Photographing Garda cars - Will they let me?

I dunno if any of you are familiar with Drogheda Garda Station. The car park is to the left of the building, where the Garda cars/vans/etc. are parked (no roof or anything, can be seen by anyone walking by).

I'm getting into photography (still very new to it) and I think the Garda cars/Fire trucks/Ambulances/etc. vehicles are all pretty cool looking. Very unique or something. Not sure why I like them, but I do.


I went into the station and asked if I could photograph them. The girl behind the desk (who was extremely pleasant) said at first that she didn't even reckon I'd need to ask. However, when she double checked with someone else she came back and said I'd have to apply for permission to the Superintendent to enter the car park and take photos.

So i typed up a quick letter, threw it in an envelope and dropped it in.

My question is;

Despite whether they say yes or no, do you think it's likely I'll even get a reply? Or will they just throw it in the bin?

Just don't know if it's worth waiting out on a reply or not, as, admittedly, its a bit of an obscure request.


Cheers

Irish_polizei

Deleted User wrote: »

I dunno if any of you are familiar with Drogheda Garda Station. The car park is to the left of the building, where the Garda cars/vans/etc. are parked (no roof or anything, can be seen by anyone walking by.)....................................

Im sure if you aren't involved in any gang land crime :P and you cover the number plates in the processed photos, im sure you will be allowed... if you dont get a reply within the next month PM and ill get you sorted out!!

As it's in the car park you probably need permission. (Liabiliy etc). There is also the issue of what will be photographed, so by making them aware and them giving you a set time they know you are legit. (I was stopped while in college for videoing the front of a station. When i explained what i was doing, they explained why i was stopped). So just wait for the reply, can't really see you being turned down. And remember, the cars have to travel the streets, so still a chance to get them while around the town, and more of a chance of getting a good action shot. Good luck with the photography.

Well if it is of any help, here is a copy of the letter I gave to them. does it seem OK?
Just to note, The envelope had Superintendent on it, not "to whom it may concern". It also had my address, etc. as a proper letter would.




To Whom It May Concern,

After having recently visited the Drogheda Garda Station and taken the advice of a member of An Garda Sìochàna, I am writing to you to ask if it would be possible to request permission to enter the Drogheda Garda Station’s car park to photograph the ‘marked’ Garda cars.

I am new to the whole photography area, and still learning the ins-and-outs of Digital SLR photography. I have an interest in Emergency Service vehicles (Garda, Ambulance and Fire service vehicles, etc.) and so would like an opportunity to take photographs of something that interests me in a static manner (that is; not candid photographs of the vehicles driving past, but actually parked and available to photograph without causing hassle or danger to myself or others).

It is very unlikely the photographs would ever be used in a public or social setting, and I would be more than happy to give digital copies of every photograph taken on the property to yourself.

I appreciate that this may be seen as quite odd, but would please ask you to consider this request.

My address is at the top right corner of this page, but if it is any easier for you, my mobile phone number and e-Mail address are below:


Mobile:
e-Mail:


Thank you for your time,

KKV

Irish_polizei

Irish_polizei wrote: »

Im sure if you aren't involved in any gang land crime :P and you cover the number plates in the processed photos, im sure you will be allowed... if you dont get a reply within the next month PM and ill get you sorted out!!

Do you really reckon it would take a month for them to reply?


And may I ask your position withing AGS? You seem fairly confident you'd be able to help? (not that I'm complaining!). Just, I assumed (though I'm not that familiar regarding the inside workings of AGS) that only upper-level people within that particular station would be able to help?



Also, does anyone know why you'd need to cover the number plates? It's easy enough to do, but Im not entirely sure why it would need to be done. I mean, the cars are on the streets most of the time, with their number plate on display anyway?

thebiglad

If it is emergency vehicles that you want to photograph - would fire engines not be more photographic

Larger, more colourful, more types but most of all with the options to isolate various parts of the vehicle or equipment you would be able to make a much more varied or creative set of shots.

Plus I would imagine it is much easier to get entry to a fire station and the vehicles probably spend longer at the base than Garda vehicles.

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

Do you really reckon it would take a month for them to reply?


And may I ask your position withing AGS? You seem fairly confident you'd be able to help? (not that I'm complaining!). Just, I assumed (though I'm not that familiar regarding the inside workings of AGS) that only upper-level people within that particular station would be able to help?



