Regulation) Act, 1993). The legislation provides that such covert surveillance is only permitted where serious crime is involved and subject to safeguards which are specified in the legislation.
GARDA TECHNIQUES

The belief, in so far as we can judge it, is that presenting as evidence in court information acquired from covert surveillance might expose to robust and public questioning Garda methods that, although lawful and necessary, should best be kept confidential.
PROOF

In other words, if the covert record of a conversation is presented as proof in court, the prosecution will be asked why they put in the recording equipment in other words, what did they know at that stage that motivated them to mount surveillance on this suspect? The risk would be, explained Rabitte, that policing methods and their sources of information, which are necessarily confidential, would be exposed to a degree of publicity that would destroy their future usefulness. There seems therefore to be an historic institutional reluctance to expose investigative policing methods to the sort of exposure that would inevitably result from a decision to make direct use as evidence in court of the information acquired from covert surveillance. But a decision seems to have been taken that a complete ban on the use in evidence of information acquired from such methods is self-defeating. Excluding from evidence all the material so acquired can prevent cases being brought to a successful prosecution. Rabitte, who last year introduced a private members bill to provide additional powers for the Garda Sochna with respect to surveillance; and to provide for related matters acknowledged that there is a balance to be struck between protecting confidential policing methodology and making the most effective use of the information available for a criminal prosecution. This view is shared by Data Protection

However, the commissioner has repeatedly expressed his unhappiness with legislation in relation to retention of telecommunications data (the Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) Act 2005, Part 7). In his view, by requiring telecommunications companies to retain traffic and location data on everyone including the great majority of people who are not involved in criminal activity the legislation is disproportionate. The fact that the Garda can access such data in relation to any crime, however minor, makes matters worse, said Davis. A situation, as with telephone interception, where action is targeted at suspects rather than the whole population is highly preferable. In the case of telecommunications data, this can

THE LEGISLATION PROVIDES THAT SUCH COVERT SURVEILLANCE IS ONLY PERMITTED WHERE SERIOUS CRIME IS INVOLVED AND SUBJECT TO SAFEGUARDS WHICH ARE SPECIFIED IN THE LEGISLATION
be achieved by providing power to order the retention of the data of people who are suspects. The commissioners view is that any new forms of surveillance should be similarly targeted and subject to legal constraints to prevent abuse. From a privacy perspective, the main risk is of interfering with the right to privacy of innocent individuals, Davis added. This is why it is important that such surveillance be subject to proper legal restrictions. It is understood that the Minister was

not in favour of using covertly taped phone conversations. He said that while the use of such evidence may in some cases help secure convictions we have to avoid as much as possible Garda techniques for intelligence gathering being compromised. Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan questioned this logic. Stopping short of allowing the use of taped phone conversations is a lost opportunity, as it could make vital evidence available which would otherwise be inadmissible. Case law suggests that telephone evidence would be admissible under the constitution on the basis that the public interest is served. Aengus Snodaigh, Sinn Fein justice spokesperson said the bill should make provisions governing when it is permissible to engage in covert surveillance in the first place and what forms of surveillance are proportionate in what scenarios as well as vesting the power of authorisation in judges. Charlie Flanagan also suggested that more manpower should be devoted to surveillance. Greater resources are required across An Garda Sochna, including in the area of surveillance. I have called for 24 hour surveillance operations to be mounted on leading gangland figures to the extent that they are unable to conduct their criminal operations. However, this measure is entirely dependent on adequate resourcing and it is particularly worrying that the Government is now preparing to cut back on overtime for Operation Anvil, which has proved so effective in tackling gangland crime. Whatever new legislation comes in needs to include a human rights reasoning test and the European Court of Human Rights is very clear on that point, concluded Mark Kelly. The person using or authorising surveillance has to show it is lawful, necessary and proportionate and we would like to see these principles being respected in the decision-making process. The decision maker has to be able to be held to account. The extent to which the ICCL (or any other organisation) can influence the wording of the final bill depends on whether the department issues a draft bill or provides the heads of the bill to interested parties. Either way, its director explained that if the wording raises human rights concerns, these would be raised with the Minister. GR

SURVEILLANCE
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

13

NEWS BRIEF

Regional Support Unit becomes operational


The first Garda Regional Support Unit (RSU) went operational on 3rd September 2008. The deployment of this second tier of firearms response units is part of this years policing plan. The southern region is the first RSU to go live and its members have undergone 13 weeks training, including critical incident response; tactical deployment; conflict resolution and negotiation techniques; deployment protocols; entry methods; tactical driving; first aid; the use of less lethal options, firearms and other relevant skills. RSUs will patrol as regular uniform Garda and in the event an RSU being deployed to a critical incident they will change into tactical dress and will have access to firearms. The tactical uniforms and vehicle signage and sirens clearly distinguish them from regular Garda. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said, This unit is being introduced on a pilot basis pending review and I would like to acknowledge the support of all those involved including the various Garda staff associations.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Eddie Rock launched a song On Wings recorded on a charity CD by Leanne Moore, winner of RTs Youre a Star programme. The song was written by 17 year old Jamie Bridgeman after the death of his two cousins Robin ORiordan and Leanne Miller who died as a result of a traffic collision. Proceeds from the sale of the CD will be given to the charity ADD Mid West Support Ltd. Picture by Derek Union.

Charity Cycle 2008


Fifty Garda and their friends took up the annual cycling challenge of the Tour de Force; this year from Dublins Marrowbone Lane to Rosslare and by a circuitous route to Paris finishing at the Eiffel Tower on 5th September 2008. The chosen charities for the 2008 cycle are the Christina Noble Childrens Foundation (CNCF) and the Re Nua, St. Raphaels, Celbridge. The 100,000 raised will fund the establishment of a health centre and a clinic to be run by the CNCF in Vietnam and help Re Nua provide activities to people with disabilities as they age.

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Picture by Derek Union

Young people asked to reduce speed

Picture by Richard Cullinan

WELFARE

Trauma
Detective Garda Patrick Harraghy discusses the impact of trauma arising from police work.
progressively worsen unless treated. Trauma affects our emotional, sensual, psychological and our physical being. Several or all of these may be displayed through symptoms. A person who has been involved in a traumatic incident who has the symptoms probably wont be able to recognise what is wrong. If you have a broken leg you and others will recognise that you have a broken leg. Trauma stress is more difficult to diagnose and this makes it even harder for the sufferer as he may not link a traumatic experience with their present experience, especially if the onset is delayed. They may be in complete denial that there is anything wrong with them. I met a man recently who had difficulty in going to a particular part of Dublin. After conversing for a while he indicated that he had been involved in a traumatic incident in this area over 20 years ago. It was only then that he was able to link his avoidance with this event.
DISASTER SITUATIONS

Detective Garda Patrick Harraghy

eing a Garda increases our chances of being exposed to traumatic incidents. During our career we are exposed to distressing events that go far beyond those experienced by the public at large. Policing is becoming more demanding and dangerous on a daily basis and because of this I feel that it is imperative that we educate ourselves on the impact that trauma may have on ourselves, family and friends. If you or any of your colleagues suffer from nightmares, depression, lost interest in previously engaged activities or indeed have gained or lost weight then these are just a few of the common symptoms of the effects of trauma. It is important to note that many of these symptoms are normal for Garda; its when they go from normal to the extreme that they become abnormal. If you know the person, you know whats normal. Watch out for these changes. The chances are that you will only notice some of these symptoms. Other behaviours, such as addictions, will be hidden for obvious reasons. The symptoms and behaviour will

Studies have shown that those who are most proactive in disaster situations have a better chance of not developing any after effects. Members may also be suffering from trauma from a previous event like childhood abuse, traffic accident etc. There is also a belief that those of us who have experienced development trauma have a lesser ability to self-regulate which will leave us more exposed to developing PTS. The more prepared we are for a traumatic incident there is a lesser chances that we will develop PTS. Those of us who have to carry firearms should ensure that we get proper training in their use. When working with a partner or group it is advisable to have a plan of action in the event of an incident. Also, accumulative exposure or burn out can happen if, for example, we are in a busy station. We are going to one incident

It is not fully known what factors contribute to the development of Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). Several Garda may be involved in the same incident but only one might develop PTS. The severity of the incident certainly contributes; some incidents we have to deal with are so severe that they would have an impact on anyone. Identifying with the incident can have a similar impact; an example might be going to a road traffic accident where a child is seriously injured or has died as a result of his injuries and where you have a child of the same age. Likewise, knowing the victim, which is very likely to happen in a country area where everybody knows everybody else. Helplessness: as Garda we are trained to help and the public expect us to help very often in impossible situations. Someone is dying and we fail to save them. This has a huge impact on police officers and especially if it happens to be a child.

IDENTIFYING WITH THE INCIDENT CAN HAVE A SIMILAR IMPACT; AN EXAMPLE MIGHT BE GOING TO A ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHERE A CHILD IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR HAS DIED AS A RESULT OF HIS INJURIES AND WHERE YOU HAVE A CHILD OF THE SAME AGE
after another. No incident in particular seems to have an impact on us but unfortunately each incident leaves some residue and over a period of time this can have an impact and lead onto PTS. Those of us who have a healthy nervous system can manage or regulate incoming stimulation. We get a call to go to an incident and our nervous system goes to high alert. When our nervous

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system recognises that there is no longer any threat it relaxes and goes back to normal. If our nervous system is not regulated it does not go back to normal after an incident or any form of high arousal. We have difficulty in letting go and we physically hold onto this stress throughout our body. Our nervous systems are continuously on the alert and always on the ready for action. We will have difficulty in sleeping and it will also cause us to have other health issues. For those of us who have to deal with trauma, in its many forms, there is a high likelihood that our nervous system will not relax and go back to normal. The reptilian brain is located in the brain stem, and in evolution it is regarded as the oldest part of the brain. This is the part of the brain that is continuously on the look out. It protects us from danger. It is responsible for survival related functions like breathing, digestion, circulation and temperature as well as the fight, flight or freeze response. The reptilian brain, in partnership with other parts of the brain, determines how we behave. When we are in a state of high anxiety our activation levels are high and as a result the reptilian brain is controlling how we respond to events. When we are in this state we find it difficult to think or make sense out of things.
FIGHT, FLIGHT, OR FREEZE

freeze response is activated. It is a safety mechanism that is hard wired into us for self-preservation. When we perceive a life-threatening situation the bodys defense system responds in milliseconds. The reaction starts a biochemical response, which activates the reptilian brain. The body will be instructed to fight (hit out, defend), flight (run away) or it may instruct it to pretend it is dead (freeze). Many animals in the wild will not touch other dead animals. A very important thing to remember with trauma is that we dont have a choice when it comes to the fight, flight or freeze response. These responses happen automatically and the thinking part of the brain does not have any part to play. Can you imagine yourself driving along a road? Someone walks out on the road in front of you. Do you put on your thinking cap and analyse what you will do? Before we get a chance to think we put our foot on the brake and in all probability we are out of danger again. Many people who seek help after being involved in trauma are frequently filled with shame because they froze with fear during the incident. It is important to remember that this is a survival mechanism, that it is automatic, and that in all probability it was the correct option in the circumstances. If we are properly trained (resourced) to deal with trauma there is a less likelihood that the freeze response will be activated.
TREATMENT

When we are involved in a lifethreatening situation the fight, flight or

SYMPTOMS OF TRAUMA
G G G G G G G G G G G G G G Nightmares Avoidance Depression Loss of interest in sex Alcoholism Absenteeism Anger (sudden outbursts) Loss of interest in work Loss of interest in hobbies (for example, sport) Have problems with management Hypervigilance Relationship issues Weight gain or loss Frequent headaches

If you have been involved in a traumatic incident you may feel that you are going mad. You cant relax, cant eat or cant sleep. Your partner wont know what is going on either. The first thing you need to know is that this is a normal response to an abnormal situation. Getting information on trauma and its impact also helps. Those close to you also need this information. If they are not educated on the impact trauma can have they cannot help. It is important to get back into your normal routine as quickly as possible. I have met victims who have been into physical fitness and have now stopped this because of the trauma. Exercise does help. Watch your diet and avoid alcohol, coffee or other stimulants. Having said this I know that it helps if colleagues involved in a traumatic incident meet up and have a few drinks together. If possible it is best to return to work as soon as possible. This establishes routine

and often our work colleagues can give the best support. Go to your doctor. It is advisable to get a check up as you may also have some other medical condition. Your doctor will also be able to prescribe medication or he may refer you to a psychiatrist who will be more experienced in this area. Go to a psychotherapist who has training in and an understanding of trauma. It can also be an advantage to have a therapist who has an understanding of the workings of An Garda Sochna. In trauma our boundaries have been seriously violated and safety and trust become an issue. If you dont feel safe or trust your therapist, the therapy will not work. We do not have to suffer on our own. If you think that you may have PTS you owe it to yourself to seek help. In trauma, our sense of safety and trust has been challenged. When meeting a therapist for the first time, important questions to have in mind are Can I work with this person? or Do I feel at ease with this person? Trust your own answers. Life is a journey and our journey on this planet comes but once. GR Patrick Harraghy is a professionally trained psychotherapist and accredited with the Irish Association for Counseling & Psychotherapy. He recently retired from An Garda Sochna and now practices at The Centre for Professional Therapy, 16 Harcourt St., Dublin 2 and at Blackrock, Co. Dublin. He can be contacted at [email protected] or telephone: 087 2343511.

