Gardai carrying Guns

Locust · 02-07-2012 8:34pm

Armed Police with High Viz

british-paramilitary-police-attack-demonstration-belfast-ireland.jpg

Police dealing with public order - everyone of them carrying a 9mm Glock pistol

Whats the big deal? Armed = Better Trained/Disciplined Police / Not Armed = Undisciplined and ill-equipped...

source · 02-07-2012 9:24pm

Mike87 wrote: »

Its funny, most of those cases you cited are nearly 30 years old when the IRA were out robbing banks left right and center. But regardless, it tells us something... 30 years ago Gardai were getting killed a dime a dozen. Now they arent. Or perhaps you just deliberatly left out all the recent examples of Gardai killed on duty during say... the last 8 years?

1995

2007

2010

2012

These weren't killed, but they were shooting incidents relating where Gardai were powerless to defend themselves and the general public because they were unarmed. Every worker needs their toolbox, why we think that we can perform the job without the right tool when other police forces around the world wouldn't leave the station without their firearm I'll never understand.

In 1922, when Michael Staines said: "The Garda Síochána will succeed not by force of arms or numbers, but on their moral authority as servants of the people."

This was a different era, the country was just out of a civil war and the thought of armed police made people nervous, and brought memories of the very recent occupation of the country by the British.

We're now in a situation where scumbags are walking around with AK47s and Glock pistols, and the Gardai sent to deal with them have batons and pepper spray. The people of Ireland should be disgusted with this, not complaining about the cost of bullets.

Edit: there's some very ill informed persons on here making some sweeping generalisations about an organization they know very little about. You shouldn't put down something you don't understand.

goldie fish · 02-07-2012 10:44pm

Source, its OK, gardai aren't getting killed, so they are in no danger....

Or it could be that management, and the common sense on of individual gardai, are no longer putting them in situations where they may get killed, leaving the force powerless to protect the public from gun crime.

How many irish citizens have been killed by a firearm in the last 10 years?

SweetCaliber · 02-07-2012 10:47pm

It's disgraceful these days.

With the rise of drugs in Ireland, anyone can be called to check out something which may relate to drugs. And more dealers like to keep their stock and will do anything to protect it.

Our police aren't Jack Bauer's and only carry a batton. That against a gun?

Mike87 · 02-07-2012 11:27pm

source wrote: »

1995

2007

2010

2012

These weren't killed, but they were shooting incidents relating where Gardai were powerless to defend themselves and the general public because they were unarmed. Every worker needs their toolbox, why we think that we can perform the job without the right tool when other police forces around the world wouldn't leave the station without their firearm I'll never understand.

In 1922, when Michael Staines said: "The Garda Síochána will succeed not by force of arms or numbers, but on their moral authority as servants of the people."

This was a different era, the country was just out of a civil war and the thought of armed police made people nervous, and brought memories of the very recent occupation of the country by the British.

We're now in a situation where scumbags are walking around with AK47s and Glock pistols, and the Gardai sent to deal with them have batons and pepper spray. The people of Ireland should be disgusted with this, not complaining about the cost of bullets.

Edit: there's some very ill informed persons on here making some sweeping generalisations about an organization they know very little about. You shouldn't put down something you don't understand.

Even after fixing all your broken links not one of them led to a story? THey all lead to various pages mostly saying the article has since been removed or cant be found

As for "why we think that we can perform the job without the right tool" Im not opposing AGS having pistols. My point is this, going on the incidents and years you gave in those links (from 1995-present) in a 17 years stretch there has been 4 incidents (and not a single life lost) where having AGS armed would have been a good thing.

I see someone said there is about 4000 AGS in this country. So supposing your using 9mm, and supposing your buying it for about half the price civilians pay its still working out around 6 million a year in ammo bills alone. And thats before you even buy the guns/build facilities/and train all Gardai. Can our country, debt ridden as it is, justify cutting social welfare/pension/college grants etc and then hand out millions on arming AGS?