Also, does anyone know why you'd need to cover the number plates? It's easy enough to do, but Im not entirely sure why it would need to be done. I mean, the cars are on the streets most of the time, with their number plate on display anyway?

Your letter is perfect, it covers exactly what you want to do and why. If you are ever sending letters to a station, unless you know who you are addressing it to you always send it to the Super.

Re: number plates on marked vehicles, no need to cover them up. Just look at the gallery on this thread. I don't believe there is actually a requirement to cover any reg up but it will be done on vehicles which may sneek into the background as they may belong to a member. (private vehicle in a station). The guys on the photography forum would be better able to fill you in on that.

As for getting "sorted" by members, I would deal with the super or at least the community policing sergeant, your query might be directed to them anyway. You and the mule could end up in trouble shooting in a restricted area.

thebiglad

thebiglad wrote: »

If it is emergency vehicles that you want to photograph - would fire engines not be more photographic

Larger, more colourful, more types but most of all with the options to isolate various parts of the vehicle or equipment you would be able to make a much more varied or creative set of shots.

Plus I would imagine it is much easier to get entry to a fire station and the vehicles probably spend longer at the base than Garda vehicles.

Yeah, I can see what you're saying, and I do kind of agree. Fire engines are a lot more 'larger than life' kinda machines, and are rarer to be seen than Garda cars, that regularly are seen on the streets.

The reason I went for the Garda station though, is because the car park is outside the station and big enough, too. I can be left alone to play about and throw the little tripod ('gorillapod') I have up onto the roof or bonnet without anyone knowing or caring. The closest fire station to me, however, is rather tightly packed. It's a stereotypical station, where all the vehicles are parked parallel in a row and the guys working there are in the same building as the vehicles. This means that I'd have to squeeze in and out of the trucks to get any kind of decent, detailed shots of them, and worse again, there's a chance that some of the guys would stand there looking at me out of boredom.

As someone who is still very new to the whole area of photography, and has a very simple DSLR and lens, My photographs are likely to be quite crap. I'd rather not have someone staring at me whilst I try to take said crap photos.

I'd go out and photograph normal cars, only I find them extremely boring to look at (and thus, photograph).

Hope that gives you some kind of insight as to why I chose the Gardaì.

I got a letter from AGS today. It's dated the 21st (I sent mine in on the 20th).

It's just a generic reply letter.


"Dear Sir/Madam,

I refer to the above and confirm receipt of such correspondence.

I wish to advise that the matter is receiving attention.

I will revert to you in course.

Yours Faithfully"



Hopefully I'll get something relating to my query off them some time soon.

Just thought I'd give this the old bumparoo.

I sent my letter to AGS on the 20th of January and got a reply on the 21st (see above post).

Would it be worth my while sending them another letter, to ask again (i could staple my old letter to it, and be polite, etc. obviously)?

Or should I just accept that they don't really care and leave it to rest?


Also, I'm considering trying my luck at this with the Fire Station up the road and the (Lourdes) Hospital. Could anyone tell me what the Superintendent equivalent is in those places?

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

Just thought I'd give this the old bumparoo.

I sent my letter to AGS on the 20th of January and got a reply on the 21st (see above post).

Would it be worth my while sending them another letter, to ask again (i could staple my old letter to it, and be polite, etc. obviously)?

Or should I just accept that they don't really care and leave it to rest?


Also, I'm considering trying my luck at this with the Fire Station up the road and the (Lourdes) Hospital. Could anyone tell me what the Superintendent equivalent is in those places?

Maybe give them a ring (District Office). There may be a reference number on the letter that you sent. You can quote that and they should have the required info.

Will ringing them be hassling them though?

As much as I want into their car park, I don't want to annoy them and get a 'no' because I'm being a nuisance.

By 'District Office' (not too good with the lingo) do you mean a particular Garda HQ over Drogheda/Louth, or just Drogheda Garda Station?


I actually asked a member who was leaving the station the other day about whether or not I could go into the car park (even though I knew I couldn't, just wanted to see what kind of answer I'd get) and he said I couldn't go in or it's possible I'd be arrested under a Section 30.

So can i ask, despite my googling efforts, what is a section 30? Section 30 of what exactly?


This is all i can find,

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1939/en/act/pub/0013/sec0030.html#zza13y1939s30


But that's nothing serious at all. Arrested for looking suspicious? I doubt most Gardaì would even care, and if they didn't want me in the park would just tell me to fcuk off? (In saying that though, I respect AGS, and wouldn't go in taking pictures if they didn't allow me).