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Mallow Garda chasing


By Tim Doyle
PROTECTIVE VESTS

owadays virtually all our cities and major town have been roundabouted to divert traffic into one, two and sometimes three laned bye-passes. These great circles of convenience certainly alleviate the chock-o-block of our main streets but the availability of the perimeter open roads has induced an almost uncontrollable sense of freedom as well as the deadly menace of excessive speed and dangerous driving. Experts claim that speed and drink are crucial factors in traffic accidents. What happens when both are cocktailed? For an insight lets talk to Mallow Garda. Peak traffic time on an autumn morning finds Garda David White and Karol Kelly as well as Student Garda Deirdre ODoherty on duty in a marked patrol car at the roundabout entering their busy market town. Traffic arriving from Cork city, Limerick and Kerry is bumper to bumper but the members become suspicious of an approaching Opel Corsa car.

GRIMLY GARDA WHITE MANOEUVRES HIS VEHICLE AND WITHIN SECONDS HE IS TAILING THE CORSA
The appropriate signal to stop is acknowledged but just as the Garda adopt the interview mode the car spurts off at speed towards the next roundabout. The Garda mindset reverts to the chase mode; but their intent is governed by their sworn duty to protect life and that includes the suspect driver who is already bludgeoning through traffic hell bent on making good his escape. Grimly Garda White manoeuvres his vehicle and within seconds he is tailing the Corsa. The members observe that while earlier the male driver had been wearing a green baseball cap he now bends over the vacant passenger seat and reappears wearing a motorcycle helmet. This activity causes his vehicle to swerve violently.

At the next roundabout the Corsa fails to give way and takes the Cork city exit causing right of way vehicles to brake viciously. Its similar behaviour at the next junction; the Corsa crosses a continuous white line causing panic to oncoming traffic. The driver squats in the road centre causing vehicles travelling on either direction to readjust, swerve, slow and stop. In such heavy traffic the slightest error of judgement has the potential for a massive pile-up. A speed limit of 60kph flashes by; the Corsa is at 100. Passing everything in its path, as it nears the next junction the driver swerves in front of a truck causing it to brake violently, barely avoiding another vehicle. Garda White succeeds in closing in but despite continuous signals to the driver to pull over he hurtles on revving up to a speed of 130kph. As the chase progresses; becoming ever more dangerous Garda White, Kelly and ODoherty are heartened by the arrival of fellow Mallow colleague Garda John Parker, who positions himself behind his colleagues. His arrival is timely as the Garda were conscious of an approaching black spot. Directly in their path is a small but busy village. Garda White had earlier radioed the registration number of the car to Mallow Garda station and now Garda Liam Phillips, the member-in-charge, informed the members that information on file indicated that the vehicle had been linked to a robbery. This information moved the situation up a notch or 20. John Parker rang Anglesea Street to request armed back up and kept the phone line open during most of the pursuit to enable the city units to close in on the changing locations. The unarmed uniform members continued the pursuit wondering if their protective vests would be up-to-the-mark for what was ahead. Garda White manoeuvres his vehicle and succeeds in passing the fleeing vehicle. With Garda Parker positioned at the rear they hem in the fleeing vehicle with Garda White decreasing his speed forcing the Corsa to a reasonable rate.

The Corsa driver is cat and mousing with the members determined to break free. Up ahead a jeep pulls in to let Garda Whites car pass. Like a flash the Corsa darts into the vacant space forcing the jeep into the grass margin and almost out of control. Continuing his desperate activity the driver speeds past garda White who has to give way to avoid a certain high speed collision. At the village outskirts the Garda slow and pull back. Not so the Corsa who powers through at 100kph. The road widens and Garda White

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the Corsa
Almost in one movement it reverses and drives forward again striking the garda car damaging it on the front. The Corsa then accelerates away.
FINAL DEFIANCE

L-R: Garda John Parker, Liam Phillips, Karol Kelly, David White

uses his judgement of speed, traffic flow, along with his knowledge of the oncoming terrain to once again overtake the Corsa. With Garda Parker they again box in the Corsa forcing the driver to a speed of 30kph. Approaching the next roundabout the Corsa suddenly swerved down a bye road. Garda Parker was in a position to follow, while Garda White turns and resumes the chase. The Corsa powers through the next junction. The Garda are aware that the next

crossing is a busy T junction. As the stop sign looms up they spot a female pushing a baby-filled go cart across the path of the fleeing car. The Corsa maintains top speed. Fearing for the safety of the female pedestrian and her child Garda White boots to the floor and passes the Corsa. Despite the risk to himself and his colleagues he succeeds in blocking its progress. His actions are critical as the vehicle was directly in line and perilously close to the pram pushing female. Suddenly, the Corsa rams the passenger side of Garda Whites car.

Even though shaken Garda White give no thought to giving up. His intent is governed by the fact that ahead is an even more deadly challenge than any they had yet encountered. Up ahead a national school spans the next junction and it was dead on morning roll call. In the distance they observe the junction filled with vehicles, parents and children. The Garda are of one mind. Conscious of the previous conduct and track record of the Corsa driver there is no way that he is going to slow or have any thought for other road users. They must stop the runaway car before it reached the next junction. Driving until their vehicles are on the drivers and passenger side of the Corsa; they use the width of the road to box him in side by side. The Corsa driver swerves striking Garda Parkers car then swings back and strikes Garda Whites. Without thought for their safety, the members remained in position, hemming in the Corsa. The Garda actions pay off with mere seconds to spare. With only metres left to the children and their parents the members succeed in deflecting the Corsa from the main thoroughfare and into a dirt lane where it ends up in a ditch. In a final act of defiance the driver locked himself in the car but the Garda secure him. As well as being a dangerous driver he is also under the influence. His almost prophetic comment on arrest was; Thou shalt not kill. The chase had covered 25kph in 21 minutes in rush hour traffic. The recent announcement by education minister to include road safety and driving skills in school curriculum is welcomed. If video footage of the Mallow Garda chase was available it would illustrate road reality more than any class discussion and serve as a fitting tribute to a great mornings work by our Mallow colleagues. They deserve the Garda Review heroes of the month accolade. Well done lads. GR

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NEW BALLYMUN

New Ballymun station OPENS ITS DOORS


Garda Shaunagh Gaffney in the public office of the new station

allymun Garda station has previously featured in this magazine. The station was longregarded as among the worst buildings to accommodate Garda. While everyone agreed that a new station should be built, there was a dilemma; should the new station be built to house a district or a divisional headquarters? That has all been settled, and members moved into the new divisional headquarters on 29th August with staff migrating from across the road from the old station, and from the old divisional headquarters in Santry. The replacement station is ideally sited across the road from the old one. Des StLedger is the GRA executive member for the division. He said, The station is on the main street, this is a good thing. Garda stations are public buildings and should be visible to the public. Everyone is pleased to be moving into a new station, but there are mixed emotions. Some people have been in the old station for a long time. Members here always got on well; perhaps bonding in the face of adversity, the whole ethos and mood might change we are aware of this and hope to keep it going. Policing in Ballymun has worked. We need to keep this impetus going on the frontline. Many members of Garda rank have been here for many, many years and their working life is dedicated to the district. We want to maintain this.

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NEW BALLYMUN

View from the community policing office

A secure underground car park is among a number of new innovations, but perhaps the most notable is the custody suite where there are six adult cells, two juvenile cells and a secure exercise yard for prisoners. The two interview rooms are also within the suite, which is separated from the rest of the station by two high security doors. Long term detainees are entitled to some exercise; we can now safely provide that. Each cell is also equipped with an emergency alarm switch to gain the attention of the SHO. The whole area is well thought out, and prisoners are not going to be brought through the public office. The area is under constant CCTV; prisoners will be recorded from the moment they enter the station. The custody suite is the only part of the station that is fully air conditioned. Des StLedger said, The station is part of the regeneration of the area, and the Garda station has always been integral to the area. The public areas of the station have used some of the finest materials; stone and granite. It is a far more pleasant environment, though we have no GRA office here, and I believe every divisional headquarters should have one. Its a good move, and it will work well if it is allowed to especially if we can maintain the old culture. It worked because people worked together. The commitment has shone through. There are people here who have dedicated their working lives to Ballymun. Ballymun leaves a mark on all of those who work here it is also a fabulous training station. You can work anywhere if you can work here. There is scope to interact with many other agencies. GR

Des StLedger in the custody suite

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Passing Out
No cutbacks in frontline policing, promises Government Minister. Pictures by Richard Cullinan.

here will be no cutbacks in frontline policing next year, promised Minister for Defence Willie ODea when he deputised for Justice Minister Dermot Ahern at the recent graduation ceremony in Templemore. He could not confirm if the overall Garda budget will be reduced as part of government measures in October. The Minister presented Certificates to 286 Garda (85 Females and 201 Males) on 31st July 2008. Mr ODea said that Garda management will decide what operations will be funded out of the budget and he claimed that the strength of the force will have increased by 1,100 throughout this year and next, and there would be no depletion in frontline services. He said, There has been an unprecedented level of investment in An
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

Garda Sochna over the past yearsa significant expansion in the number of personnel, both sworn and unsworn. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy emphasised that he would not be implementing any cuts this year and he felt there was confusion over a headquarters circular sent out to Chief Superintendents to remind them to stay within their budgets. He said the circular emphasised prudent management of existing resources and did not advocate cutbacks. The Commissioner announced one of his priorities was to ensure that the drug meth amphetamine, or crystal meth, did not take hold in Ireland. A recent seizure of a shipment of crystal meth, he said, underlined the threat that existed. The Garda discovery of the drug in Birr, Co Offaly in July was the biggest seizure of the drug in the States history.

THE COMMISSIONERS MEDAL

The Commissioners Medal awarded to the Student achieving the highest aggregate marks in academic subjects was won by Garda John Horkan, a native of Swinford, Co. Mayo and who is stationed at Athlone Garda Station.

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GRADUATION
Garda Ian OBrien with his parents Eamonn and Bridget

GARY SHEEHAN MEMORIAL MEDAL

Garda Declan OKeefe a native of Youghal, Co. Cork was awarded the Gary Sheehan Memorial Medal, commemorating the Recruit Garda who was killed on duty in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim, in December, 1983. This prize is awarded to the best all-round Student. Garda OKeefe is attached to Kevin Street Garda Station.