Theres alot of people been called ignorant if they oppose AGS been armed. But so far the only justification I can see on this thread for AGS been armed is that in the last 17 years there have been 4 close calls.

Heres a question for ya, (it might help inform some of us thick ignorants)

Assuming your a regular Garda, what part of a Garda's weekly job does he feel incompetent/unsafe carrying out due to not having a firearm (and please dont just tell us about how LE is run in other countries).

CB19Kevo · 03-07-2012 12:02am

I dont believe arming all members is a viable route at current as :
>There are far higher items on the agenda - better cars,uniform,training
>I and i can guess much of the public would prefer there local beat gaurds not armed
> It puts pressure on Guards who would not wish to use a firearm to carry one.
> The assesment and continious training could be an issue.

outside of this i think that when breaking up street fights or any public order issues the firearm could be more of a problem than anything else.

What i would like to see is a UK style approach.
Increased ASU's avalible to all divisions and taser officers in each district.

I would rather see fully trained and well equipped Armed support officers tackle a armed suspect than having beat officers place themselves in danger..

Zambia · 03-07-2012 12:18am

ERU that's a MK 9 foam Canister in there.

POGAN · 03-07-2012 12:20am

CB19Kevo wrote: »

I dont believe arming all members is a viable route at current as :
>There are far higher items on the agenda - better cars,uniform,training
>I and i can guess much of the public would prefer there local beat gaurds not armed
> It puts pressure on Guards who would not wish to use a firearm to carry one.
> The assesment and continious training could be an issue.

outside of this i think that when breaking up street fights or any public order issues the firearm could be more of a problem than anything else.

What i would like to see is a UK style approach.
Increased ASU's avalible to all divisions and taser officers in each district.

I would rather see fully trained and well equipped Armed support officers tackle a armed suspect than having beat officers place themselves in danger..

I agree, Garda regional support units would of being expanded if downturn and cut back and lack of recuirment. But at the moment totally lack of cars is a problem.

There still is talks of taken the guns off the d/o's already.

They have eroded all the great work traffic corp have done over the years, lack of cars, lack of members,

In the short term, I think traffic should be issued tazers with there high standard of driving it's working in the uk why not here

Oh wait.... Ten years for tetra, pepper spray and anpr so it will 2025

audidiesel · 03-07-2012 4:12am

every regular guard should at the very least be issued with tasers. they are the first to respond to the vast majority of calls.

arming the entire force is a complicated topic. there are definately a number of pros and cons to it. the idea of an unarmed force being able to deal with predominantly armed criminals is however flawed.

the ideal solution is to have an increased amount of guards available that are authorised to carry firearms when necessary. there are not nearly enough available at the moment and the numbers available are being slashed not increased. sure they wont even give out ballistic vests to guards. even those who carry firearms.

tasers will come in eventually. probably not for another 4-5 years though after several guards get seriously hurt. following that within 10-15 years it will be an fully armed force.

each subsequent generation is getting more and more violent as they go on so the above is inevitable.

a higher priority for the majority of guards at the moment would be actually suppling half decent cars. the transport system is litreally on the brink of collapse throughout the country at the moment.

Eru · 03-07-2012 2:39pm

CB19Kevo wrote: »

>I and i can guess much of the public would prefer there local beat gaurds not armed

The rest of your post if fair enough but let me ask you, do you think much of the public would rather not be the victim of crime? Would prefer that Gardai need not carry firearms in the first place?

Of course they would, what people want doesn't always tie in with what people need. Most Gardai arent itching to get a Glock and most consider it a sad reflection on modern times that we feel the need to abandon the history of being unarmed but what we WANT and what we NEED are now conflicting.

The very simple reality here is that tonight at 4am anyone with a firearm can reap absolute havoc and kill dozens if not hundreds of people depending on location. The chances of an armed Garda being close to the scene is remote, even in Dublin its not a common event for an armed officer to be in a district at 4am. RSU? theres what maybe 4 or 5 of them in the country? ERU for Dublin? Dublin's a bloody big place and it takes time to get them mobile. Detectives? Only some carry a firearm and dont work 24/7 anyway.

