Harsh treatment in the Emergency Services forum

Johnny Utah

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so I apologise if I'm posting in the wrong forum.

I have to say that some (non-ES) posters receive some very harsh treatment over in the Emergency Services forum. For example, in a recent thread, concerning an allegation of assault by a Garda in Galway, a number of posters were banned from the Emergency Services forum:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055499672&page=5



In one particular case, McCrack, I think that this ban was unwarranted. McCrack had merely objected to a number of remarks made by metman - a regular poster in the ES forum. McCrack is a genuine poster and has provided a very worthwhile contribution to the legal discussion forum. Accordingly, I think that it is worth bearing this in mind when deciding whether a certain poster is trolling or else providing genuine, honest criticism. It is also worth pointing out that it was metman who dragged the thread way off-topic in the first instance, yet he didn't receive a ban or even a warning for this type of posting. This leads me to believe that the mods of Emergency Services are employing double standards when dealing with non-ES posters.


Aside from that, I have also noticed that there have been some nasty, snide remarks made about lawyers, and a general feeling of resentment towards the legal profession, by certain ES regulars. If a non-ES poster made similar comments in relation to Gardai, then I have no doubt that person would receive a lengthy ban from the Emergency Services forum.


Lastly, I think that regular ES posters should adopt a more open approach to constructive criticism in the Emergency Services forum. At present, any criticism of Gardai is met with a very, very defensive attitude by the ES posters (who claim to be Gardai). It's got to the stage that Emergency Services may as well be a private board for members and wannabees because any time someone else submits a contrary view, they are treated with hostility and derision. The back-slapping and the endless supply of thanked posts is nauseating at times. This sort of behaviour has fostered an environment which very much gives the impression that it's us v them in the emergency services forum- the sheep mentality that is often displayed by AGS. I really hope that there will be a more open-minded approach displayed in the ES forum from now on because non-ES posters do have a meaningful contribution to make.

I appreciate that they shouldn't have to put up with malicious posts, but at the same time, it would be much better for all concerned if genuine, honest criticism was dealt with in a mature, civilised manner, rather than just locking a thread and labelling someone as a troll.

Trojan911

Johnny Utah wrote: »

Not sure if this is the right place to post this, so I apologise if I'm posting in the wrong forum.

I have to say that some (non-ES) posters receive some very harsh treatment over in the Emergency Services forum. For example, in a recent thread, concerning an allegation of assault by a Garda in Galway, a number of posters were banned from the Emergency Services forum:

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055499672&page=5



In one particular case, McCrack, I think that this ban was unwarranted. McCrack had merely objected to a number of remarks made by metman - a regular poster in the ES forum. McCrack is a genuine poster and has provided a very worthwhile contribution to the legal discussion forum. Accordingly, I think that it is worth bearing this in mind when deciding whether a certain poster is trolling or else providing genuine, honest criticism. It is also worth pointing out that it was metman who dragged the thread way off-topic in the first instance, yet he didn't receive a ban or even a warning for this type of posting. This leads me to believe that the mods of Emergency Services are employing double standards when dealing with non-ES posters.


Aside from that, I have also noticed that there have been some nasty, snide remarks made about lawyers, and a general feeling of resentment towards the legal profession, by certain ES regulars. If a non-ES poster made similar comments in relation to Gardai, then I have no doubt that person would receive a lengthy ban from the Emergency Services forum.


Lastly, I think that regular ES posters should adopt a more open approach to constructive criticism in the Emergency Services forum. At present, any criticism of Gardai is met with a very, very defensive attitude by the ES posters (who claim to be Gardai). It's got to the stage that Emergency Services may as well be a private board for members and wannabees because any time someone else submits a contrary view, they are treated with hostility and derision. The back-slapping and the endless supply of thanked posts is nauseating at times. This sort of behaviour has fostered an environment which very much gives the impression that it's us v them in the emergency services forum- the sheep mentality that is often displayed by AGS. I really hope that there will be a more open-minded approach displayed in the ES forum from now on because non-ES posters do have a meaningful contribution to make.

I appreciate that they shouldn't have to put up with malicious posts, but at the same time, it would be much better for all concerned if genuine, honest criticism was dealt with in a mature, civilised manner, rather than just locking a thread and labelling someone as a troll.