THE TEMPLEMORE TOWN COUNCIL MEDAL

The Templemore Town Council Medal, for outstanding achievement and appreciation in the area of Social Science Studies, was presented to Garda Conor Egan, a native of Newport, Co. Tipperary and who will be stationed at Ballymun Garda Station.

Ann McCabe, Minister for Defence Willie ODea and Garda Desmond Ross McCabe. Garda McCabe is to be stationed in Gurranabraher in Cork City

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ROAD SAFETY

Real road safety

The current perception is of road safety in decline. Tom Prendeville asks whether this really is the case or are we looking in the wrong places?
ccounts of tragic road accidents are rarely off the front pages. Invariably a host of factors are blamed, from young inexperienced learner drivers behind the wheel, to speed, alcohol and so forth. As a consequence of the constant media attention there is a perception that we are in the grip of a road carnage epidemic that would appear to have suddenly arrived out of nowhere. Inevitably this has led to the commonly held notion that learner drivers are potentially dangerous with calls elsewhere for ever-tougher policing of the roads to stamp out any form of driving misbehavior. But is it as simple as all that? What if motoring was actually getting safer with each and every passing year, and has been for decades, and learner drivers were actually safer and far less

likely to end up in an accident fatal or otherwise than a, presumably, experienced fully licensed driver? Wishful thinking? No. It is actually true. It is worth bearing in mind that modern drivers are five times less likely to get killed on the roads than drivers were thirty years ago when there were relatively few automobiles. A fact borne out by Garda road fatality statistics and Department of the Environment vehicle ownership figures. Last year there were 337 fatalities, whereas in 1976 there were 525 fatalities. On closer inspection, not only have the number of fatalities dropped significantly, but also in the intervening years the number of licensed vehicles on the roads has actually tripled from 724,818 in 1976 to over 2.1 million last year. Statistically the worst year for car

fatalities was 1972 which coincided with the worst year of the troubles. In 1972 there were almost 600,000 vehicles (599,415) and 640 road deaths. A figure which translates into one death for every thousand vehicles.
FIRST VICTIM

Put into a modern day context that is the equivalent of over 2,100 road deaths. Fortunately, over the past decades the number of deaths has actually continued to fall against a backdrop of ever-more vehicles on the roads. By 1991 the number of fatalities had dropped to 445 when vehicle ownership crossed the million mark for the first time. As a rule of thumb, in the 1970s there were on average fifty road deaths a month. By the 1980s the number had dropped to forty and by the 1990s it had

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dropped to thirty, the level we are now at. A variety of factors have brought down the road carnage levels ranging from seat belt laws: better car design with more safety features on board such as air bags, to a virtual prohibition on alcohol. Historically, the first ever recorded vehicle related road death in the world occurred in County Offaly on August 31st 1869. The victim, Mary Ward, who was an eminent scientist accidentally fell under the wheels of an experimental steam powered car her cousins had built. As the motorcar increased in popularity, governments introduced car tax to capitalis e on the new fangled leisure vehicles. Eventually insurance schemes evolved to cover the cost of the ever mounting toll of accidents. In todays world insurance companies divide drivers into two categories: experienced fully licensed drivers and learner drivers on a provisional licence. The latter are treated as a liability and considered more accident prone and are charged up to 70% percent more for their insurance. But are they more dangerous? Startling new figures reveal that learner drivers are 42% less likely to be involved in any type of road accident, fatal or otherwise. There are 2,000,000 fully licensed drivers and 400,000 provisional licence holders. In theory, learner drivers should be responsible for one fifth of all accidents on the roads, and perhaps more due to their inexperience. However, the Road Safety Authority accident figures covering a five year period from 2001 to 2005 reveal that the link between learner drivers and road accidents is a total myth. Out of 1,470 recorded road accident fatalities, only 178 involved drivers with provisional licenses. In other words, one accident in eight. Similarly with road incidents in the serious accident category where people have been hospitalised, out of 3,739 recorded accidents only 469 involved drivers on a provisional licence, also one in eight. The pattern is repeated in minor accidents which can range from a dented fender to broken tail light. Out of 29,557 incidents only 3,434 involved provisional licence holders; one in nine, or 11% of the total. The reason why learner drivers are 42% percent less likely to be involved in any type of road accident is not quite the puzzle that it appears. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that a huge number of learner drivers use their parents and spouses cars and as a result are far more careful and wary of arriving home to face the music having damaged someone elses car.
NEW MEASURES

Pat West who has run a school of motoring in Raheny for over 38 years largely agrees and offers the observation: People who have passed their test are having the most accidents. Provisional drivers have too much at stake because their insurance premiums will go through the roof. There are lots of myths about learner drivers, but usually after a couple of lessons they are quite safe. Ironically, the furore surrounding the Department of Transport plan to make it illegal for motorists who were on their second provisional licence to drive unless they were accompanied by a qualified driver was largely driven by the flawed thinking that drivers on provisional licences were a menace. During the launch of last years Road Safety Strategy, Minister Noel Dempsey said: As learner drivers are considered to be vulnerable road users, I am proposing to introduce some new measures which will mark a significant step forward road safety in Ireland. The new measure was greeted with such outrage however, that Transport Minister Noel Dempsey was forced to do

a complete U turn and postpone the plan until this summer. Ironically, Gay Byrne, as Chairman of the Road Safety Authority wrote in the opening statement of the same 2007 Road Safety Strategy: Road safety is one area that makes nonsense of Mark Twains famous observation that there are Lies, damned lies-and statistics. Statistics are the key measures of progress in road safety. Although alcohol and speed are constantly cited as reasons for accidents there could be another hidden factor, our 21st century lifestyle. According to Professor Austin Darragh, of the Department of Chemical and Environmental Science at Limerick University, exposure to artificial light, television and computer screens late into the night long after the sun has set severely disrupts normal sleep patterns and confuses the body into thinking that it is constantly daytime rather than night time. As a consequence, the light sensitive Pineal gland, and Pituitary master gland which controls all the other glands starts to malfunction due to sleep poverty resulting in the system being flooded with inappropriate hormones. The physiological results of which can be quite dramatic as Professor Austin Darragh explains: Abusing the normal cycle of wakefulness and sleep has enormous consequences. When you have low levels of ACTH (hormone) it impairs the ability to recall information and learned behavior. It may be a factor in some fatal car accidents where the driver is incapable of reacting in time. When melatonin production is suppressed due to artificial light you also end up with disturbed sleep and impairment of learning and the ability to recall information, which again affects your ability to react in a potential road accident situation where you might need to make a split level decision. Despite the fact that our roads are now becoming world class; modern highways that have perfectly engineered surfaces and excellent lighting are still the scene of the overwhelming majority of car crashes. In stark contrast, old back roads full of potholes rarely feature in news reports of car fatalities. It would appear they are so dangerous they are safe. A peculiar fact, which poses the question, does the element of danger posed by a bad road make for a more safety conscious driver? GR

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The Last Days of

SUMMER
Next year, the Rose of Tralee will celebrate 50 years. It does not attract the crowds that it used to but remains the principal festival in Kerry. Neil Ward reports.

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here was a time when every house in Tralee would be full of guests. There are tales of nearly 40 people sharing a house sleeping in cars and pitching tents in the garden. The Rose of Tralee used to be a week-long festival in the old sense; the pubs would be full and all three local GAA clubs would hire out their grounds for people to pitch their tents. But those times have gone. Garda Deirdre Murphy has seen the last 26 Rose of Tralee festivals. She said, It has changed a lot in that time; there arent the same crowds. There are too
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many other festivals; they are almost every other weekend. Its still a big part of Kerry life; its the start of the autumn the end of the summer. Schools open after this. It was a more popular festival in the past; there were only two or three festivals in the country at that time and the Rose of Tralee went on for a whole week. It has been shortened and compacted considerably. It used to be eight days; the locals would have their night in the dome on the second Friday; great fun. Its quieter but there are more public

order offences; maybe we didnt take as much notice of those years ago. We put up with them a lot more perhaps people werent as boisterous as they are now. It might not be what it once was, but the festival is still pride of place slot in the towns calendar. Saturday and Tuesday are the biggest nights. There are fireworks. People come out of their houses after the Rose is announced; to see the parade. This year, Shane McGowan and Sharon Shannon topped the bill in the dome on the Saturday night. Ten years ago there were big concerts in Tralee with paying

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Louth Rose KarolAnn Keenan sits on a Garda motorcycle with her official escort Garda Philip Farrelly. Tralee Garda, Garda Damien Callinan and Sergeant Martin Allen lend their support

customers. The past few years there have been free concerts but they have not attracted the crowds. It didnt pay. The dome was previously in the Brandon Hotel car park, in the centre of town but the event has since transferred to the Fels Point Hotel that is nearly a kilometre from the town centre. The main event is the Rose selection that takes place in the dome; the entertainment is around the town centre so in a way the event is split. If you were in the middle of the town you would hardly know that the rose selection is going on; conversely if you are down at the dome you would be

unaware of the entertainment in the town centre. Sergeant Pat Mulcahy i/c is part of the organising committee, along with Superintendent Pat OSullivan. He said, The Rose of Tralee is the Festival of Kerry, and 2008 was its 49th year; next year is going to be the big one. Until last year there was just one committee to run the entire event, but this was then split into two areas with a second committee in charge of street entertainment. Its almost two events. Its a pity that they broke it up. In the past the festival was voluntary based. A chief executive was brought in to run the festival without losing money; it took the entertainment factor out of it and made it into a business. People lament that the street entertainment is not as nearly as good as it used to be, though three parades still attract families; the main one on the Saturday night through the town centre. There is a smaller parade on the Sunday and again on the Tuesday night. Pat Mulcahy said, We probably have

Garda Philip Farrelly, a member of the DMR South Centrals divisional traffic corps was an escort in this years festival

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anything up to 50,000 people coming into town at the night time. We have to increase the number of Garda on the streets. We temporarily transfer members from around the division to cover mainstream policing, drugs, traffic and crime. We would have 2+11 on a normal weekend. When the crowds were bigger you had more crime. Last year was relatively crime free. We had a big crowd in town for the opening night and we only had six arrests; a low crime level for a big night out - our policing presence that may have influenced this.
NUMBERS

the town. I suppose it is sad. Everyone now goes abroad for their holidays. It is still a significant event in Tralee, and the main festival in Kerry. It has international coverage. It attracts few tourists; only the family and friends of the Roses. Younger people do not have the interest, they want something different. The view is that has become dated so the focus in now on attracting local families.