Thats the simple reality as it stands in this country.

Zambia wrote: »

ERU that's a MK 9 foam Canister in there.

In the right side? I am blind

fasttalkerchat · 03-07-2012 2:49pm

Locust wrote: »

Armed Police with High Viz

Police dealing with public order - everyone of them carrying a 9mm Glock pistol

Whats the big deal? Armed = Better Trained/Disciplined Police / Not Armed = Undisciplined and ill-equipped...

And you really want this on your street. The lower photo looks to be residents blocking a sectarian march passing their houses and being manhandled away. Big machine guns look very intimidating especially in the old days of the RUC and army constantly pointing them at passing cars. Not something that does any police any good in terms of credability at a time when they rely on information from the public.

Zambia · 03-07-2012 3:17pm

ERU some cops are lefties however during occupy Melbourne many would have replaced the firearm drop leg with a foam

Locust · 03-07-2012 6:04pm

fasttalkerchat wrote: »

And you really want this on your street. The lower photo looks to be residents blocking a sectarian march passing their houses and being manhandled away. Big machine guns look very intimidating especially in the old days of the RUC and army constantly pointing them at passing cars. Not something that does any police any good in terms of credability at a time when they rely on information from the public.

I don't want it - but sadly a lot of areas require this if they are to be policed effectively. (Thats an old MP5 - They are being phased out PSNI are now rolling out the G36's which are bigger). Northern Ireland is a bad example on my part as it's an abnormal society, but criminals down here have just as much access to weaponry here as they do in the north. Police in most countries use submachines and rifles. People need to wake up - the world is not growing towards some mythical crime free Utopia - the world is shaking and crumbling and crime is on the rise everywhere. Its only matter of time before Gardai are armed - be it 10 - 20 years, it will happen.

Eru · 03-07-2012 6:50pm

Zambia wrote: »

ERU some cops are lefties however during occupy Melbourne many would have replaced the firearm drop leg with a foam

On the left it seemed to be a medical pouch and asp but I will take your word for it.

trellheim · 03-07-2012 11:51pm

On the other hand I cant recall hearing/reading about any Garda (anywhere in the country) been murdered, due to been in the wrong place at the wrong time, whilst on the duty.

Jerry McCabe just passed you by then ? Seriously, get out of the thread.

Locust · 04-07-2012 9:59am

It sounds negative but i think its realistic to think that its only a matter of time before unarmed members responding to an emergency and confronting armed criminals are wounded or killed. I even think of that Traffic Cop shot a few years back on a routine traffic stop.

Sad but - this is what would put pressure on the management to increase RSU patrols or start arming regular members in serious crime areas.

For those that don't think members would be competent in firearms - They wouldn't just be handed out and off you go. You run what is called a training course. The training course is extremely high level of training and tests competence - it would be strict pass/fail, like anything else. If they aren't the right person psychologically or of the correct mental preparedness then they shouldn't carry, all of which should be assessed.

The level of accountability and responsibility would be unprecedented, but at the end of the day - it would save lives. Thats the idea, thats the goal. Guards would also find a new respect. A small 9mm glock on the utility belt is not an aggressive look, its speaks of competency and commands great respect.

Its better to have a gun and never need to use it that to need a gun and not have it.

Zambia · 04-07-2012 11:27am

Locust wrote: »

If they aren't the right person psychologically or of the correct mental preparedness then they shouldn't carry, all of which should be assessed.

If you are not fit to carry a firearm surely your just not fit to be a Garda.

Remmy · 04-07-2012 12:30pm

If money wasn't an issue for the Gardai would increasing RSU numbers be a better option than outfitting every uniformed Garda with a firearm? I could see that happening when things pick up sooner than I could I see a comprehensive firearms training segment being taught in Templemore for students.