Well said & I agree. It's like a cartel in there & I also feel the poster McCrack was unfairly treated in that particular post. I have read McCracks posts in Legal Discussion & he has contributed greatly to the Legal Forum & attempted to contribute positively to the ES General Forum.

The poster Metman disappointed & surprised me with his flippant non constructive remarks. He normally comes across as sensible with a level head for his tender years in the Met.

I have said it before in a PM to TheNog & in public that I am rarely posting in the ES General Forum nowdays due to the downward spiral I have seen it take.

One criticism mentioned and the shutters go down. Rudeness, arrogance & blinkered comments come back & then the wannabes chip in with their "Thanks" button & very little, if any, action taken against their regular posters.

The ES Genaral forum is not a place I would recommend to non members or those who have no knowledge of the legal system while there is a closed shop in place, which is a terrible shame. It could be better for the community.

(I spent 11yrs in the Met in many different posts as a Police Officer).

seamus

Guys, I've moved this into a new feedback thread. I've no idea why you posted it in that other thread.

Johnny Utah

seamus wrote: »

Guys, I've moved this into a new feedback thread. I've no idea why you posted it in that other thread.

Sorry, as I said above, I wasn't sure where was the most appropriate place to post. Thanks for sorting it out.

TheNog

Guys,

You are right in saying the ES forum has become a sort of closed shop. I have noticed this for sometime and tried everything from PM, public warnings, editing posts etc to little or no effect. So from now on any aggressive posting will be dealt with by infraction and then banning if need be. No more warnings for regular posters again whether they be ES or non ES. New posters will of course be given the benefit of the doubt and given a warning first to desist. I foresee a difficult but short time ahead until everyone begins to toe the line but the forum will come out the better for it.

As for McCrack well I have seen many of his posts in Legal Discussion and as I said in my post he came across as a level headed individual but I still believe my ban was warranted. I warned him first but he lashed back. I explained my reasons on that thread for banning him. It is unfortunate and certainly dont wield my banhammer very often but he went too far on his last post.

My 2 cent

Micky Dolenz

I read the thread and have to say, I agree with the two lads above. Its a bit "boys club" in there. I also found metman to be rude and offensive and added nothing to the argument. Atleast McCrack had thoughtful input.

Beruthiel

TheNog wrote: »

You are right in saying the ES forum has become a sort of closed shop.

I've always thought that since my first run in with metman.
I told him then that he was not a cop I'd ever want to have dealings with.
He's arrogant and condescending.
A man who has become bitter because of the job he does. He's forgotten that not everyone is an criminal and deserves to be talked down to.

Overheal

I thought Eru was needlessly rude in there as well: "Youre dumb, go learn stuff!" I thought it was always much more polite to say "No, this is how it is" and teach the poster youre replying to something new that hightens their understanding and also adds content to the thread.

Otacon

metman has thanked the post where you banned McCrack. I actually think that is the height of cheek. Really poor show.

TheNog

The Blue Nun wrote: »

A man who has become bitter because of the job he does.

As you all probably know by now I respect other peoples opinions (at least try to) but I think that assumption is unfair perhaps a little presumptuious (sp??)

Metman and Eru and I will include myself in this too along with many police officers in the world, have a very low tolerance for bullshit. It is nature of our job. Mods would have or should have developed that sense too as we kinda police boards.ie too. Ask any serving or retired officer and they will tell you the same.

The problem as I see it is they come straight out and say its bullshit rather than manipulating the poster into a position to out himself as a bull****ter.

You may call me a dreamer but this is one direction I want the ES forum to head towards. I want an open forum for anyone to post in but those who wish to cause hassle will be outed in the proper manner and dealt with accordingly.

Does that make sense to anyone?

tallaght01

I remember once starting a thread in emergency services about how badly our paramedics are trained in emergency paediatrics.

The abuse I got for expressing an opinion just made me think it wasn't worth an opinion.

Karlitosway is also, in my opinion, quite possibly the rudest normal user on boards.

Trojan911

TheNog wrote: »

Does that make sense to anyone?

Not really. However, from what I have observed, is the Forum appears to have slipped from the Moderators grip.

Too much aggression, rudeness etc is dished out by regular posters who claim to be serving members of a police service, very little discipline shown in return.