In the 12 years Pat Mulcahy has been a sergeant here; he has witnessed dwindling popularity in the last seven years and so has the corresponding number of Garda needed to police the event. He said, I was here as a Garda when we had the 25th anniversary. There were huge crowds for the festival that was then a week long. People came from countrywide those 24 years ago. There were less foreign holidays and fewer festivals. They came from everywhere. They stayed for the week; that has stopped. This year, there are still beds around

PEOPLE CAME FROM COUNTRYWIDE THOSE 24 YEARS AGO. THERE WERE LESS FOREIGN HOLIDAYS AND FEWER FESTIVALS. THEY CAME FROM EVERYWHERE. THEY STAYED FOR THE WEEK; THAT HAS STOPPED
People come from across the county, so the traffic corps and community Garda on mountain bikes try to encourage everyone to use the multistorey car parks and the town centre is pedestrianised for the weekend. It causes extra problems for the considerable traffic plan and there is also the

horseracing on the outskirts of the town. Tralee is a divisional headquarters with a station party of over one hundred, but still not enough to police the event without bringing in staff from outside stations. Garda Dave McMahon is a member of the divisional traffic corps and the GRA executive member for Kerry division. He said, We have had a considerable amount of extra Garda attached here, which is a welcome development. We have had a 50% increase in staffing levels but the station cannot hold them. The public are getting the extra policing but without the corresponding facilities. The station is chronically overcrowded and there is no bespoke conference room; so we have to hold briefings in the recreation room around the snooker table. There are now 130 people working in Tralee Garda station and there are no proper facilities, the station was built in 1983 to police a town as it was then, and thats 25 years ago. It is unfair to both the workers here and to the public who use the station, because no one is afforded the due privacy. Prisoners are brought in through the public office where families might be getting a passport signed. Tralee Garda station has had some

Louth Rose Karol-Ann Keenan

Sergeant Pat Mulcahy

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ROSE OF TRALEE
Garda Deirdre Murphy and Kevin Lynch in Tralees CCTV control room

improvements; the air outlet from the cells is no longer expelled in the front of the public office. The outlet is now at the rear of the building. Renovation work has been completed just before the downturn in the economy began. A new station is what is needed, but members are not optimistic. If evidence were needed that the policing levels need to be maintained, there was a significant public disorder situation on the Tuesday night on the festival, and a man was stabbed. Garda were on the scene quickly and used the new Asp batons; which was positively received by the public who wanted to see that we were in control of the situation. The CCTV system has 24 cameras

operating around the town and has been helpful in solving crimes and monitoring public order situations. Normally one member would monitor the cameras, but during the festival events there are two. The 24 cameras are concentrated in the town centre; with two on the square where the entertainment is concentrated. Digital recording is continuous.
POSITIVE

Parade briefing for the Saturday night

The Garda involvement goes beyond policing the festival and many members participate. The traffic corps 4x4 leads the Saturday parade and very year the band of An Garda Sochna entertain the crowds. The Garda band assisted the Louth Rose when the cornet she was due to play to an audience of a million broke an hour before the TV performance. A Garda musician managed a repair. Garda motorcycles lead out the winners parade on Tuesday. This year, Garda Philip Farrelly, a member of the DMR South Central divisional traffic corps based in Pearse Street Garda station was one of the escorts, and accompanied the Louth Rose. He said, There is a lot of Garda involvement in the Rose of Tralee; especially in the parade. I had lots of

support from members in Tralee and I met many colleagues who assisted me in all sorts of ways. I was the only member taking part in the event; so they were also curious to what it was like. The members in Pearse Street were very supportive; they helped to raise money towards the 2,000 sponsorship I needed. I had to pay for my own expenses, clothing and transport. It was expensive but very worthwhile. The escorts job isnt just to walk beside the roses. They have to look after her well being and to make sure that she isnt assaulted; there is a lot of media attention. Karol Ann Keegan said Philip was very well trained; he looks after the details for me and was very attentive when I needed assistance. Garda Philip Farrelly said, I have had lots of good humour directed at me. It was good for morale; it brought a good atmosphere to the station. I provided a diversion and gave everyone a smile. They say the festival is dying; but I didnt see that. It was all so positive, and so many people, especially families, were enjoying themselves. I was proud to be involved in it. The people of Tralee were fantastic. GR

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INFORMER

Garda dress up for charity


A simple conversation between two members in the J district led to organising a charity fundraiser. Garda from Howth Garda station held this Monday night with a difference on the 23rd of June 2008 in McGowans pub in Phibsboro. The itinerary; fancy dress - with all proceeds in aid of St Lukes Hospital in Rathgar. The costumes did not disappoint and there were prizes galore on the night, which was a huge success and 1,601.90 was raised. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

GARDA ACHIEVE PROFESSIONAL COACHING SKILLS


Members from the Garda Community Relations Section, the Garda College and the Garda Press & Public Relations Office recently achieved professional diplomas in coaching. The Diploma in Personal and Executive Coaching is a competency based programme, and the participants learnt skills to coach others, helping them with their personal and professional development. Sergeant Niall Featherstone said, Coaching is not prescriptive, its not about telling people what to do its about helping them to recognise and facilitate the changes themselves. The course was successfully completed by Inspector Tony Healy, Sgt Philip Ryan, Sgt Karen OReilly, Sgt John Redfern, Sgt Leonard Conaty (all Garda College); Sgt Alan Roughneen (Press & Public Relations Office) and Sgt Niall Featherstone (Community Relations).

Research Projects Help Sought


G A writer based in Halifax, West Yorkshire is researching for a book called The Police and the Paranormal, which covers police officers experiences of ghosts, UFOs, psychics assisting police, and any other odd experiences. Author Andy Owens said, The book is not sensationalist, I want to be able to verify as much as I can, and present nonparanormal explanations where relevant. Anyone who writes to me can remain anonymous if they wish and all replies will be answered. Contact details are: E-mail: [email protected] Postal: Andy Owens, 69 Beechwood Rd, Halifax HX2 9BT, England. G A probationer Garda in the Bridewell, Dublin has an interest in the Garda retirement policies for his phase V dissertation. He would welcome views from readers, serving or retired. He can be contacted at: [email protected].

St Raphaels email prize


Fergus McDonnell was the lucky member among the 4,500 members who entered the email draw by registering their email addresses with St Raphaels Garda Credit Union Ltd. To be in the next draw members can register to receive an electronic newsletter via http://www.straphaelscu.ie/subscribe.asp or can send their details to the office.

Oliver Harrington, general manager of St Raphaels Garda Credit Union, presents a weekend for two to Barcelona worth 1,000 to Fergus McDonnell

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Cathaoirleachs Awards for Detective Garda


Niall Davey, a Detective Garda, attached to Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim was honoured as part of the annual Cathaoirleachs Awards from the Sligo County Council. Garda Davey has being involved in youth sport for the last 25 years in the Sligo and Leitrim area - mainly with youth soccer at local, provincial and national level for the last 20 years. He has been Chairman of the Sligo/Leitrim Youth - Schoolboys & Girls League for the last six years which saw it grow from a league with 800 players to a league with 2,500 players. He has also been involved with the community games and was the first Chairman of the recently reformed Sligo Olympic Rowing Club.

L-R: Councillor Margret Gormley, Councillor Martin Baker, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council Mr Seamus Kilgannon, Niall Davey, Mary Davey, and Councillor Imelda Henry

St Pauls Summer 2008 Car Draw & Cash Draw


Brian McManus, Whitehall, Co. Roscommon won a Mercedes as the top prize. Ten members won 2,000 a further ten were drawn and won 1,000. Winners of a Volkswagen Passat: Andrew Dixon, Blackrock, Co. Dublin; David Lynam, Tullamore, Co. Offaly; Thomas Tuohy, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway; Patrick Donovan, Portlaoise, Co. Laois; Michael Cleere, New Ross, Co. Wexford. Winners of a Ford Mondeo: Pat Kenny, Macroom, Co. Cork; Noel Marley, Castlebar, Co. Mayo; Mrs S. OSullivan, Newbridge, Co. Kildare; Jerry Whelan, Ballybricken, Waterford; Michael Martin, Barnesmore, Co. Donegal.

STUDENT GARDA RAISE MONEY FOR HOMELESS TRUST

Alice Leahy accepts a cheque from Superintendent Thady Muldoon and the students of intake JD

Student Garda training in the DMR South Central raised over 1,000 for the homeless charity Trust. The phase II students attained a permit for a charity collection on Dublins Grafton Street and also donated T-shirts and jeans to be distributed to homeless people in Dublin.

S/Garda Christine Doyle worked a placement with the charity while attached to the A district. She said, I was apprehensive before I went to Trust, but it did make a difference. I learnt that it is the little things that help the homeless; and we thought that we could do something as a group.

SEAMUS CLOHERTY: ACKNOWLEDGMENT


Seamus Shay Cloherty (18432B), formerly Sergeant of Unit B, Harcourt Terrace, passed away peacefully in the early hours of 5th May 2008. The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to all of Shays colleagues and friends for their support throughout his illness and following his death. In particular, they wish to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Beaumont Hospital, Dublin for their care. At 63 Shay was a tall man with a big presence and a devoted member of An Garda Sochna. He was well-known as a man of great intelligence, with an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience. He was a very popular member and was always on hand to provide support, assistance and advice to his colleagues on both a professional and personal level. His enthusiasm for unity and trust among his colleagues (and the odd practical joke) are sadly missed. Shay and his wife Norah have six children: Sean, Joe, Emma, Niamh, Seamus Jnr and Gerard. Nothing was more important to Shay than family; everything he did was with his family in mind. Ar dheis De go raibh danam dilis.

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INFORMER

THE FORCE IS WITH YOU


By Tony Toner The Temple Street Route 66 Motorcycle Challenge is a bi-annual charity event that since October 2002 has fundraised some 1.1 million for this national hospital. On 28th September the fourth challenge team of 73 motorcycles depart to Chicago, where they follow one of the most famous motoring roads in the world to its finish on the pier at Santa Monica, Los Angeles, California, Route 66. The 4,000 kilometres, three time zones and eight states offer the senses often more than they can take in, hence this year some 25 of the participants are going for a hat-trick, the magnetism of the Route obviously impossible to resist. In Ireland very few motorcycle trips consist of 350 mile-per-day (560k), over eight days; you simply run out of island. The preparation for Route 66 included research into what to expect over the distance for road weather and traffic, the formation of groups, the necessary support and not least the allocation of Road Captains to lead each group. Sitting silently within the Garda Sochna are the most skilled and experienced motorcyclists in the country. Picked because of their experience, their inclusion immediately put a cordon of safety around the challenge. Professional motorcyclists working in the high pressure environs of the Garda Driving Schools of Dublin and Templemore added to those Advanced Riders from Dublins Traffic Division, Dublin Castle. Specific roles were allocated in the training and preparation, all liaised through the Fundraising Office at Temple Street and the gaffer, Angela McNulty. The Garda provide the safe running of this event. Instructors and Advanced motorcyclists training manifests itself in their machine handling and road reading in all road, weather and traffic situations, factors the other team members are quick to recognise and appreciate. This is mobile Community Policing on an international scale. Travelling this year and with the memories of 2004 and 2006 still humming in her ears is Gail Smith. Gail is the first Irishwoman to cross Route 66 on board her Harley Ultra Classic, her exploits covered in the RT documentary, The Irish 66ers, while her official Police Yamaha FJR 1300 stood silent back in her Dublin Castle base. Now promoted to Sergeant and

based at Kilmainham Garda Station, Gail makes history this year in becoming the first Irishwoman to complete three runs down 66. The Garda who give of their time to make this the success it has become will see it edge towards the magic 2,000,000 mark passed with this years Challenge, a proud sum from four events. With nigh on every county in Ireland represented in the Challenge Team, Route 66 this year will welcome 105 participants to share its magic. The Force is with them. Visit our website www.route66.ie and say hello.