Also another question I was pondering. Why are detectives(cid) in the UK usually not armed but detectives in the Gardai are? Would their investigative roles not be quite similar? Could we see Irish detectives no longer being armed if RSU numbers increase?

POGAN · 04-07-2012 2:21pm

Remmy wrote: »

If money wasn't an issue for the Gardai would increasing RSU numbers be a better option than outfitting every uniformed Garda with a firearm? I could see that happening when things pick up sooner than I could I see a comprehensive firearms training segment being taught in Templemore for students.

Also another question I was pondering. Why are detectives(cid) in the UK usually not armed but detectives in the Gardai are? Would their investigative roles not be quite similar? Could we see Irish detectives no longer being armed if RSU numbers increase?

They where thinking of taken guns off the detectives before it has abated now, rsu numbers should have increase to 75 person unit but we know this hasnt happen still at 2008 levels, aren't 24/7 either

IRLConor · 04-07-2012 3:59pm

Locust wrote: »

For those that don't think members would be competent in firearms - They wouldn't just be handed out and off you go. You run what is called a training course. The training course is extremely high level of training and tests competence - it would be strict pass/fail, like anything else. If they aren't the right person psychologically or of the correct mental preparedness then they shouldn't carry, all of which should be assessed.

I'd be fairly confident that members would be tested before being allowed to carry firearms day-to-day.

What I wouldn't be confident about is the amount of time and money which would be made available for ongoing proficiency training. Shooting a pistol accurately requires continuous regular practice and I don't believe money would be made available to make sure every member could keep their skills up.

By all means, arm Gardai if they feel it's necessary but don't do a half-assed job of it. It would only take one accidental discharge or a mis-aimed shot to risk public safety and seriously damage the reputation of the force.

sundy89 · 06-07-2012 12:56am

On the other hand I cant recall hearing/reading about any Garda

sundy89 · 06-07-2012 1:07am

Im young just about to leave school and am thinking about joining AGS but Im afraid for my own health because a guy that I knew had his father who is in the AGS attacked and beaten while on duty. If he had been carrying a firearm or even a tazer he could have either fought the attackers himself or held them off until help arrived. Also if the public knew that AGS carried even tazers they'd know better than to **** with them. I think its time that we mean business as regards policing and in turn reduce crime as gangs have firearms and AGS should be able to match that routinely. Im not gonna lie the thought of carrying a tazer and giving off the image that im not to be ****ed with does pull me towards AGS

Witcher · 06-07-2012 1:10am

sundy89 wrote: »

not gonna lie the thought of carrying a tazer and giving off the image that im not to be ****ed with does pull me towards AGS

:rolleyes:

That attitude will get you far.

Tyron Jara · 06-07-2012 12:03pm

Uk traffic police have tasers. AGS should get them too?? However maybe it should be only traffic units that get them and they can be called upon or maybe only senior and experienced guards in a unit.

sundy89 · 06-07-2012 1:59pm

Blay wrote: »

:rolleyes:

That attitude will get you far.

Just being honest it would pull more young people towards AGS

mikom · 06-07-2012 2:04pm

sundy89 wrote: »

Just being honest it would pull more young people towards AGS

And push a whole hell of a lot more away from any interaction with them.

Tyron Jara · 06-07-2012 2:05pm

sundy89 wrote: »

Just being honest it would pull more young people towards AGS

No it wont itl attract the wrong type with that attitude.