Zambia

Personnally I think your taking the whole fun out of it. Simply keep your camera on you and photograph cars as you find them on the street, no law against that.

Delancey

Deleted User wrote: »

But that's nothing serious at all. Arrested for looking suspicious? I doubt most Gardaì would even care, and if they didn't want me in the park would just tell me to fcuk off? (In saying that though, I respect AGS, and wouldn't go in taking pictures if they didn't allow me).

Hmmm , I wouldn't say it's not serious - Section 30 refers to Section 30 of the Offences Against The State Act - a piece of legislation designed to deal with subversives. I'm willing to bet you that you will not get the permission you seek , not because you're perceived as a ' threat to state security ' but more likely that favourite old chestnut of a reason that officialdom in Ireland loves to trot out ...... '' Insurance Reasons '' :rolleyes:

Just off the phone to them.

Pretty much been told that there shouldn't be a problem at all, and I'll hear something by phone in the next three to four days.

The only donwside, however, is that said there will be a member with me (I don't know if they actually mean a Garda as such, just a 'member', so they probably have some poor bastard that will have to stand around like a tool with me). This is bad because it's wasting their time and I know I'm gonna feel really awkward taking photos of the cars in front of someone standing watching me, and I won't be able to take forever mooching around the cars, as I know I'll be wasting someone else's time. Bah.


Still though. At least they let me, so fair play to them for that. It'll be an experience if nothing else. Still yet to have a bad experience with AGS.


Can anyone tell me who the 'member' might be? Wouldn't be an actual Garda would it? It'd be such a shame to waste their time like that.


Though if anyone from Drogheda Garda Station is reading this; Thank you!

one2one

You will have an active member of AGS 'escort' and supervise you around the car park. It may be a bonus as they could be able to let you know what some of the vehicles are used for, (eg. this mondeo is for traffic etc).

one2one

one2one wrote: »

You will have an active member of AGS 'escort' and supervise you around the car park. It may be a bonus as they could be able to let you know what some of the vehicles are used for, (eg. this mondeo is for traffic etc).

Yeah, but it seems like such a waste of his/her time. Speaking realistically, nobody except me is going to give a crap about these photographs. He/She will be bored to tears. I want to try and take tonnes of different photos of each of the cars. From different angles, distances, up raelly close, detailed photos of the GARDA writing and graphics, the lights on the roofs, etc.


My DSLR is a mere entry level model, and I have only the one lens (which doesn't really matter as the cars won't be too difficult to photograph anyway), but I'm just kind of using this as an opportunity to try and mess about with different settings on my camera, etc. and try to learn about it as I go along (which is why I wanted into the Garda car park; I'm bored of Scotch Hall and there's nothing else in the town even remotely interesting).

I just don't want to look like a complete tit and waste someone's time while I'm at it (especially considering there is so much more he/she could be doing).

one2one

It will be a waste of time, yes, but I'm sure the member won't mind once you hurry up, I would suggest don't be there any longer than 30 minutes.

one2one

one2one wrote: »

It will be a waste of time, yes, but I'm sure the member won't mind once you hurry up, I would suggest don't be there any longer than 30 minutes.

Yeah.. see I was planning on staying for a while.:(

one2one

How long is awhile? I am a photographer myself - practice on parked cars first or a car showroom - a nice image of a brand new 2010 car will make you proud, then you will know your settings and just take the images you want. Just keep shooting, you will be happy with most images.

one2one

one2one wrote: »

a nice image of a brand new 2010 car will make you proud

It probably wouldn't. I dont care about regular cars. I just like the Emergency Service vehicles for some reason. Not entirely sure why. Otherwise never would've bothered with AGS in the first place, and instead would have just photographed any cars or sent a few requests for permission out to car dealers (who I imagine would have no problem whatsoever with it).


I originally assumed a few hours. I was under the impression that they'd just ask me when would suit, and give me a piece of paper or something stamped by them that would allow me access for a day and leave me to it. I didn't think they'd want to supervise me. I didn't think they'd care that much, to be honest.

Having a Garda watching me is kind of putting me off it to be honest. This is the reason I didn't send a letter to the Fire station (small enough building, bound to have at least one person taking a look at you every now and again).