TECHNICAL BUREAU TAKE ROADSHOW TO SCOUTS JAMBOREE


Members of the Garda Technical Bureau paid a visit to the International Scout Jamboree in Puncestown on 5th August. Young people and their leaders were given the chance to try out various forensic techniques and specialist Garda equipment and to see the technology at work.
Picture by Derek Union

Ennistymon Retirements

L-R: Pat Brennan; Ruth OSullivan; Adrian Raftery. Garda Pat Brennan and Adrian Raftery retired from Ennistymon Garda Station

INFORMER
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Ciaran Savage (Applicant) v Director of Public Prosecutions (Respondent)

PRESERVING EVIDENCE
Sergeant Michael Daly LLB examines a Supreme Court judgment that has major implications for preserving evidence
INTRODUCTION

Ciaran Savage was charged with the offences of using a vehicle without the consent of the owner and dangerous driving causing serious injury to his passenger. The offences are alleged to have occurred at Old Kilmainham, Dublin in the early hours of June 3rd 2001. As a result of injuries sustained, the passenger died on the 22nd November 2001. The vehicle was examined by a Public Service Vehicle Inspector on the 13th June 2001. On the 28th June Mr Savage was served with a notice of intention to prosecute for dangerous driving. In January 2003 the DPP indicated to the defence that the prosecution evidence as to the examination of the vehicle would not be tendered and that the condition of the vehicle would not be an issue in the trial. There were numerous eyewitnesses. Two members of An Garda Sochna noticed the car being driven out of town at high speed. One of the Garda said that as the patrol car approached the entrance to St Jamess Hospital he saw the vehicle traveling very fast towards the Garda car. Another eye witness stated that she heard an engine racing, like it was driving very fast, she turned, heard a loud bang and saw a light pole falling on the ground and the engine sliding up the street. The Garda were on the scene immediately
OWNER

think the car had been stolen as it was junk and the exhaust had fallen off and was in the boot. A Garda Inspector said that on the 25th July 2001 he directed that the Mazda car, which was parked in the yard of Kevin Street Station, be destroyed. He did this because the vehicle had been inspected, had not been claimed by its owner and was in a dangerous condition. The car was in three separate pieces and was of no commercial value.
HIGH COURT JUDGMENT

In the High Court the Applicant sought an order prohibiting further criminal prosecution against him, on the basis that the Director of Public Prosecutions had failed to preserve material evidence as the vehicle had been destroyed. Mr. Justice Quirke dismissed his application. He held that the vehicle was retained for some time after the event before being destroyed in accordance with normal Garda procedures. He stated: It cannot reasonably be suggested that the prosecuting authorities have a duty to preserve all vehicles which are the subject of summary offences under the Road Traffic Act. He held that the applicant had failed to discharge the onus of proving that the failure on the part of the State to preserve the vehicle had exposed him to the risk of an unfair trial.
SUPREME COURT DECISION

The owner of the car was a French national who was living in Ireland and had bought the red Mazda car for 800. He did not report that this car had been stolen because it saved him from having to dispose of it, the insurance had expired and it needed a lot of work to pass an NCT. He assumed that the car had been impounded and towed away. He did not

The case law relating to situations where evidence has been destroyed pre-trial was considered in detail. Denahm J. said that the report of the Public Service Vehicle Inspector was available to the applicant. Mr Savage also had his own engineers report on the Public Service Vehicle Inspectors report and the Garda reports. These could be used in evidence.

She laid down the following principles regarding the preservation of evidence coming in to the possession of An Garda Sochna; (i) Each case should be determined on its own circumstances. (ii) It is the courts duty to protect due process. (iii)It is the duty of An Garda Sochna to preserve and disclose material evidence. (iv) This duty to preserve and disclose material evidence is to do so as far as is necessary and practicable. (v) This duty to disclose and preserve cannot be precisely defined as it is dependent on all the circumstances of the case. (vi)The duty does not require the Garda to engage in a disproportionate commitment of manpower and resources. (vii)In the alternative to keeping large physical objects as evidence, such as motor vehicles, it may be reasonable in certain circumstances for the Garda to have a forensic report on the object. (viii) The duty should be interpreted in a practical manner on the facts of the case. (ix) If evidence is destroyed the reason for the destruction, whether bona fide or mala fide, is part of the matrix of the facts, but it is not a relevant factor in the test to be applied by the court. (x) All of the above are subject to the fundamental test to be applied by the court, that of real risk as laid down in the Z v Director of Public Prosecutions [1994] 2 IR i.e. the general principle that the onus of proof which is on an accused person who seeks an order prohibiting his trial on the ground that circumstances have occurred which would render it

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unfair is that he should establish that there is a real risk that by reason of those circumstances he could not obtain a fair trialwhere one speaks of an onus to establish a real risk of an unfair trial it necessarily and inevitably means an unfair trial which cannot be avoided by appropriate rulings and directions on the part of the trial judge. The risk is a real one but the unfairness of trial must be unavoidable unfairness of trial. (xi) The focus of the inquiry is on the issue of the fairness of the intended trial and not on shortcomings in the Garda investigation. It is not a Garda disciplinary process She concluded that the application for an order of prohibition had to be determined in all the circumstances of the case which included; (i) The car was inspected by the Public Service Vehicle Inspector and the Gardai and these reports are available to the applicant. (ii) The applicant obtained and is entitled to utilise expert reports on these reports and query the evidence of the car. (iii)The applicant has means to put in evidence the condition of the vehicle, as a defence, if he so wishes. She was not satisfied, bearing in mind the charge and all the circumstances (including the PSV Inspectors report), the Garda evidence and the forensic engineers evidence obtained and available to the applicant that he had established that there is a real risk by reason of the car, of an unfair trial arising from its destruction.
BEST PRACTICE

after the Notice of Intention to Prosecute would alert a person to the situation and five time to have the car examined if they so wished or to make a reasonable request that it not be destroyed.
JUDGMENT OF JUSTICE HARDIMAN

She went on to say that it would be best practice for Gardai to give notice, to inform an accused or a potential accused, of the intention to destroy a vehicle, or evidence which may reasonably be materially relevant to a trial, giving such person time to have the vehicle or evidence examined if they so wished. Such a notice could be served at the same time as a Notice of Intention to Prosecute. The notice could inform of the place where the vehicle was, that it could be examined and of the intention to destroy the vehicle at a future date perhaps one month hence. The receipt of such a notice, at the same time or shortly

Hardiman J. in his judgment refused relief to the applicant because he could not see that the evidence on behalf of the applicant and in particular the expert evidence of Dr Jordan lead to the conclusion that the destruction of the vehicle had confronted the applicant with an unavoidable risk of an unfair trial. He went on to say: However in all the circumstances and having regard to the not inconsiderable number of missing evidence cases that come before the Courts I wish to say that the fact that relief is being denied in this case does not support the proposition that it was legitimate to destroy or dispose of the motor vehicle involved in the accident. It was not. It is never legitimate to dispose of or to loose evidential material which may have a bearing on guilt or innocence. He noted that the destruction of the vehicle in this case was done in a routine way and was not done for the purpose of avoiding a professional inspection by or on behalf of the defendant. He stressed that where the loss of such evidence is due to blindly following routine or simple failure to understand its significance rather than out of malice it is not an answer to a complaint by a defendant that the evidence carried a reasonably possibility of rebutting the case made against him. The granting or withholding of relief in these cases is not intended to be in any way punitive or exoneratory of the Gardai or other investigators the right to seek relief derives from the right to a fair trial and this is the sole consideration. He expressly agreed with what Denham J. had said under the heading of Best Practice (infra) and noted; This is by no means the first exhortation which this court has given along these lines; exhortations to the proper custody to evidentially significant items have come from the Court for the past five years or so without any apparent effect. If the eminently practical and extremely straightforward suggestion of Denham J. were followed by Gardai as a matter of routine, cases like the present would be avoided.

GATHERING DUST: many motor vehicles are retained in Garda stations taking up valuable space

JUDGMENT OF JUSTICE FENNELLY

In his opinion the Gardai committed a breach of their obligation to preserve potential evidence. They should not have had the car destroyed without considering the possible interests of the appellant. However, this did not determine the matter. He dismissed the appeal because the appellant had not made out a sufficient case that he would not receive a fair trial.
CONCLUSION

The Courts are willing to grant an order or prohibition in missing evidence cases. Therefore there is an onus on Gardai to preserve all items of evidence having a bearing on the guilt or innocence of an accused. It is difficult to envisage situations where prosecuting authorities would not hold onto such items of evidence. If Prosecuting Authorities intend to dispose of certain items of evidence they are obliged to give an accused a notice of their intention to so do. The notice should contain details of where the item(s) are being held, that it can be examined and that it will be disposed of the intention to destroy it possibly one months hence. It may be advisable to retain the original evidence until the conclusion of all legal proceedings to avoid any doubt about the matter.
NOTE

The Notice of Intention to Prosecute was provided for in the Road Traffic Act 1961, section 104. This section was repealed by the Road Traffic Act 2002 section 25(2) which came into effect on 21 October 2002 by virtue of Statutory Instrument No. 491/02. Accordingly, the Notice of Intention to Prosecute is no longer in existence. GR

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SPORTSFILE
ROWING

COMMISSIONER PRAISES GARDA CAROLINE RYAN


Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy praised Garda Caroline Ryan for her achievements in rowing at National, as well as international competition during the year. A special reception was held at the Garda Boat Club in her honour. The Commissioner congratulated Caroline on creating rowing history by winning the Princess Royal Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta on 6 July 2008. She became the first Irish woman to win a trophy at Henley Royal Regatta - and the first Irish person to win an open event there since the Garda coxed four, which included her father Willie and uncle Ted, who won the Prince Phillip Cup in 1979. The Commissioner said, This is an outstanding achievement for Caroline and an honour for her and An Garda Sochna. Caroline completed the rowing season at the National Championship Regatta in Cork by winning the Senior Sculling Championship title for the second time. Caroline has had a very impressive year of competition. She became the first woman to finish in the top ten and also approached, both Caroline and Sinead Jennings, a former World Champion in the lightweight single, were asked by the Irish National Squad to trial at an International Regatta in Piediluco, Italy for selection for the heavyweight single scull position. However, the battle between Sinead and Caroline proved too close to call they finished only 0.1 seconds apart, with Sinead taking Silver and Caroline Bronze, behind the Italian sculler G Bascelli. As the Irish girls were considered too far off the pace for Olympic selection in the single, they were asked to try the double scull but not selected to compete at the Olympic qualifying Regatta. Caroline went to the Henley Womens Regatta, where she won the George Inns Cup comfortably; the only Irish winner at this Regatta. Club President, Assistant Commissioner Dermot Jennings said, It was a memorable occasion to be present in the Stewards Enclosure at Henley Royal Regatta to witness this great win for the Club and hear Caroline and Garda being cheered on by the crowd.

Garda Caroline Ryan

the first woman to finish within 47 seconds of the top man. As the International Rowing season

SHOOTING

IPA Pistol Club Formed


Members in Dundalk Garda Station and the surrounding area with an active interest in pistol and revolver shooting have established a pistol club for both serving and retired members. The idea of the club is to bring together pistol shooters throughout the country to participate in safety days, first aid courses and competitions. The newly formed club elected to the following positions: Noel Horgan (Chairperson); Alan Lynch (Vice Chairperson); Patrick Donnelly (Secretary)and Neil O.Malley (Treasurer) The IPA (International Police Association) provides financial support for the club and the club was named the IPA Pistol Club (Ireland). The club is now open to IPA members (either serving or retired) who have an interest in pistol shooting. The person must be an IPA member and subscriber

Neil OMalley

and have his or her own licensed pistol or revolver. Membership to the club is now open and anyone interested in joining should contact any of the following: email

[email protected] or telephone Neil OMalley, 087-657 9413; Patrick Donnelly, 086-108 0213; Noel Horgan, 087-279 5217; Alan Lynch, 087-2030114.

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ANGLING ROWING

DMR West win Coiste Siamsa Fly Fishing


The annual all-Ireland Garda fly fishing championship was held at Lough Conn in Co. Mayo and this year a team from the DMR West beat all oppostition to take the title, with Galway West (A) coming in second. The event was regarded as another success, that saw Declan Conlon from Clondalkin Garda station win the individual section ahead of Niall Kenny and Joe Mc Entaggart. The retired members section was won by Seamus Kelly of Galway West.

KENNY MCDONALD LEAVES ON A HIGH NOTE


Kenny McDonald rowed in the senior National Rowing Championship in Cork in July as part of a senior coxed four and coxless four. After nearly 20 years of rowing, these wins bring his tally to eight senior national rowing championships. He was part of the Limerick crew that won the senior eights championship for the first time in 80 years last year. Garda McDonald, who works in the physical studies section in the Garda College announced his retirement from the sport. He said, I have decided to hang up my oar after nearly 20 years of rowing.