How likely do ye think it is AGS will get tasers?

audidiesel · 06-07-2012 2:08pm

Tyron Jara wrote: »

Uk traffic police have tasers. AGS should get them too?? However maybe it should be only traffic units that get them and they can be called upon or maybe only senior and experienced guards in a unit.

i dont get this whole idea that traffic should be armed with them and the regular not.

firstly the regular units are first responders to over 99% of calls. if anyone should have them its the regular units. regular units routinely go to domestics etc with knives hammers screwdrivers etc involved. more often than not we are the first at scene at panic alarms in banks shops etc. pepper spray only goes so far.

secondly, the current government policy is to slash traffic numbers to nothing anyways.

thirdly, with the recruitment ban etc. there isnt a guard in the job who hasnt a minimum of three years policing under their belt.

finally, even guards who have firearms training arent allowed carry tasers. im certified in and often carry a sig. yet im not allowed near a taser. wheres the sense in that.

this isnt a slight on traffic units by the way so hopefully no one there takes any offence.

Dr Turk Turkelton · 06-07-2012 2:25pm

sundy89 wrote: »

Im young just about to leave school and am thinking about joining AGS but Im afraid for my own health because a guy that I knew had his father who is in the AGS attacked and beaten while on duty. If he had been carrying a firearm or even a tazer he could have either fought the attackers himself or held them off until help arrived. Also if the public knew that AGS carried even tazers they'd know better than to **** with them. I think its time that we mean business as regards policing and in turn reduce crime as gangs have firearms and AGS should be able to match that routinely. Im not gonna lie the thought of carrying a tazer and giving off the image that im not to be ****ed with does pull me towards AGS

Hmm Shampon care to retort to your Will fu**ing Smith answer to my post earlier.
This is the exact reason all Gardai shouldn't be armed as u said in my earlier post.
Even if only 5% of recruits have the "wannabe Will Smith" attitude it's far to many.
That is why I said in my earlier post Guards would have to prove themselves competent time and again to be armed responsibly.any Guard that passes whatever litmus test is agreed should then be armed of that there is no question but imagine giving this or any any other recruit with this mentality a gun the day after they step out of Templemore?
Come on?

98q76e12hrflnk · 06-07-2012 3:09pm

The guards don't need guns, there are rarely and I'm mean 1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000 that there will be a incident where they need it. If you arm the guards then it will lead to criminals being better arm and hence more trouble. What I don't get is why people want the guards to have guns, what personal problems have you had that you think the guards need guns?
Like many have said this is Ireland NOT the U.S get a grip people, seriously.

deadwood · 06-07-2012 6:33pm

declan2693 wrote: »

get a gripe people, seriously.

Most people here seem to have one already.

sundy89 · 06-07-2012 7:31pm

mikom wrote: »

And push a whole hell of a lot more away from any interaction with them.

well if thats the case then why do most police forces have tazers

sundy89 · 06-07-2012 7:37pm

Tyron Jara wrote: »

No it wont itl attract the wrong type with that attitude.

How likely do ye think it is AGS will get tasers?

I agree with you it is very unlikely that AGS will get tazers but lets face it will attract young people

Witcher · 06-07-2012 9:23pm

sundy89 wrote: »

well if thats the case then why do most police forces have tazers

They have them because they need them not because it makes the person carrying it a hard man. Anyone who thinks carrying a taser or having a gun makes them tough is an idiot.

06-07-2012 10:14pm

I would agree with most saying no to firearms, but yes to tasers.

Another idea would probably be one beanbag shotgun per car? These would stop most people with anything less than an actual firearm, and would also be a major deterrent. Would also be good in major public order events such a riots.

Dr Turk Turkelton · 06-07-2012 10:24pm

LaughingJoker91 wrote: »

I would agree with most saying no to firearms, but yes to tasers.

Another idea would probably be one beanbag shotgun per car? These would stop most people with anything less than an actual firearm, and would also be a major deterrent. Would also be good in major public order events such a riots.