At the moment I'm on a FAS course in a building where, when you look out the window, you can see down into the Car Park (though admittedly, at a bit of a distance). Some times when you look out into the car park there are about seven or eight different vehicles with the livery, ranging from motorbikes, jeeps, vans and cars (both with the single stripe and squared pattern, the name of which I can't remember). Other times there's just one or two old, beat up looking Garda cars lying around.

I obvously won't be able to tell what is in the station and when, so knowing my luck, now I'm going to get stuck with a single car or something (most likely with the livery torn to pieces).


With that in mind, I originally reckoned, If i spent a couple of hours there, I'd be able to get a better array of vehicles as they come and go throughout the day. See my issue?


Maybe if I get along with the Garda/whomever may be supervising me, I could request some kind of permit or permission slip or something to be let in unsupervised for anytime in a 24hour period (which would mean I would also be able to get a mixture of daytime and nighttime shots of the cars). Ah... I dunno.


Out of curiousity one2one, are you involved with AGS at all? Just curious. I always assume everyone posting here is a Garda/Fireman/Paramedic/etc.


EDIT: Thanks a lot for all your help by the way. Even if i'm coming across as an ignorant prick at all, your posts are very much appreciated. Thank you (and same to all others who have helped me).

Nice one KKV, It may well be someone from the Community Policing Unit in the station. They would usually have more time that "regular units" as they are not the primary response units in a station. When speaking to the garda about the times ask if you could come down around a shift change maybe, there would be cars parked up for a while then. Or maybe when the units are going on grub? Same thing. There may also be the Community Police cars in the station for longer times, some skippers prefer them to be walking about or on bikes rather than cars. On the plus side, having the member there may lead to some interesting shots. They may be able to turn on lights or just open a door for you. So plenty of scope for good shots. Finally, If the member is happy enough with you, they may leave you be and just check on you from time to time.

You may want to post some of your results in the vehicle thread once you are done. Enjoy.

foreign

I love your optimism foreign. Good insight and hopefully it will work out something similar to what you are saying.

Having the lights on wouldn't make too much difference in the day, but that is why I wanted to get night shots too. When a car is coming or going, I was planning on maybe asking a Garda for a minute of his time, with the lights on. Hopefully with a slow enough shutter speed, you'd end up with a picture of the Garda car with a nice blue glow around it.


Ah sure.. I can only hope for the best down here. Hopefully I will get on well with whomever I'm left with (I don't see why I wouldn't, as I said before, I've yet to have a negative experience with AGS). Also, if the Garda is in uniform, I may be able to ask for a few shots of him/her, to get a few shots of their uniform, too.


Can I ask you, what is a 'Community Police' car? I've never seen a vehicle branded as 'Community Police' before or did I just read your post wrong?


Also, is it realistic that they'd be able to open/close doors, etc.? Do garda cars have a master key or some alteration to them? I doubt the person would be willing to run in and out of the station for me to get car keys (not that I'd intend to ask).


Actually, just on the topic of Garda cars. If you're the average Garda, how do you know what car you're gonna be in? Do particular cars get assigned to different people, and that set of people will be the only ones using the car, or is it just a case of grabbing whatever car keys you can on the way out? Or just jump into the closest available car? I've never actually thought about that...



And yes, if I get any half decent photographs, I'd be happy to stick them into the vehicle thread

foreign wrote: »

Nice one KKV, It may well be someone from the Community Policing Unit in the station. They would usually have more time that "regular units" as they are not the primary response units in a station. When speaking to the garda about the times ask if you could come down around a shift change maybe, there would be cars parked up for a while then. Or maybe when the units are going on grub? Same thing. There may also be the Community Police cars in the station for longer times, some skippers prefer them to be walking about or on bikes rather than cars. On the plus side, having the member there may lead to some interesting shots. They may be able to turn on lights or just open a door for you. So plenty of scope for good shots. Finally, If the member is happy enough with you, they may leave you be and just check on you from time to time.

You may want to post some of your results in the vehicle thread once you are done. Enjoy.

ste88m

Deleted User wrote: »

Can I ask you, what is a 'Community Police' car? I've never seen a vehicle branded as 'Community Police' before or did I just read your post wrong?

A com-pol car is usually a fairly low powered car (usually a fiesta) used by the community policing unit. It carries the standard markings and would not say 'community policing unit' on it.

Deleted User wrote: »

Also, is it realistic that they'd be able to open/close doors, etc.? Do garda cars have a master key or some alteration to them? I doubt the person would be willing to run in and out of the station for me to get car keys (not that I'd intend to ask).