Chief Superintendent A McNamara presents the overall prize to Declan Conlon

TAG TUGBY

Garda team win regional final


Members stationed in Tramore and Waterford won the mixed grade C Tag Rugby final held at Waterpark Rugby Club. They were narrow winners 9-8. They were the league leaders having won eight matches; losing only one match during the season.
Peter Egan and Dermot Hudson

CANOEING

Garda wins national championship


Back L-R: Aoife ODonoghue, Liam ODwyer, Sandra Maher, Orla Egan, Sarah OConnell, Martina Felle, Declan Healy, Mick Brenner Front L-R: David ODonoghue, Paddy Darcy, Aidan Sheehan, Jimmy White.

Garda Peter Egan and his canoeing partner Dermot Hudson won the national K2 canoeing championship at Graig Na Managh in Co. Kilkenny on 3rd August. This is a marathon event with participants paddling a massive 20km along the River Barrow on a flatwater course. The pair had a bad start, and were in eighth place until they clawed their way back to triumph in a sprint finish.

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CROSSWORD

SPONSORED BY
BY GORDIUS

ACROSS
1. Infants bed. (3) 3. A mint cannot change into such a pollutant. (11) 8. Movement. (6) 9. Welcoming, enticing. (8) 10. Armoured vehicles, in which to store liquids? (5) 11. Gather together a great amount. (5) 13. Roman love-god. (5) 15. Having strayed, the sheep lost blood. (7) 16. Might this windscreen adornment take the form of a taxis CD? (3,4) 20. Daredevil act. (5) 21. Cooked in a pan. (5) 23. Blemish; discolouration. (5) 24. Novice. (8) 25. Confidence trick. (6) 26. Pretending to be a Garda might confuse the poor at Ennis. (11) 27. Morse code symbol. (3)

DOWN
1. Meet with disaster when you reach the emotion of a funeral. (4,2,5) 2. Aunt Im it for this light metal. (8) 3. Christian symbol. (5) 4. Great victory. (7) 5. Mediterranean island, popular with holidaymakers. (5) 6. Beast. (6) 7. Label. (3) 12. Creepy-crawly used in making glue? (5,6) 13. Plant found in the middle of massacres, sometimes. (5) 14. Gave out cards. (5) 17. Taught. (8) 18. Where, in Limerick, one might rent gum? (7) 19. With which to point out the fringe. (6) 22. Australian wild dog. (5) 23. Reject outright. (5) 24. Large breakfast-roll. (3)

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MAY 2008 CROSSWORD WINNERS


Two winners of the Motorola V8 mobile phone Joanne OSullivan Naas Garda Station, Co. Kildare Shaunagh Gaffney Ballymun Garda Station, Dublin

MAY 2008 SOLUTION


Across
1. Mac 3. Cardiograph 8. Colour 9. Tapeworm 10. Opens 11. Mince 13. Sieve 20. Aaron 21. Cocks 23. Synod 24. Dandruff 25. Loaves 26. Bushwhacker 27. Lie

Down
1. Microscopic 2. Cul de sac 3. Clubs 4. Dottles 5. Gleam 6. Abound 7. Hum 12. Emerald Isle 13. Samba 14. Elfin 17. Carnival 18. Traffic 19. Scenes of Crime Officer 22. Screw 23. Scour 24. Dab

CROSSWORD
GARDA REVIEW SEPTEMBER 2008

55

inthejob
PROMOTION NOTIFICATIONS
The promotion to the rank of Chief Superintendent with effect from the 15th July 2008. REG. NO. NAME DIVISION 22283F Michael OSullivan DMR North The promotion to the rank of Superintendent with effect from the 15th July 2008. REG. NO. NAME DIVISION 23948H Michael Comyns Cork City 25474F Michael Flynn Telecommunications The promotion to the rank and pay of Inspector with effect from 11th June 2008. NAME DIVISION Patrick McMenamin DMR North Declan Daly G.B.F.I. Seamus Boland DMR South Central Martin Mooney N.B.C.I. Michael Hennebry Tipperary Declan OSullivan Cork City Thomas OConnor Limerick Noel Doolan DMR West John Jacob Change Management Mary King Cork City Patrick Curran DMR Traffic Robert Barber DMR South Patrick Linehan Crime Policy and Administration Joseph Carton Garda College William Connolly Waterford/Kilkenny Thomas Finnerty Wexford/Wicklow Michael OConnor Details Nuala Finn Community Relations Raymond McMahon Longford/Westmeath John Healy Cork North Colin Collins Cork West Paul Scott DMR North David Kelly Donegal Alphonsus Martyn Louth/Meath The promotion to the rank of Inspector with effect from 17th June 2008. William Kelly DMR West The promotion to the rank of Sergeant with effect from the 25th July 2008. REG. NO. NAME DIVISION 27703G David Noonan Cork City 27738L James Sweeney Cork City 26971K Brendan Barry-Murphy Cork City 26974C Eoin Buckley Cork City 28587M James Cussen DMR South Central 00978D Nuala Bruce DMR South Central 01169L Ellen Corcoran Cork City 25700A Paul Kennedy Cork North 26146G Denis Lavin Clare 27607C Damian Martin Cavan/Monaghan 26860G Joseph ODonoghue Clare 27899H Edward Monaghan DMR East 25286G William Glavin Limerick 26519E William Kirwan Laois/Offaly 01037E Grace OConnell Kerry 01105C Margaret Kelly Carlow/Kildare 25369C Martin Egan Donegal 25817B Justin Delaney Security & Intelligence 27245M Thomas Bowe Carlow/Kildare 26063M Vincent Byrne Security & Intelligence 27143H Michael Tarpey Laois/Offaly 27334A Keith Heffernan DMR South 25453C Sean McCole Galway West 00909A Fiona Fitzpatrick Carlow/Kildare 27800K Mark Carley Carlow/Kildare 26713K John Michael Keane Tipperary 25095C Brian Nolan Special Detective Unit 26306M John Cullinane DMR South Central 26913A Ciaran McLoughlin DMR South 23462A Michael Hogan Cavan/Monaghan 23561L Jarlath Keogh DMR South Central 24526G Hugh ODonnell Cork West 23823F Thomas OHalloran Cork North 27650B James Conway DMR North 26683C James Phibbs Information Technology 01265C Patricia OLeary H.R.M. 27889M 25688K 01124L 25885G 01140A 27660L 25575M 27208F 27600F 22183L 24272A 24542K 28075E 01208D 24400G 24507M 25533E 25282D 00710B 26202A 00894L 26820H 25654D 26968K 01340D 26747C 00912A 25733H 27482H 28464E 23240H 27020B 27088A 27410M 28469F 27036K 29299M 27603M 23352H 26998M 24363K 25535A 26633G 25039B 26467K 26951D 23502D 00559B 27763M 26133E 26916F 27824F 00600K 26416D 27280K 28168K 27520D 27793B 25034A 27937D 27445C 27484D 26035E 27340F 24384A 26211M 27382A 25796F 01330G 00662K 27006G 25504A 26506C 25603L 01252A 24680H 27152G 25376F 26597G Eleanor Osborne James McSweeney Annette Leahy Alexander Butler Katherina Joyce Anthony McNulty Brian Martin Murphy John Brady John Cleary Peter Cullen Peter OHare Philip Rowe Brendan McKenna Deirdre Gill Hubert West John McGroary Damian Kirwan Patrick Anthony Flanagan Gail Smith Ronan Waldron Nicola Brady Raymond Tubman Gavin Hyland Leonard OSullivan Elaine Dalton Thomas Gormley Mary Walsh Ciaran Bruce Declan McGlynn Stephen Clarke Michael Lehane Barry Owen Smith James OLeary James Curry Adrian Whelan Basil Grimes Zita Woods William Paul Mayock Patrick Nicholson Laurence Sheahan Noel Scully Anthony Charles Brady Gearoid Thompson Liam Randles Mark Daly Padraig Connolly Thomas Feely Yvonne Connolly Paul Murphy Shane Killeen Brian Foley Raymond Byrne Roisin Daly Keith Goff John Birmingham Dermot Keating James Tierney Cornelius Myers Christopher Bonar Declan Scott Enda OSullivan Alan Govern James Aherne Liam Archbold John Broderick Keith White Trevor Dooley Michael Geoghegan Noeleen Lucy McKenna Mary McDevitt Denis Collins John Gallagher Derek Williams Joseph Hodgins Suzanne Byrne John Considine John Coughlan Patrick Collis Brendan Costello DMR South Special Detective Unit Waterford/Kilkenny Cork West DMR South DMR North Mayo DMR South Central DMR West Garda National Immigration Bureau Louth DMR South Central Cork City H.R.M. Laois/Offaly Donegal H.R.M. DMR South DMR Traffic DMR South DMR North Longford/Westmeath DMR East Cork City Wexford DMR South Limerick DMR West Longford/Westmeath Mayo Cork West Carlow/Kildare Sligo/Leitrim Waterford/Kilkenny Limerick DMR West DMR South Central Carlow/Kildare Longford/Westmeath Waterford/Kilkenny Louth Criminal Assests Bureau Limerick Kerry DMR North Central Waterford/Kilkenny Donegal Wexford DMR South Central Roscommon/Galway East DMR South Central DMR West Wexford Waterford/Kilkenny Galway West Cork West Tipperary Kerry Special Detective Unit DMR East DMR North DMR West Waterford/Kilkenny Louth Garda College DMR North Central N.B.C.I. Meath DMR North DMR North DMR West S.D.U. Clare Louth Garda College Roscommon/Galway East DMR West National Support Services Wicklow