Closed shop, needs to be more open & fair to others who are not in the know.

Posters whether they are regular or not need to understand when & where they are overstepping the mark, if they can't see this then Mods should act in accordance with the Charter rules. If abuse continues, then out the door they go. No "Boys Club" back slaps.


You may choose to ignore this or take it onboard if you wish, just my outside observations.

parsi

Sometmes the ES forum reminds me of a meeting I once had in Garda HQ. The meeting was going fine and our crowd was getting things sorted with two inspectors in civvies. General co-operation.

Next came in the lads Super in full regalia and attitude to match. He wanted a p***ing competition and very nearly undid the work of the meeting.

The ES forum is like this - folk come in, express opinion, have a query, as outsiders suggest that maybe there is another way, general discussion ensues, folk realise that maybe there isn't another way, then the guys come in in full regalia and tell everyone to go away, they know nothing because they didn''t go to Templemore and therefore should not in any way express an opinion. Hostility then breeds more hostility and we see what happens.

This is life. Everyone has an opinion.

Beruthiel

TheNog wrote: »

As you all probably know by now I respect other peoples opinions (at least try to) but I think that assumption is unfair perhaps a little presumptuious (sp??)

Perhaps it is TheNog, I'm just giving my opinion on the vibe I got from reading his comments. It is how he comes across to me.
I can quite understand how difficult it is to hold on to your empathy while dealing with scum on a daily basis.
However, it is what the public require you do and it is the difference between a good cop and a bad one.

tallaght01 wrote:

Karlitosway is also, in my opinion, quite possibly the rudest normal user on boards

This is quite possibly the first time I have ever agreed with you on anything tallaght!

Otacon

TheNog wrote: »

As you all probably know by now I respect other peoples opinions (at least try to) but I think that assumption is unfair perhaps a little presumptuious (sp??)

Metman and Eru and I will include myself in this too along with many police officers in the world, have a very low tolerance for bullshit. It is nature of our job. Mods would have or should have developed that sense too as we kinda police boards.ie too. Ask any serving or retired officer and they will tell you the same.

The problem as I see it is they come straight out and say its bullshit rather than manipulating the poster into a position to out himself as a bull****ter.

You may call me a dreamer but this is one direction I want the ES forum to head towards. I want an open forum for anyone to post in but those who wish to cause hassle will be outed in the proper manner and dealt with accordingly.

Does that make sense to anyone?

How does this relate to the way McCrack was treated? If it doesn't, then why did you bring it up here?

Sparks

TheNog wrote: »

Does that make sense to anyone?

In theory yes.
In practise, see the comments directed at Rew at the end of the handgun ban thread.

TheNog

Otacon wrote: »

How does this relate to the way McCrack was treated? If it doesn't, then why did you bring it up here?

First line of the second paragraph from the OP

Micky Dolenz

TheNog wrote: »

The problem as I see it is they come straight out and say its bullshit rather than manipulating the poster into a position to out himself as a bull****ter.

But there is a big differance between being direct and being aggresive,obnoxious and condescending.

There are many other forums here where these attitudes would not fly no matter what your post count is.

Boards is a community built up of many different opinions and expertise. A poster should be respected regardless of post count.

That whole thread lacked respect and there was an injustice done.

Otacon

TheNog wrote: »

First line of the second paragraph from the OP

I apologise. I got so pissed off with the McCrack incident that I assumed you were referring to him when you were mentioning bullsh*ters. My mistake.

I still believe that McCrack was unfairly treated. metman appears to have joined the thread to antagonise and troll. When McCrack was banned (harsh but deserved really) he then had the gall to thank your post, as if it was a victory for him.

I am not even a regular lurker on that forum but that got on my tits tbh.

TheNog

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

But there is a big differance between being direct and being aggresive,obnoxious and condescending.

There are many other forums here where these attitudes would not fly no matter what your post count is.

Boards is a community built up of many different opinions and expertise. A poster should be respected regardless of post count.

That whole thread lacked respect and there was an injustice done.

We can all agree the thread got seriously out of hand. Problem was there was no Mod watching it. I only got to see it after it went tits up.

There was no injustice. McCrack got a warning as well as everyone else but he chose to ignore it.

Micky Dolenz

TheNog wrote: »

We can all agree the thread got seriously out of hand. Problem was there was no Mod watching it. I only got to see it after it went tits up.