Nope, no master key system at all. However, in some stations were there is very little parking, cars may be forced to park in the way of other cars. This means car doors may be left open so members can release the hand break and push the car out of the way. So you may find that some doors may be left open.

Deleted User wrote: »

Actually, just on the topic of Garda cars. If you're the average Garda, how do you know what car you're gonna be in? Do particular cars get assigned to different people, and that set of people will be the only ones using the car, or is it just a case of grabbing whatever car keys you can on the way out? Or just jump into the closest available car? I've never actually thought about that...

Most cars are assigned to units, for instance the Regular Unit, Community Policing, Detective Unit etc. After this it's usually left to the skipper to assign the gardaí to their car for that shift, some units leave it to the garda themselves.

Hope that answers your questions.

By community police I mean a car assigned to their unit. Usually a marked focus, fiesta or yaris.

You may have noticed on cars patrolling at night a blue light switched on in the roof sign. This is just for presence. Might throw out some good light for some night shots.

You usually find out before the end of your shift what duties you will be on for the next shift.

And each car has a specific call sign. Don't know if I should go into it here. Maybe a mod can clarify.

Shield

I think it's best if we leave call signs out of this forum.

Well I'm not looking for any crazy inside information with this thread or anything like that, but I appreciate the insight foreign.

Cheers ste88m for the clarification, also.


Also, seen as there are some pretty knowledgeable people mooching around this thread, can I ask; is there a reason why Garda merchandise is practically non-existant?

As the theme of the thread is cars; how come I can find a model Police car from pretty much every state in the US and most countries around the world, yet to find a Garda model car is literally impossible?

I was even in a costume/sex shop today (had to get props for a short movie we're doing on a FAS course) and there were different kinds of UK Police hats available to buy. Also, most kids halloween outfits are modelled on UK Police. Is there a reason An Garda Sìochàna is so unloved by the companies that produce this kinda stuff?


Two things I've always kind of wanted where a proper 1:18 scale model A-Team van, and a saloon-style Garda car, neither of which I ever seem to be able to find when I look for them. I see there are a few small dniky-ish Garda vehicles out there, all of which seem to have been made years ago, but nothing proper.



Kind of more on topic; is it only the Traffic Corps that use the square livery on the car? Are all regular duty cars sticking to the single line? or is that being slowly phased out?

Deleted User

Deleted User wrote: »

Also, seen as there are some pretty knowledgeable people mooching around this thread, can I ask; is there a reason why Garda merchandise is practically non-existant?

As the theme of the thread is cars; how come I can find a model Police car from pretty much every state in the US and most countries around the world, yet to find a Garda model car is literally impossible?

Kind of more on topic; is it only the Traffic Corps that use the square livery on the car? Are all regular duty cars sticking to the single line? or is that being slowly phased out?

Battenburg is used by Traffic and the RSU.

Merchandise I would say is down to the basic fact of it probably not being profitable. Or something like that.

Hooch

foreign wrote: »

Battenburg is used by Traffic and the RSU.

Merchandise I would say is down to the basic fact of it probably not being profitable. Or something like that.

That and the fact that the AGS logo is copyrighted.....the NYPD etc logos are not.

nice guy always

nice guy always wrote: »

That and the fact that the AGS logo is copyrighted.....the NYPD etc logos are not.

Yeah, but it could be licensed out. But I can't see much demand for a 1:18 Garda Mondeo.

foreign

foreign wrote: »

Yeah, but it could be licensed out. But I can't see much demand for a 1:18 Garda Mondeo.

You might be surprised. I'm sure if some company (Corgi i believe are the guys who make the majority of the model cars?) were to push out a "Limited Edition" 1 of 10,000 Garda Mondeo cars then they'd sell them.

I know 10,000 doesn't seem like a lot, but I can't imagine much work being needed on the design of the car (as it would probably have already been made in non-Garda form before anyway)... At about €50 a pop I reckon there's a hefty profit to be made.

NGA, you're a Traffic Corps guy aren't you? Would you buy a replica of this?

foreign

foreign wrote: »

You may have noticed on cars patrolling at night a blue light switched on in the roof sign. This is just for presence. Might throw out some good light for some night shots.

I don't know how I missed that line, but I have to ask (I was actually going to make a thread about that) is this a new thing they're doing? Is it optional or compulsory?