IN THE JOB
GARDA REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2008

57

TRANSFERS
The transfer of the following shall take effect as set out hereunder :REG. NO. NAME RANK 24022B William Folan Insp. 22686F Paul Cuttle Insp. 18560D John McGinty Insp. 23842B James Delaney Insp. 25481K Joseph Moore Insp. 23437M Donal Ashe Insp. 25156K Gary McPolin Insp. 21875H Oliver Keegan Insp. 24682D Sean Farrell Insp. 24948C Aidan Brennan Insp. 21861H Andrew Lavelle Insp. 21229F Gerard Connolly Insp. 24353A Michael ODwyer Insp. 24653M Ernest White Insp. 00351D Mary Aldridge Insp. 23817A John Clince Insp. 24117B Columba Healy Insp. 24189L Paul Murray Insp. 19928A Jeremiah Horan Insp. 21293H Paul Kiernan Insp. 23463L Morgan Martin Sergt. 23681M Paul Carroll Sergt. 26674D Brian Harte Sergt. 25412F Michael Whelan Sergt. 25426F John Hanlon Sergt. 27386D Donal Donoghue Sergt. 00413H Carmel Banville Sergt. 23529F Fergal OConnell Garda 01138L Louise Mulligan Garda 28522F Ursula Cummins Garda 32708E Tara Byrne Garda 32616L Amanda Carrick Garda 27875M Jason Weir Garda 33099L Susan Smith Garda 01334L Deborah Nolan Garda 32666F Ian Cummins Garda 32567H Desmond Molloy Garda 30043H Gavin Fleet Garda 31724A Edward Magee Garda 28010M Karl Griffin Garda 31399H Sean Hoey Garda 27295G Hugh Fallon Garda 31537M Declan Tanner Garda 24946G Padraig Shanagher Garda 30580D Dermot Gallen Garda 31152K Paul Rowe Garda 31978C Sarah Prendergast Garda 01277G Jill Campbell Garda 29488H David OSullivan Garda 29861A Brian OSullivan Garda 29385G Barry Lynch Garda 28540D Jason McDonnell Garda 32620H Lorraine Costello Garda 30342K Regina McCarthy Garda 31319L Joseph Tippin Garda 30378L Kenneth Burke Garda 31648B Jeremiah Hogan Garda 01352H Catherine Swan Garda 26283H Denis Doherty Garda 29789E Brian Carroll Garda 30431L Simon Whelan Garda 01209B Karen OFlynn Garda 28814D Ian Kelly Garda 31170G Stephen Hallissey Garda 31374B Brian OSullivan Garda 30418B Stephen Murphy Garda 29855G Eoin Everard Garda 01207F Anastasia Rowe Garda 26378H Gavin McGahan Garda 31329G Catherine Beirne Garda 30398D Aine N Chathin Garda 30225B Joseph Newell Garda 25470C Michael Reilly Garda 29807G Victoria Montgomery Garda 23435D Martin Scanlon Garda 20906F Patrick Heffernan Garda 27491G Anthony OLeary Garda 20427G William Hanly Garda 22386G Eamon Barry Garda 30371B Barbara Smith Garda 28326F Michael Ormsby Garda 23675F James Phillips Sergt. 25505L Fergal Harrington Sergt. 26027D Oliver Kennedy Sergt. 23691H John Lynch Sergt. 21754K Gerard Burke Sergt. 24582H Mark Traynor Sergt. 24476G John Moylan Sergt. 25559K Justin Kelly Sergt. 25373A Martin Mahon Sergt. 24954H Brian Gill Sergt. 26475L Seamus Houlihan Sergt. FROM Athlone Sligo Carrick-on-Shannon Blackrock Listowel Anglesea St. Gorey Balbriggan Drogheda Garda College Baltinglass Tallaght Garda College Salthill DMR Traffic Wicklow Community Relations Command & Control Clonakilty Crumlin Mountjoy Castleblaney Bantry Waterford Waterford Tramore Kilkenny Bunclody Santry Howth Dun Laoghaire Dun Laoghaire Crumlin Pearse St. Mountjoy Dun Laoghaire Dun Laoghaire Dun Laoghaire Dun Laoghaire Anglesea St. Cavan Mullingar Longford Longford Drogheda Drogheda Drogheda Dundalk Dundalk Carrickmacross Irishtown Pearse Street Cahir Nenagh Clonmel Templemore Templemore Arklow Cabinteely Sundrive Rd. Douglas Tralee Ennistymon Finglas Douglas Sundrive Road Bray Pearse St. Scotstown Glenties Rathmines Harcourt Tce. Drogheda Fingerprints Mountjoy Fitzgibbon St. Dundrum Store Street Store Street Fitzgibbon St. Mountjoy Salthill Dundrum Ardnacrusha Askeaton Buncrana Moville Coolaney N.B.C.I. Clontarf S.D.U. Kevin Street TO Mullingar Athlone Sligo Carrick-on-Shannon Bantry Listowel Anglesea St. Drogheda Navan Kilkenny Kildare Baltinglass Salthill Galway Wicklow Arklow Coolock Raheny Nenagh Ardee Immigration, Dublin Port Monaghan Macroom Tramore Kilkenny Waterford Waterford Garda Professional Standards Whitehall Clontarf Kill OGrange Dalkey Sundrive Rd. Donnybrook Bridewell Kill OGrange Dalkey Cabinteely Cabinteely Bridewell Ballyconnell Edgeworths-town Mullingar Tarmonbarry Ardee Ardee Ardee Ardee Ardee Ardee Ardee Ardee Cashel Thurles Cahir Thurles Cahir Gorey Bray Newbridge Sundrive Rd. Douglas Caherciveen Shannon Kenmare Tullamore Portlaoise Bray Monaghan Navan D.M.R. Office Ballina Navan Irishtown Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Immigration, Dublin Port Galway Nat. Sup. Svs. Henry Street Abbeyfeale Letterkenny Burnfoot Sligo O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. DATE 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 02/07/2008 10/07/2008 15/07/2008 15/07/2008 20/06/2008 20/06/2008 20/06/2008 20/06/2008 22/07/2008 23/06/2008 01/07/2008 16/06/2008 16/06/2008 15/07/2008 09/06/2008 15/07/2008 02/06/2008 02/06/2008 30/06/2008 30/06/2008 30/06/2008 17/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 02/07/2008 06/06/2008 04/07/2008 04/07/2008 04/07/2008 04/07/2008 06/06/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 15/07/2008 29/07/2008 24/06/2008 22/07/2008 15/07/2008 22/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 10/07/2008 29/07/2008 08/07/2008 14/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008

IN THE JOB

58

GARDA REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2008

26231E 24839H 26876C 25004L 23327G 29635L 28581A 29071H 28945M 27469M 30282A 30348H 23924M 29933B 22778A 29686D 28479C 32714L 32677A 28306A 29134L 28669K 29506L 30436M 27592A 20903A 29246L 28645A 25060M 29936G 29288E 29613K 30925G 32455H 30710F 27409G 27783E 29036L 28470L 29478M 27519M 00682C 27749E 27909K 29626M 26800C 28601L 29516G 01249A 28304E 27567M 27646D 28015A 26766L 27406B 29351B 27387B 29003C 29182L 27817C 28463G 28299E 27422D 26401F 27411K 27750K 29876L 01364A 30744M 28605B 27404F 27627H 29639B 28363M 01372B 27776B 29061M 29503E 27727D 28868C 28405L 26442C 28512K 29191K 29099H 28938H 29126K 25439H 28619B 29283D 30528F 26726M 25693E 01214K 27583B 18076K

Ronan Lafferty Cormac Brennan Kenneth Donnellan Paul Curran Gerard McGrath Michael Bushell Tracy Robinson Ian Pemberton Jerome Campbell Paul OGrady Olivia Markham Eleanor OHalloran Kevin Griffin Sean McGlynn Anthony Monahan Ronan Steede Raymond Roche Lisa Griffin Sean Conneely Lisa OConnor Amanda OCallaghan Mary Clancy Helena Carey Deirdre Foley Pauric Deery John Hanley Sinead Hoey Hugh McCann John Tully Elaine Gordon Neil Cox Charlene Anderson Brendan McCann Eugene Organ Mairead ODonnell Colm Perill Liam Eviston Gerard Fahy Colm Tighe Robin Faughnan Colm Gannon Julie McCormack Michael Doherty Francis Lambe John Dunne Michael Kearney Martin Mulligan Brian McDermott Fiona Connaughton Shane Costello Paul Kane Declan Moloney Linda Haren Peter Ronan Liam Aherne David Bolger Mark ORiordan Connel Treanor Brian Foran Eamon Keane Stephen Nolan Declan OReilly David Carolan Paul Fahey Gregory Fleming Oliver Hackett Nicola Lowery Michelle Stafford Stephen Bolger Ronan Doolan Anthony Kennedy Diarmuid MacGhuidhir John McCarthy Owen Roche Niamh Shelly John Flanagan Enda Gormley Georgina Earley Brian Johnston Damien ONeill Sean Smith Glen Somers Eamon Tighe Mary Moore Conor OSullivan Sinead Vaughan Shane Graham Patrick Hearne Suzanne Lyons Alan Monaghan Catriona Keyes Philip Byrne Alan Campbell Karen Ryan Karl McCormick Michael McCarthy

Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda A/Com

N.B.C.I. G.N.I.B. Bridewell Clondalkin Clontarf Irishtown Raheny Kill OGrange Coolock Leixlip Henry Street Gurranabraher Lucan Dundrum Raheny Kerrykeel Mayorstone Park Henry Street Henry Street Henry Street Roxboro Road Mayorstone Park Roxboro Road Bruff Castlebar Ballymote Kingscourt Malin Buncrana Dungloe Burtonport Donegal Glenties Glenties Dungloe Tralee Kevin Street Terenure Kilmainham Santry S.D.U. Dalkey G.B.F.I. Leixlip Crumlin S.D.U. N.B.C.I. Pearse Street Terenure S.D.U. Harcourt Terrace S.D.U. Bridewell Bray Ballyfermot Store Street N.B.C.I. Clondalkin Stepaside Ronanstown S.D.U. Ronanstown N.B.C.I. Fitzgibbon Street S.D.U. S.D.U. Raheny Store Street Bray Tallaght Sundrive Road Crumlin Pearse Street Dundrum Store Street Tallaght Pearse Street Donnybrook Coolock Store Street N.B.C.I. Mountjoy Crumlin Rathmines Bridewell G.N.I.B. Clontarf Bridewell Clondalkin Harcourt Terrace Dun Laoghaire Bray N.B.C.I. Blanchardstown Cabra Kilkenny

O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. Nat. Sup. Svs. Nat. Sup. Svs. Nat. Sup. Svs. Nat. Sup. Svs. Nat. Sup. Svs. Org. Dev. Unit Org. Dev. Unit Communica-tions Centre Communica-tions Centre Communica-tions Centre Letterfrack Mary Street Mary Street Mary Street Mary Street Bruff Newcastle West Newcastle West Roxboro Road Ballina Bunninadden Bailieboro Letterkenny Burnfoot Donegal Town Donegal Town Letterkenny Dungloe Dungloe Bunbeg Gort O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. O.C.U. Nat. Sup. Svs.

29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 08/07/2008 08/07/2008 08/07/2008 08/07/2008 08/07/2008 06/08/2008 06/08/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 14/07/2008 14/07/2008 14/07/2008 14/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 22/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 02/09/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008

IN THE JOB
GARDA REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2008

59

20848E 21956H 20327M 21036F 26191B 25925L 25600E 24970L 00680G 23652G 00642D 24833K 26032M 28137K 26113M 26557H 24997A 26623L 25855E 28106K 01159B 27167E 26536E 24897E 23487G 26745G 26714G 01129M 00883D 26200E 27893K 24816K 01077D 22729C 25611M 25943H 00821D 27902A 00969E 25175E 26397D 22502K 22428F 00583E 18511F 23247E 25149F 25814H 00241M 24874F 27668E 27420H 00215A 25780L 26485G 26334F 00502K 26989A 19766A 23864C 28812H 20546L 25443F 26863A 30310M 30990G 32949E 27908M 32320K 33673D 33877L 25586F 27040G 01331E 30231G 27896C 29985E 01233E 32377B 28716D 00787M 22629G 28460B 29584A 28484L 25393F 29162E 29690B 25746L 28000C 26972G 28390H 26413L 29442L 01283A 26905M

Majella Ryan John Murphy Declan Brogan Peter Noonan Graham Kavanagh Thomas Hannon William Elliffe Shane Henry Sinead Reilly Paul Reid Caroline Maloney Cornelius Crowley Kevin Mulvey Avril Foley John Barrett Kenneth OSullivan Patrick Dowd Padraic Powell Ciaran Whelan Stephen Meighan Grinne McDonnell Michael Sheridan Anthony Quinn Maurice Downey Jeremiah Ryan Edward Wilde Patrick Griffin Paula Kelleher Eileen OSullivan Michael Corbett James Ruddle Peter McGuinness Helen Scanlan Richard Taheny Terence McMahon Thomas Colsh Sheila Tuohy Brian Monaghan Carol OLeary Paul Dennehy Finbar OSullivan John OLeary Peter Murphy Catherine Kealy Sylvester Murphy Daniel Kelly Michael Galvin John McCabe Eileen Costello Paul Doran Edward Woulfe Mark Doran Julie King James Curran Ronan Murphy Thomas Clarke Carmel Henry Sean Fallon Francis Vaughan Michael Browne Justine Reilly Cornelius Ryan William Kelliher Daniel OKeeffe Gillian Colliton Karen McCloat Allen Scott Edel Moore Caroline Griffin David Eagers Shane Griffin Damien OConnell Cathal Sheridan Caoimhe Byrne Colm Kelly Dermot Brauders Thomas OConnor Sinead Corrigan Timothy McCallion Noel Whelehan Karen Pound Patrick Dooner Eamon Whelan Sarah McDermott Dermot Lavin William Daly Ivan Cunnane Sharon Barron Kieran Kelleher Annemarie McMenamin John McClafferty Bernard Mullins Jason Lyons Rosemary Rooney Fiona Cremin Christopher Scannell