There was no injustice. McCrack got a warning as well as everyone else but he chose to ignore it.

Fair enough.

I just saw this thread in passing and don't know the history of any of the posters. Here is what I observed.

You said:

"will leave this thread open for now in case someone has a valid question to ask but if anyone posts anything aggressive or even seem like they are trolling I will deal with it harshly."

metman had made no contribution up to this time and then he says this:

McCrack your posts bore me. You have no interest in the ES other than to try antagonise. You're not fooling anyone on here my pedigree chum.

Closely followed by this:

"Bluebottle minds? Is that a legal term?

Rather than waste anymore of my precious time, I'll simply refer you both to my previous post (and place both of you on my ignore list). Trojan, that's my opinion.

Now I'm done with this thread".

These were the only comments he made. He made these comments after you clearly warned against such a thing.
The only contribution he made was unconstructive and an attempt to provoke a reaction.

is this not trolling?

Otacon

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Fair enough.

I just saw this thread in passing and don't know the history of any of the posters. Here is what I observed.

You said:

"will leave this thread open for now in case someone has a valid question to ask but if anyone posts anything aggressive or even seem like they are trolling I will deal with it harshly."

metman had made no contribution up to this time and then he says this:

McCrack your posts bore me. You have no interest in the ES other than to try antagonise. You're not fooling anyone on here my pedigree chum.

Closely followed by this:

"Bluebottle minds? Is that a legal term?

Rather than waste anymore of my precious time, I'll simply refer you both to my previous post (and place both of you on my ignore list). Trojan, that's my opinion.

Now I'm done with this thread".

These were the only comments he made. He made these comments after you clearly warned against such a thing.
The only contribution he made was unconstructive and an attempt to provoke a reaction.

is this not trolling?

Exactly. As they say, what's good for the goose, is good for the Garda...

/hangs head in shame :pac:

Boston

Metman was trolling. McCrack may have been but with metman its pretty blatant.

_blank_

Beruthiel wrote: »

I've always thought that since my first run in with metman.
I told him then that he was not a cop I'd ever want to have dealings with.
He's arrogant and condescending.
A man who has become bitter because of the job he does. He's forgotten that not everyone is an criminal and deserves to be talked down to.

I think we may be remembering the same incident.

I went in to the ES forum to ask a question on behalf of a friend.

It was a genuine question about the behaviour of some Gardaí toward my friend, who was not a member of Boards.ie.

I was met with derision and left with a feeling that I was being talked down to by some country bumkin of a Garda with a chip on his shoulder about his job.

You know.

A lot of the people in that forum could do with remembering that not everyone is a "Garda Basher" and just take questions at face value.

TheNog wrote: »

As you all probably know by now I respect other peoples opinions (at least try to) but I think that assumption is unfair perhaps a little presumptuious (sp??)

You may respect other people's opinions, but you would do well to impart that respect to the members for the forum you moderate.

There are various forums on Boards.ie that I simply will not use because of the attitudes of the regular posters.

Emergency Services is one of them.

Closed Shop?

You seem more than a little proud of this.

It is the very antithesis of Boards.ie imo.

No forum should be a closed shop, and if you want it to be, then make it Private, not giving the illusion of a welcoming forum for all to use, because at the moment, it simply isn't that.

Overheal

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

Boards is a community built up of many different opinions and expertise. A poster should be respected regardless of post count.

That whole thread lacked respect and there was an injustice done.

Are we talking about respect for McCrack the OP or respect for the Supposed Gardai posters?

Unless it had been pointed out to me here it never would have occurred to me that Eru or Metman claimed to be Cops. Those posts were rude and uncalled for. They were also my first impression of them. Why should I respect those so-called Experts? 'Experts' post in the Tech forums all the time to help Novice and Beginer users all day every day without the kind of crap that went on in that thread happening. They don't go "Wow you really suck, go take a Night Class Grandma", They walk her through her CD-ROM and Start Menu...painful though it sometimes may be :pac:

If you want to make it a Closed Shop make it Private.

Micky Dolenz

Overheal wrote: »

Are we talking about respect for McCrack the OP or respect for the Supposed Gardai posters?

The comments I highlighted in an earlier post gave explains of the lack of respect.

