Name Badges

JonAnderton

The Met introduced the wearing of name badges a couple of years ago (although trafic have been doing it for some time)and soon it will be made compulosry for every uniformed officer to wear a velcro badge with their rank and surname on them unless certain exceptions apply and a senior officer says they can be removed. Despite arguments against them from groups such as the Italian Police Association (whose members often have unique names and I myself have an uncommon name), it's still going ahead. With the prevelance of sites such as 192.com, it wouldn't be hard to work out someones address.

I myself, took a colleagues surname. Guessed his home town from his accent and was able to tell him his wifes name, when he moved into his house and who he brought his house from, all from 192.com. Personally, if some scrote told me those details, it would spook me a bit! Bear in mind, it's not hard to figure out that most north east london coppers live in London, Essex or Herts.

Representations were made by departments who regulary do Anti terrorism or Trident type stops but they too have been overruled and must display their name proudly on their right breast.

So, whats everyones thoughts on this?. I say a shoulder numbers are enough

It's happened to us.. It could happen to the Gardai

timmywex

I reckion shoulder numbers and if wanted, the rank. But the second name i dont think is the best idea, theres no need anyway to have it, i cant really think of any great advantages!

Victor

What about using stage names. I used to know someone called Concepta, who used the name "Jane" at work. Business cards would also be useful.

I just looked at 192.com and I'm not sure if it would be legal or practical here. You can go ex-directory with you phone and most people opt to only be on the private version of the electoral register. You have to pay a fee for Companies Office records.

yayamark

Jesus that 192.com site is scary, does that work aswell for Ireland or is it UK only. UK only i hope.

No need for names badges, we'll be giving them our homes addresses next ffs.

bryanmurr

they tried this here before, i remember seeing it in store st (could have been all of the north central) when i was on phase 2. not sure why they didnt go ahead with it or how long it lasted. as a previous poster said, shoulder numbers are enough.

Gavin

Are Gardai required to give their name when requested by a civilian?

I vaguely recall something to do with anonymity when reading some book on the CAB, something about how Gardai are not entitled to anonymity ? Is this true ?

Victor

Verb wrote: »

I vaguely recall something to do with anonymity when reading some book on the CAB, something about how Gardai are not entitled to anonymity ? Is this true ?

I think its an offence to name a member of CAB other than the two senior members (one Garda, one Revenue).

metman

Verb wrote: »

Are Gardai required to give their name when requested by a civilian?

No.

Random

Makes the police force more friendly but leaves them more open to abuse from gangsters etc. But honestly, if someones gonna hunt down a copper a name badge isn't gonna make a difference one way or another. Go for it I say.

Eru

bryanmurr wrote: »

they tried this here before, i remember seeing it in store st (could have been all of the north central) when i was on phase 2. not sure why they didnt go ahead with it or how long it lasted. as a previous poster said, shoulder numbers are enough.

It was abandoned but the problem with it was A, we already have shoulder numbers which the US dont display and B, It gave your whole name such as 'Garda John Smyth' which resulted in members being called by their first names wich did nothing for respect and if like me, you have a not too common name, it would not even take 192.com to find me.

If they wanted to introduce it then rank and second name only because simple reality is they can find us when they try (anyone remember the tax and court office arrests?)

personally I think a number and rank tag on the breast pocket and sleeves would be smarter. Dont see the point in having name, rank and shoulder numbers. Its overkill.

Verb wrote: »

Are Gardai required to give their name when requested by a civilian?

I vaguely recall something to do with anonymity when reading some book on the CAB, something about how Gardai are not entitled to anonymity ? Is this true ?

CAB have anominity in court proceedings and documents etc. Gardai like myself have their names on charge sheets, statements and have to give it in court.

It was never a legal requirement but a cod of conduct issue prior to shoulder numbers. Now its recommended that you give your name if asked but I dont. shoulder number is unique to me as a Garda which is good enough for the person asking.

JonAnderton

Cheers for the response fellas... I wish our SMT had the common sense approach you all seem to have...

Del2005

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

It was never a legal requirement but a cod of conduct issue prior to shoulder numbers. Now its recommended that you give your name if asked but I dont. shoulder number is unique to me as a Garda which is good enough for the person asking.

What if the person asks to see your ID? Or do you not have to show that, and if not how does someone prove they are a Garda?

metman

Del2005 wrote: »

What if the person asks to see your ID? Or do you not have to show that, and if not how does someone prove they are a Garda?

Del it depends on the circumstances.

If you are acting in the course of your duties and are asked to identify yourself then you are, generally, obliged to show your identification.

If on the other hand someone just fancies a look at your brief, and asks to see it? Well I wouldn't be criticised for telling that person to go forth and multiply.

Eru

Del2005 wrote: »

What if the person asks to see your ID? Or do you not have to show that, and if not how does someone prove they are a Garda?

As Met said, if its while your acting as a police officer and the person asking has a legitimate reason for asking you to prove your a police officer then yes your required to show it.

This doesnt apply if your just walking along or not actually dealing with the person as a police officer. Neither can you demand ID if your just a passerby and see the officer dealing with someone. I have arrested people for getting involved without reason before.


Also, again its an internal discipline situation. I cant be arrested for not doing it.

FGR

We already carry shoulder numbers and badges. I'd rather not let the locals in the district come to know me on that personal a level.

I'd rather more safety equipment or a second set of Epaulettes, thanks.