Supt. Supt. Supt. Insp. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda

Bridewell Traffic Dept. Dublin Castle Kilrush Kevin Street Naas Cabra Irishtown Store Street Store Street Ballymun Terenure Kanturk Rathmines Bridewell Clondalkin Lucan Kevin Street Rathfarnham Galway Community Relations Professional Standards Unit Bailieboro Bailieboro Mayfield Kilmacthomas Waterford Cahir Kilrush Henry Street Henry Street Glanmire Delvin Letterkenny Newtown-cunningham Lifford Letterkenny Information Technology Ballymahon Greystones Cappawhite Graiguena-managh Enniscorthy New Ross Dundalk Portlaoise Abbeyleix Dungloe Ennistymon Howth Bridewell H.R.M. H.R.M. H.R.M. Store Street Shankill Crumlin Kilmainham Kilmainham Athboy Baltinglass Rathdowney Sixmilebridge Shannon Shannon Bridewell Blanchardstown Blanchardstown Clontarf Monaghan Ballyfermot Howth Store Street Leixlip Coolock Store Street Stepaside Coolock Donnybrook Newbridge Kilcock Robertstown Kildare Naas Carrickmacross Ballinamore Navan Galway Pearse Street Bandon Bunbeg Letterkenny Ballybofey Clonmany Ballybofey Killarney Kenmare

Santry Bridewell Traffic Dept. Dublin Castle Whitehall Tullamore Naas DMR Traffic DMR Traffic Blanchards-town Malahide Bridewell, Juvenile Court Bandon Killucan Bray Wexford Clonakilty Navan Cahir Store Street Balbriggan Clondalkin Drogheda Portlaoise Kanturk Anglesea St New Ross Enniscorthy Tralee Tralee Glanmire Henry Street Galway Galway Swinford Sligo Sligo Sligo Delvin Cahir Tipperary Town Tramore Gorey Castlebridge Ardee Abbeyleix Rathdowney Newtown-cunningham Shannon Liaison & Protection Nat. Sup. Svs Ashbourne Baltinglass Internal Audit Clondalkin Crumlin Shankill Tallaght Crime, Policy & Admin Enfield Kildare Portlaoise Shannon Sixmilebridge Ennistymon Store Street Cabra Finglas Raheny Ballyfermot Howth Coolock Command and Control Crime & Security Crime & Security Crime & Security Nat. Sup.Svs. Nat. Sup.Svs. Internal Affairs Kilcock Robertstown Monasterevin Ballytore Ballymore Cavan Belturbet Tullamore Tullamore Tullamore Clonakilty Letterkenny Kerrykeel Buncrana Buncrana Letterkenny Kenmare Castleisland

05/08/2008 05/08/2008 05/08/2008 01/07/2008 24/07/2008 24/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 28/07/2008 29/07/2008 22/07/2008 19/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 15/08/2008 21/07/2008 01/07/2008 01/07/2008 14/07/2008 17/07/2008 17/07/2008 17/07/2008 21/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 12/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 08/08/2008 24/07/2008 24/07/2008 24/07/2008 24/07/2008 01/07/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008

IN THE JOB
GARDA REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2008

61

20992K 29154D 29628G 27879C 21979G 26248L 24257H 23768L 31556G 31483H 26977H 27412G 30910K 27079B 28650H 30621E 27277K 30596M 30628B 29173M 31085K 31082D 30151E 30159M 24166M 01139H 22404K 21476M 29461F 30000D 29878F 27823H 25288C 31905H 33237B 24060E 25386C 26142D 29623F 29181A 26821F 27298A 28961B 29264H 29382B

Patrick Gormally Brian Lynskey David Turner James McCann Richard Mullholland Noel Loughran Michael Connolly Michael Cunningham Yvonne Moran Demetrius Doherty Maurice Hanlon Mark Ferguson Kenneth Butler David Kenny James Newman Brendan Reilly Dominic Noonan Marc Fay Graham Brennan Peter Colgan Paula Malcolmson David OConnell Ronan Moore Matthew McKenzie Smith Paul Slattery Catharina Gunne Noel Casey Cornelius McCarthy Derek Grant Matthew Lennon Bryan Murray John OSullivan John Tinkler Michael OBrien Siobhan McCarthy Noel Flynn Brendan Madden Enda Curran Padraig McWeeney Brian Mahon Brian Freyne Seamus McDonnell Jason Kelly Alan Keane John Scallan

Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Sergt. Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda

Kells Delvin Longford Athlone Ardee Collon Roscommon Tuam Sligo Carrick-on-Shannon Waterford Santry Coolock G.A.S.U. Kevin Street Cabra Mountjoy Bridewell Donnybrook Bridewell Fitzgibbon Street Santry Pearse Street Pearse Street Clontarf Howth Manorhamilton Tallaght DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic Thurles Clonmel Cahir Ballymahon Mullingar Mullingar Killucan Granard Granard Galway Galway Gort Dungarvan

Navan Athlone Athlone Longford Collon Ardee Strokestown Milltown Ballymote Ballymote Kilkenny DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic DMR Traffic Howth Clontarf Liaison & Protection Crumlin Div.Traffic, Store Street Div.Traffic, Store Street Div.Traffic, Santry Div.Traffic, Santry Borrisokane Cahir Clonmel Ballymore Kilbeggan Granard Granard Mullingar Mullingar Oranmore Oranmore Oranmore Waterford

19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 07/08/2008 07/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 28/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 02/09/2008 26/08/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 29/07/2008 13/08/2008 19/08/2008 19/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 26/08/2008 08/08/2008

RETIREMENTS, DEATHS & DISCHARGES


REG. NO. 20914G 18614G 20074C 21231H 30297L 21209A 20994E 20322L 28121B 30148E 20794B 21322E 21333M 00098A 21613E 00084A 21909F 21057K 21337C 18499C 00850H 20618M 21256C 00070A 18953G 19418B 33543F 00093M 20484F 25287F 33046K 23290D 00087F 17179D 21729H 22810K 21866K 18118H 22301H NAME William OBrien James OSullivan Michael OMalley Michael Power Aoife Cullen Adrian Rafferty Anthony Glancy William Beirne Helen Feeney Sharon Treacy Michael Doyle Christopher Fowley Noel Snowe Catherine Berry Niall Naughton Margaret Lillis James Queeney John Moran Vincent Winters Richard Duggan Adrienne Byrne William Hickey Patrick McDevitt Eileen OShea William Gibbons Cornelius Horan Fiona OGrady Bridget Tobin James Reeves Peter Connolly Edward Browne Vincent Durkin Cora Summerville Martin Donnellan Joseph OKeeffe Emmet Ryan William Woods Gerard Carroll William Carolan RANK Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Sergt. Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Sergt. Sergt. Garda C/Supt. Garda Sergt. Insp. Garda Garda Garda Garda Sergt. Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda A/Com Garda Garda Garda Insp. Garda STATION Tramore Abbeyfeale Bunnanadden Cahir Pearse Street Ennistymon Irishtown S.D.U. Henry Street Wexford Swinford Kinlough DMR Traffic Mullingar Cappamore Thurles Enfield Galway Corofin Bandon Liaison & Protection Fitzgibbon Street Mapping Henry Street Portlaoise Rathkeale Lucan Liaison & Protection Blanchardstown Clontarf Dungarvan Avoca Ennis Nat. Sup. Svs. Ferns Kill OGrange Ballincollig Com. Relations Finglas EFFECTIVE DATE 05/06/2008 06/06/2008 06/06/2008 07/06/2008 07/06/2008 08/06/2008 11/06/2008 13/06/2008 16/06/2008 19/06/2008 20/06/2008 20/06/2008 20/06/2008 21/06/2008 21/06/2008 23/06/2008 25/06/2008 26/06/2008 26/06/2008 27/06/2008 27/06/2008 28/06/2008 30/06/2008 30/06/2008 30/06/2008 30/06/2008 24/06/2008 01/07/2008 03/07/2008 04/07/2008 04/07/2008 05/07/2008 06/07/2008 06/06/2008 10/07/2008 14/07/2008 18/07/2008 27/07/2008 27/07/2008 CAUSE Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Resignation Retirement Retirement Retirement Resignation Dismissal Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Deceased Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Retirement Resignation Retirement Retirement Retirement Resignation Retirement Retirement Retirement Deceased Resignation Retirement Retirement Retirement

CANCELLATIONS AND AMENDMENTS


BULLETIN NO. 09/08 09/08 10/08 10/08 10/08 10/08 10/08 REG. NO. 26715E 29204D 28637M 29596E 30124H 00738B 29215L NAME Robert Kearney Sinead McLoone James Miller Paul Burke Stephen Dunne Elaine Freemantle Damien Ryan RANK Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda Garda FROM Carrigans Lifford Tallaght Pearse Street Ennis Henry Street Ballybunion TO Muff Buncrana Tullamore Portlaoise Newbridge Tralee Henry Street DATE Deferred Deferred Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled Cancelled

IN THE JOB
GARDA REVIEW JULY/AUGUST 2008

63

END FRAME

Plane Crash
By Joe Mc Manus

n the mid-fifties I was stationed in a western town. The sub-district included a racecourse, part of which was used as a golf course. Divisional headquarters was approximately eighteen miles distant. The Chief Superintendents priest son was ministering in Manchester. A friend of the latter arrived by private plane in the divisional headquarters area and it was arranged that on his return journey he would fly the Chief to Manchester. There was no suitable runway for takeoff with a passenger in the vicinity and it was deemed that our racecourse (cum golf course) would suit such purpose. A Garda was requested to procure the gate keys, which were kept in a local licensed premises and to have the gates opened on the day of the proposed flight. The Chief arrived at the racecourse by car the pilot duly landed his plane.

A security truck in Battery Park, New York spotted by Eugene OSullivan

PILOT AND PASSENGER BOARDED THE PLANE AND BEGAN TAKE-OFF ON WHAT WAS A LONG RUNWAY. HOWEVER, THE GRASS WAS RATHER LONG AND NOBODY NOTICED THAT IT CONCEALED A ROLLER
Pilot and passenger boarded the plane and began take-off on what was a long runway. However, the grass was rather long and nobody noticed that it concealed a roller. The planes propeller struck the roller and smashed. The plane turned over on its side. Undoubtedly, seat belts saved the occupants from serious injury. If our station party had forgotten the answer to that oft-repeated question; What do you do if a plane crashes in your subdistrict? they very quickly recalled it. Black box and papers secured, guard placed on plane, etc., the Pilot, Chiefs car driver and Garda with keys, adjourned to the premises of key-holder.

It was arranged that the Chief would continue first stage of his journey by car to Dublin, the pilot would return with new propeller and take off the following day. Being S.O., I received a message from the Divisional Officer that he had been in touch with the then Department of Industry & Commerce. Everything was in order and there was no necessity to guard the plane any longer. Shortly afterwards, the Superintendent arrived on his monthly inspection, during which the Garda who had been in charge of the keys returned. It was fairly obvious that (as the Code put it) on his part there was a slight departure from strict sobriety. The following conversation ensued:Supt. Where are you coming from Garda? GardaComing from an accident, Sir Supt. A car accident? GardaNot at all, sir, a plane accident Supt. Where did this happen? GardaOut at the racecourse, Sir Supt. Was there anyone injured? GardaWell there was nobody injured, but our Chief Superintendent was slightly shocked.

Supt. And did the Chief see you this morning, Guard? GardaDid he see me Sir. I had a few t ss with him. I was present on the following day when the pilot affixed a new propeller and took off in the teeth of a gale-force wind. He later contacted his passenger at Baldonnell and both continued their journey to Manchester. All was well that ended well. Those Garda members referred to herein, with the exception of yours truly, have gone to their Eternal Rewards Go ndanai Dia trcaire ar a n-anamaca. GR

WRITE FOR 150


Garda Review will pay readers 150 for any short stories published in End Frame. Submissions should be between 600 and 800 words, typed, on a disk or by email. Please include your full name and daytime telephone number. Work will be edited.

END FRAME

64

GARDA REVIEW

SEPTEMBER 2008

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