The problem is "a riot" in Ireland starts when a few hippies walk down Dame Street on May Day and get attacked by a few over zealous guards.
I can't recall the year just remember the beatings being meted out by a tiny percentage of guards.
Imagine arming these idiots(the tiny %age)

Harry Bosch. · 06-07-2012 10:31pm

sundy89 wrote: »

Im young just about to leave school and am thinking about joining AGS but Im afraid for my own health because a guy that I knew had his father who is in the AGS attacked and beaten while on duty. If he had been carrying a firearm or even a tazer he could have either fought the attackers himself or held them off until help arrived. Also if the public knew that AGS carried even tazers they'd know better than to **** with them. I think its time that we mean business as regards policing and in turn reduce crime as gangs have firearms and AGS should be able to match that routinely. Im not gonna lie the thought of carrying a tazer and giving off the image that im not to be ****ed with does pull me towards AGS

I suggest you choose another career. When i joined up it wasn't for the the image nor for what i'd carry on my belt. I joined up before the introduction of the ASP, Stabvest and Pepperspray. In 2007 i was issued a wooden Truncheon and sent on my merry way. When issued with my new kit and new IMAGE did it make me exempt from the public having a go? No, not one bit. You are young and i am not having a go, but join for the right reasons. As per the definition of assault you WILL get assaulted on duty, you will get bruised and battered and all off this will happen no matter what you carry on your belt. What happened to you friends father was unfortunate but it happens every night to Guards. I'll ask you this, Did you friends father quit or go back on the beat? I'd say he got right back out there. Why, because unfortunately it now become the norm.

xperi · 06-07-2012 10:33pm

for god sake dont arm them aminals, they caused enough harm in waterford giving a lad a beating just imagine if them muckers had guns that night

Witcher · 06-07-2012 10:35pm

xperi wrote: »

for god sake dont arm them aminals, they caused enough harm in waterford giving a lad a beating just imagine if them muckers had guns that night

Yes...the actions of a few are indicative of the entire force. What a rational argument you make:pac:

Harry Bosch. · 06-07-2012 10:46pm

xperi wrote: »

for god sake dont arm them aminals, they caused enough harm in waterford giving a lad a beating just imagine if them muckers had guns that night

Could you please use proper spelling, grammer, maybe use Capitals, the odd full stop would help or get an adult to look over your post, very hard to read..What those Guards did that night was wrong and they have been punished.

sundy89 · 07-07-2012 1:01am

Harry Bosch. wrote: »

I suggest you choose another career. When i joined up it wasn't for the the image nor for what i'd carry on my belt. I joined up before the introduction of the ASP, Stabvest and Pepperspray. In 2007 i was issued a wooden Truncheon and sent on my merry way. When issued with my new kit and new IMAGE did it make me exempt from the public having a go? No, not one bit. You are young and i am not having a go, but join for the right reasons. As per the definition of assault you WILL get assaulted on duty, you will get bruised and battered and all off this will happen no matter what you carry on your belt. What happened to you friends father was unfortunate but it happens every night to Guards. I'll ask you this, Did you friends father quit or go back on the beat? I'd say he got right back out there. Why, because unfortunately it now become the norm.

I commend your efforts on duty as a guard and that is good advice and to answer your question yes he got right back out there but it took him a while because he was more mentally scarred than physically. I didnt explain beating very well these guys set rottweilers on him and he only got out of it because of his size if he had been brought to the ground god knows what would have happened to him. Your comment has given me a different perspective on things. Just out of curiosity what do you mean by beaten on duty being the norm, thanks. Also would you personally like the tazer to be introduced.

Tyron Jara · 07-07-2012 1:46am

sundy89 wrote: »

I commend your efforts on duty as a guard and that is good advice and to answer your question yes he got right back out there but it took him a while because he was more mentally scarred than physically. I didnt explain beating very well these guys set rottweilers on him and he only got out of it because of his size if he had been brought to the ground god knows what would have happened to him. Your comment has given me a different perspective on things. Just out of curiosity what do you mean by beaten on duty being the norm, thanks. Also would you personally like the tazer to be introduced.

He means getting injured at some stage is inevitable.

If your interested try joining the reserves see what its like. It l give you a little perspective on whats out there. One thing though only do it if your actually interested in AGS and making a difference somewhere. Dont join for the Belt or uniform!!

sundy89 · 07-07-2012 2:28am

Tyron Jara wrote: »

He means getting injured at some stage is inevitable.