I too, did not realise he was a "Guardian of the peace". I expect more from our law enforcers.

Kirnsy

from what i read in des' thread above and in the opening post and the occasional lurking in it, ES certainly has a closed shop/members only feel to it.

are any of the mods not gardai/ members of ES?

im asking not because of any 'poor modding' complaints but IMO a non ES member mod would have absolutely no connections or personal bias towards or against any sort of criticism or otherwise. like ZaphWibbs in TLL, a non-member mod might have a different perspective on certain comments such as metman's in the afore mentioned thread.

Micky Dolenz

Kirnsy wrote: »

from what i read in des' thread above and in the opening post and the occasional lurking in it, ES certainly has a closed shop/members only feel to it.

are any of the mods not gardai/ members of ES?

im asking not because of any 'poor modding' complaints but IMO a non ES member mod would have absolutely no connections or personal bias towards or against any sort of criticism or otherwise. like ZaphWibbs in TLL, a non-member mod might have a different perspective on certain comments such as metman's in the afore mentioned thread.

To be fair to the guy, he did apologize later on. however I suspect had it been 90% of our boards commuinity they would have received a ban of some lenght. Although this is nether here nor there.

Sully

I have an interest in the topics covered in the forum and its a little closer to home then other forums so I read it a fair but and sometimes post. I have found metman to be a rude individual and when I reported one post from him in the past it was quickly dealt with and I have to hand it to TheNog for that. metman calls a lot of people in the forum trolls and in the past has been very rude and arrogant towards people.

In general though, I feel that sometimes its very much a local club and outsiders are sometimes not treated with the respect and friendly behaviour they deserve. I think TheNog does a good job and trys to be fair but the forum has what looks like its own gang and own way of operating - go outside of that and watch out.

Kirnsy

Micky Dolenz wrote: »

To be fair to the guy, he did apologize later on. however I suspect had it been 90% of our boards commuinity they would have received a ban of some lenght. Although this is nether here nor there.

fair point micky but in fairness after calling des a troll, an infraction at least should have been merited after "backseat modding" - one of the reasons McCrack was banned in the OP.



ironically i seem to be backseat modding myself now.:o

EKRIUQ

Des wrote: »

I think we may be remembering the same incident.

I went in to the ES forum to ask a question on behalf of a friend.

It was a genuine question about the behaviour of some Gardaí toward my friend, who was not a member of Boards.ie.

I'm after reading that thread and am shocked at the level of ignorant responses, talk about trying to fit a stereotype :eek: But Emergency services seems to be always like that, I don't post there as I know I wouldn't last to long. I think it should be just made a private forum as looking for help there is just a joke.

Boston

That's a disgrace.

Des

Des wrote: »

I think we may be remembering the same incident.

I went in to the ES forum to ask a question on behalf of a friend.

It was a genuine question about the behaviour of some Gardaí toward my friend, who was not a member of Boards.ie.

I was met with derision and left with a feeling that I was being talked down to by some country bumkin of a Garda with a chip on his shoulder about his job.

i remember seeing that thread before and it was disgraceful.. then, and now i've had to hold myself back from laying into metman ina message.


as for this thread, McCrack was treated harshly.. I rarely go near that forum and am even happier now that i don't.



edit: if we all got away with apologising for such horrible behaviour like metman did.. there'd be no bannings on boards. if i land on afterhours drunk and insult someone like that, i get banned straight off. no apology will get me back in the good books.

chalad07

I was involved in a discussion about the Guards a while back, and it descended into the usual 'us versus them' crap, with accusations flying back and forth. In fairness to TheNog he was the one cop that wanted to facilitate discussion, going as far as too PM me saying not to be put off, and that genuine discussion can take place,

Apart from theNog, most of the other members did come accross as arrogant and rude,

parsi

I think in the ES Forum the attitude that prevails is that if you're not a member (or a wannabe) then you have sweet all to contribute and every question is viewed through the dark visor of suspicion.

As a forum it doesn't do any credit to AGS and perhaps there is merit in making it private or indeed hiving it off to somewhere else seeing as it doesn't comply with the traditional boards.ie ethos of facilitating helpful , polite and unbullying interaction.

It must be a pain to Moderate.