I've only noticed it in the last couple of weeks.

Also, is it not a bit redundant? I mean... if anyone is planning to, or in the process of, committing a crime, they will most likely see the glowing Garda car before the Garda car sees them?

pa990

Deleted User wrote: »

I don't know how I missed that line, but I have to ask (I was actually going to make a thread about that) is this a new thing they're doing? Is it optional or compulsory?

I've only noticed it in the last couple of weeks.

Also, is it not a bit redundant? I mean... if anyone is planning to, or in the process of, committing a crime, they will most likely see the glowing Garda car before the Garda car sees them?

Prevention is better than cure

one2one

Deleted User wrote: »

You might be surprised. I'm sure if some company (Corgi i believe are the guys who make the majority of the model cars?) were to push out a "Limited Edition" 1 of 10,000 Garda Mondeo cars then they'd sell them.

I know 10,000 doesn't seem like a lot, but I can't imagine much work being needed on the design of the car (as it would probably have already been made in non-Garda form before anyway)... At about €50 a pop I reckon there's a hefty profit to be made.

NGA, you're a Traffic Corps guy aren't you? Would you buy a replica of this?

Thats my image

I would buy a model not a bother, but it would have to be of very good quality.

one2one

one2one wrote: »

Thats my image

I would buy a model not a bother, but it would have to be of very good quality.

Really? You took that?!

Fair play. can i ask, are you associated with AGS? I suppose what I'm asking is, did you just take a picture randomly in your spare time, or did you go through the process I'm going through?


Great picture by the way.

pa990 wrote: »

Prevention is better than cure

I agree, but it doesn't really prevent anything. Let's say you're a scumbag about to embark on a mission to break the law. Whether it be breaking into a house, car or business, hassling someone or just speeding around like a tool, if you see the blue lights you're going to stop what you're doing, meaning the Garda driving past will not pass any remarks to you, and you now know that the Garda patrol car has passed your area and will most likely not re-appear for a while, leaving you to continue along as you were before.

It reminds me of a few years ago when (apparently, i didn't find out until later) a house on my street had been broken into and someone rang AGS.

As i was walking home, approaching my street, the only car on the road was a Garda car that was moving at a decent speed to get to the scene. That makes sense to me. However, they also had the sirens and lightbar on.

I'm not saying the end result would have been any different without the use of lights/siren, but it just seems to be to be a little silly to attend to an emergency call, and leave your sirens and lights on when you are so extremely close to the scene of the crime. What you're pretty much doing, is giving the scumbags a head start to get out of there (no one was caught). A quieter approach would have been much less attention-grabbing.

It just doesn't make sense to me. In saying that though, I don't know if thats a common occurrence or not within AGS. I rarely get to see them appear at a crime scene, and thus have no idea if the sirens or lightbar are generally turned on or off.

Is there a Garda ruling on this? Or is it just personal preference?

Time Magazine

Deleted User wrote: »

Looks like that right headlight is blown.

Time Magazine

Time Magazine wrote: »

Looks like that right headlight is blown.

I think the Traffic Corps headlights alternate from side to side when they have the lightbar, etc. turned on?

Irish_polizei

Deleted User wrote: »

I think the Traffic Corps headlights alternate from side to side when they have the lightbar, etc. turned on?

Yip

one2one

Time Magazine wrote: »

Looks like that right headlight is blown.

Correct. It was changed just after I took this image, then it went out on patrol.

I am not connected with AGS, I am friends with a member, and was passing through one day when he was going on duty. I didn't have to go through the process you are going through, because I was there for five minutes max.

one2one

Hooch

Deleted User wrote: »

NGA, you're a Traffic Corps guy aren't you? Would you buy a replica of this?

You build it and i'll buy it:D

Deleted User wrote: »

Is there a Garda ruling on this? Or is it just personal preference?

Up to the driver really.

Time Magazine wrote: »

Looks like that right headlight is blown.

See below

one2one wrote: »

Correct. It was changed just after I took this image, then it went out on patrol.

Impossible. When you turn on mondeo headlights the dips come on. When you change to fulls the dips stay on. So in that pic both dims would have to be blown as well as one headlight.

So the only explination is as follows. As posted above all AGS vehicles are fitted with alternating headlights (headlights that flash left to right). These can be activated alone or will all 999 lights. Once alternating headlights are activated the front dims go off so as to get the full potential of the alternating headlights. What the photo shows is the lights on the left alternating cycle.

one2one

Quote:
Originally Posted by one2one
Correct. It was changed just after I took this image, then it went out on patrol.