If your interested try joining the reserves see what its like. It l give you a little perspective on whats out there. One thing though only do it if your actually interested in AGS and making a difference somewhere. Dont join for the Belt or uniform!!

are you in AGS

FruitLover · 07-07-2012 2:39am

Harry Bosch. wrote: »

Could you please use proper spelling, grammer

Oh, deary me :rolleyes:

Tyron Jara · 07-07-2012 11:47am

sundy89 wrote: »

are you in AGS

Im a reserve. Im not a full timer. But ive been in some incidents were ive felt im going to get a belt here and its not going to be pretty.The full time lads know alot more about it than I would though!

I believe gardai should be issued with tasers too but I dont think it should be your basis for wanting to join.

sundy89 · 07-07-2012 3:10pm

Tyron Jara wrote: »

Im a reserve. Im not a full timer. But ive been in some incidents were ive felt im going to get a belt here and its not going to be pretty.The full time lads know alot more about it than I would though!

I believe gardai should be issued with tasers too but I dont think it should be your basis for wanting to join.

tw
I agree with you maybe I was a little forward with my first comment. I want tasers to be introduced because they are non lethal and simply red dotting someone would make them think twice about running.

Harry Bosch. · 07-07-2012 8:32pm

sundy89 wrote: »

I commend your efforts on duty as a guard and that is good advice and to answer your question yes he got right back out there but it took him a while because he was more mentally scarred than physically. I didnt explain beating very well these guys set rottweilers on him and he only got out of it because of his size if he had been brought to the ground god knows what would have happened to him. Your comment has given me a different perspective on things. Just out of curiosity what do you mean by beaten on duty being the norm, thanks. Also would you personally like the tazer to be introduced.

I am also a Reserve Sunday. I don't mean that you are going to get beaten every time you work nor that its accepable, its the nature of the job. You are going to get bumped and bruised, slapped, spat at and that's the norm. You will be dealing with a wide range of situations and they do not always end peacefully, from a public order incident to restraining a violent prisioner you will end up wrestling some idiot on the ground. I think that Tasers should be introduced before firearms, but with the current management and the public perception of AGS this will take some time. I think the basics should be improved upon first, uniforms, kit and cars.

Pappa Charlie · 07-07-2012 8:53pm

Best piece of equipment is a cool head and an ability to calm a situation, if you are constantly in battles then maybe you are part of the problem!!

Mike87 · 07-07-2012 10:39pm

trellheim wrote: »

Jerry McCabe just passed you by then ? Seriously, get out of the thread.

Jerry McCabe had a revolver and an uzi and he still managed to get himself killed- or did that just pass you by?

In this thread we are talking about arming *all* AGS with a single pistol. Thats every single AGS at an estimated cost of 10 million a year*. So thats 10 million a year, and you want to justify that bill by demonstrating how one single Garda (who was already armed anyway) was killed almost 20 years ago.

Would you not think it would be a bit wiser to buy tasers and then invest the remaining few million euros into cars/new uniforms etc.... or something that does actually affect the day-to-day job of AGS in this country.

*10 million figure was said on the radio this morning.

sundy89 · 07-07-2012 11:55pm

Harry Bosch. wrote: »

I am also a Reserve Sunday. I don't mean that you are going to get beaten every time you work nor that its accepable, its the nature of the job. You are going to get bumped and bruised, slapped, spat at and that's the norm. You will be dealing with a wide range of situations and they do not always end peacefully, from a public order incident to restraining a violent prisioner you will end up wrestling some idiot on the ground. I think that Tasers should be introduced before firearms, but with the current management and the public perception of AGS this will take some time. I think the basics should be improved upon first, uniforms, kit and cars.

How often do reserves get called out and for how long. I know it may vary but could you give an estimate

Gardai carrying Guns

Comments