Blazer

Overheal wrote: »

I thought Eru was needlessly rude in there as well: "Youre dumb, go learn stuff!" I thought it was always much more polite to say "No, this is how it is" and teach the poster youre replying to something new that hightens their understanding and also adds content to the thread.

+ 1..I even pointed out in that thread how bitter he came across.

Mr Quiet

metman is amazing. lol @ "Jog on"

Anyone else hear that in a Nodrie accent in their noggin?

My 2 Cent btw IMO

jhegarty

Change it to a private forum tbh. It may as well be the way it is.

DeVore

Metman is back seat modding and sniping too. Way ott. If anyone is going to challenge someone for trolling or baiting then it should be the mod. Otherwise we DO have a civility rule and tbh Nog, it should be applied accross the board (from both sides).

If PM's and "hints" arent getting though, take out the ban stick.


DeV.

TheNog

Des wrote: »

You may respect other people's opinions, but you would do well to impart that respect to the members for the forum you moderate.

Point taken and working on it.

There are various forums on Boards.ie that I simply will not use because of the attitudes of the regular posters.

Emergency Services is one of them.

Closed Shop?

You seem more than a little proud of this.

I dont know how you came to that conclusion. I have already said I dont want it to be a closed shop. I would rather hang up my ban hat than have that happen.

DeVore wrote: »

Metman is back seat modding and sniping too. Way ott. If anyone is going to challenge someone for trolling or baiting then it should be the mod. Otherwise we DO have a civility rule and tbh Nog, it should be applied accross the board (from both sides).

If PM's and "hints" arent getting though, take out the ban stick.


DeV.

again point taken, I tried to everything else bar use infractions and banning which obviously hasnt worked so will move on to harsher sentences on the ES side. Trial and error I suppose on my part.

Anyways Ive already handed out 3 infractions to ES posters in the last 24 hrs

DeVore

Ironically you would think they would have some respect for our rule of law

Thanks Noggie, if you need to bring the hard rain, let me know

DeV.

civdef

It must be a pain to Moderate.

That's for damn sure. The forum was originally intended to be for all emergency services, but the policing end of things has and continues to dominate. For those of us from other services, this can be a bit disillusioning - it seems the fire service, ambulance, coastguard, voluntaries etc are just too boring.

Be that as it may, is anyone at all surprised that a forum where people can interact with police officers anonymously is going to be a tense place at times?

TheNog

Des wrote: »

I went in to the ES forum to ask a question on behalf of a friend.

It was a genuine question about the behaviour of some Gardaí toward my friend, who was not a member of Boards.ie.

I was met with derision and left with a feeling that I was being talked down to by some country bumkin of a Garda with a chip on his shoulder about his job.

You know.

A lot of the people in that forum could do with remembering that not everyone is a "Garda Basher" and just take questions at face value.

Metmans posts were unacceptable and in all fairness Metman did apologise you on post 36 and explained he was drunk at the time of posting. He was also infracted for his 1st 2 posts by PSNI. This was before my time as Mod so dont know why he wasnt banned.

Also Metman is not a serving Garda, he serves with the London Met Police

K-9

TheNog wrote: »

Also Metman is not a serving Garda, he serves with the London Met Police

Does it matter?

TheNog

TheNog wrote: »

Metmans posts were unacceptable and in all fairness Metman did apologise you on post 36 and explained he was drunk at the time of posting. He was also infracted for his 1st 2 posts by PSNI. This was before my time as Mod so dont know why he wasnt banned.

Also Metman is not a serving Garda, he serves with the London Met Police

is he still a regular poster in the forum and has he ever been banned from it do you know?

TheNog

K-9 wrote: »

Does it matter?

Just replying to Des as he thought/thinks he is a guard is all

Offy

Interesting topic. I have to agree with the OP. I am presently banned from ES for my one and only post there. I read a thread in there and felt strongly about what someone has said so I posted a reply which IS based on personal experience. I was accused of talking gibberish with no evidence to back up my claim and banned, no PM's, warnings, etc. before the ban. Banned and then told I posted because I wanted to make a complaint, I was not making a complaint I was expressing an opinion based on personal experience. The mod didnt like my opinion so I got banned. I offered to provide evidence thus proving I was not talking gibberish but that offer was dismissed.
To TheNog, if you like I will provide evidence to prove what I said. As the chap from Donegal was jailed for a number of years and then cleared I feel no need to provide evidence for this incident but I can and will provide you (privately if you like) with a dozen examples of the Garda I was referring to. He is a rouge element in your organisation and does the rest of the force no credit.
To the Mods (all Mods), make ES private, its does not promote the Gardi in a positive light as it is and theres enough bad pr for an absolutely essential service without adding to it. ES does not allow debate of ideas IMO.