Impossible. When you turn on mondeo headlights the dips come on. When you change to fulls the dips stay on. So in that pic both dims would have to be blown as well as one headlight.

So the only explination is as follows. As posted above all AGS vehicles are fitted with alternating headlights (headlights that flash left to right). These can be activated alone or will all 999 lights. Once alternating headlights are activated the front dims go off so as to get the full potential of the alternating headlights. What the photo shows is the lights on the left alternating cycle.

Sorry NGA, but I am 100% sure the bulb was changed while I was standing there.

Shield

Who changed the bulb out of interest?

Delancey

nice guy always wrote: »

That and the fact that the AGS logo is copyrighted.....the NYPD etc logos are not.

Interestingly about 8 - 10 years ago the RCMP ( Royal Canadian Mounted Police ) actually sold the coyyright of their logo , uniforms , etc to a private company for a substantial sum.
Apart from the initial payment the RCMP get an annual royalty and they do have a power of veto over inappropriate , tacky or tasteless use of their image ( this rules out crap like Ann Summers lingerie with their logo , etc )
The RCMP say they get more revenue under this system than individual licensing out - wonder will AGS ever do this ?

Irish_polizei

one2one wrote: »

Quote:
Originally Posted by one2one
Correct. It was changed just after I took this image, then it went out on patrol.

Impossible. When you turn on mondeo headlights the dips come on. When you change to fulls the dips stay on. So in that pic both dims would have to be blown as well as one headlight.

So the only explination is as follows. As posted above all AGS vehicles are fitted with alternating headlights (headlights that flash left to right). These can be activated alone or will all 999 lights. Once alternating headlights are activated the front dims go off so as to get the full potential of the alternating headlights. What the photo shows is the lights on the left alternating cycle.

Sorry NGA, but I am 100% sure the bulb was changed while I was standing there.

Listen Fella, NGA would tend to alot more than you unfortunately, after all he is a garda in the traffic corp!

one2one

I am not disputing, just stating from an observation that I seen a member of the force change the bulb while I was standing there. Believe me or not it happened.

one2one

Just so you guys know I haven't forgotten about this thread.


I got a call from AGS on Tuesday. Polite woman, whose name I don't remember. Said she called out to my house the day before, but there was no one there.

Said she'd be taking holidays and would call up to me in a week or two 'to go over a few things'.

Anyone got any idea what I can expect from this? I don't have any idea whatsoever as to what they could want to talk to me about. Judging by the way she was talking to me, I think they just want to approach me and talk to me, make sure I'm not a scumbag deluxe. Also asked if I'd have my camera with me for her to take a look at.

Seen as I'm still completely new to DLSR photography, I have two cameras and use them both (in an aid to learn different setting for different situations as one has 'Live View' and the other doesnt).


Should I worry?



Also, stopped into the Drogheda Fire & Rescue Service Station on the way home from my FAS course and gave them a letter, too, asking the same thing (to photograph their vehicles).

I was dreading the thoughts of going in to the Fire station, but man, they're extemely friendly.



Does anyone know who I need to contact about ambulances? Do I send a letter to the HSE or the Lourdes Hospital?

Also, are Ambulances acutally docked at the hospital or are they always on the move? I see ambulances driving around regularly, and I know they are often just out and about 'on patrol', but I'm just not sure if they are kept at the hospital, too?



Cheers again for all the insight guys.


Also, I need to ask, can anyone from AGS tell me; what I wrote about about the Garda contacting me, etc. that's OK to post on here isn't it? It's not considered a private or confidential matter at all is it?

RachPie

They won't mind, I've done it before for an article, with their permission of course

pa990

they probably just want to have a chat to suss you out.

You.ll be fine..

sdanseo

Before they do call to you, give a bit of thought as to what you're going to be using the pics for. I'm sure if they regard a chat nessecary then if you just say "ah I'd like a library of pic os Garda cars" they could tell you to go away.

Just have your legit reason clear in the head for when you're asked.

one2one

I'd suggest you leave a few images of other vehicles that you've taken, just so she can see what your looking for.

donvito99

one2one wrote: »

I'd suggest you leave a few images of other vehicles that you've taken, just so she can see what your looking for.

Good idea for the OP.