DeVore

What is the purpose of the forum? If its to service complaints about the copper who smacked your mate down the road, then we have set it up wrong.

I thought its purpose was to allow interaction between members and recruits and potential recruits. I dont believe we should be a complaints department for the cops. No one here is authorised to speak for them and its always going to descend into trouble, plus its strangling the other voluntary services talking there it seems.

Thoughts?

Should we give non-police their own forum? Split it out by service?

DeV.

TheNog

Offy wrote: »

Interesting topic. I have to agree with the OP. I am presently banned from ES for my one and only post there. I read a thread in there and felt strongly about what someone has said so I posted a reply which IS based on personal experience. I was accused of talking gibberish with no evidence to back up my claim and banned, no PM's, warnings, etc. before the ban. Banned and then told I posted because I wanted to make a complaint, I was not making a complaint I was expressing an opinion based on personal experience. The mod didnt like my opinion so I got banned. I offered to provide evidence thus proving I was not talking gibberish but that offer was dismissed.
To TheNog, if you like I will provide evidence to prove what I said. As the chap from Donegal was jailed for a number of years and then cleared I feel no need to provide evidence for this incident but I can and will provide you (privately if you like) with a dozen examples of the Garda I was referring to. He is a rouge element in your organisation and does the rest of the force no credit.
To the Mods (all Mods), make ES private, its does not promote the Gardi in a positive light as it is and theres enough bad pr for an absolutely essential service without adding to it. ES does not allow debate of ideas IMO.

LIke I said to you, the reason for your ban was for trolling. Its also stated in the Charter that if you have a complaint to make then do so through the proper channels not on boards.

DeVore wrote: »

What is the purpose of the forum? If its to service complaints about the copper who smacked your mate down the road, then we have set it up wrong.

Absolutely not.

I thought its purpose was to allow interaction between members and recruits and potential recruits. I dont believe we should be a complaints department for the cops. No one here is authorised to speak for them and its always going to descend into trouble, plus its strangling the other voluntary services talking there it seems.

Thoughts?

The forum was setup for ES and like minded ES people to discuss their roles and for us all to learn from each other. We have also tried to facilitate non ES people with questions they have regarding practices/procedures as much as we can. In essence showing people what we do and why we do it.

Should we give non-police their own forum? Split it out by service?

DeV.

You could but I feel that no ES member would post there as enivitably it would turned into a Garda bashing forum where disinformation would be rife. The only people that would benefit are genuine trollers who want nothing more than to disrupt threads etc etc and influence peoples opinions on the ES services.

Eru

I really dont understand. Im being attacked in a snide manner by people because instead of going behind other users backs and moaning about them I say what I feel. Well personally I call that being honest and upfront. Its certainly how I would prefer to be treated than find myself being mentioned in here. Especially considering none of you have ever approached me via PM about any of this.

I also completely fail to understand why non ES users are so upset about the ES forum. Guys, its a forum for serving, ex or possible future es staff to chat and throw idea around.

Its not a bitching section nor is it a Q&A section to get free legal advise. In all honesty, I fail to understand why any of you want to post there. why not try posting in the Military section or after hours? Why do you all feel such a dire need to post in a section that designed for an occupation your not in?

And besides, theres far more occasions where questions recieve honest and good answers than smart ones but if your going to ignore the 5 users that have explained something to you and instead insist on making an incorrect and snide allegation against Gardai in the ES forum of all places, dont except a hug. Would you go to a Garda station to bitch about Gardai? Of course not so why go to the es forum with your complaints and expect us to welcome you with open arms? You dont see me in the motors section giving out about drivers on our roads do you? Or giving out about students from a specific college in that colleges sub forum? It makes no sense and appears to be a unique view held only for es

wouldn't it be better to make it private. such a small % of boards users fall into the "serving, have served or want to serve" category that it would be easy to deal with requests for access..