Now Ye're Talking - to a member of An Garda Síochána

Sligo1 · 19-10-2016 3:03pm

I'm a Garda, AMA wrote: »

I've heard those stories. Not saying they're not true, but I don't know personally of anything like this happening. You'd be surprised what apps and tech is out there to allow you to spy on someones phone. Especially between couples, where a app can be hidden on the partners phone, as they would have access to it (trust). As for AGS, yes, it is possible to get the records, but it requires an application through the Crime and Security department, which requires an incident on Pulse, and related correspondence between your local Chief and C&S. You wouldn't be able to get just the records of anyones phones.

I'd personally find someone who can check your phone for malicious apps or software, or just to be completely safe, reset your phone to factory standards (bring it to that makers own shop, ie: Apple to an Apple store, Samsung to a Samsung store, as not only will they reset to factory, they'll take off all the bloatware put on by the networks, and you'll get better life, especially battery, out of it.

If ye don't mind folks, i'm gonna take a bit of a break, my wrist is cramping as I'm typing from a keyboard on my couch! I'll be back later to answer any more questions.

Thanks for the reply

. All that was before we ever had iPhones (about 8 years ago) so wouldn't have been from an app etc. We just had an auld Nokia.. Lol. Appreciate your reply and thanks a million.

Agent Coulson · 19-10-2016 3:07pm

Hi are you and your fellow Gardai as p1ssed off with the Judiciary and there persevered bad sentencing as most of the general population seem to be?

Also Concurrent or Consecutive sentencing?

jonsnow · 19-10-2016 3:10pm

I'm a Garda, AMA wrote: »

I've heard those stories. Not saying they're not true, .

Some of them are true

https://www.digitalrights.ie/judges-report-reveals-allegations-that-garda-used-phone-records-to-spy-on-her-ex/

Crime and security garda. she was moved from unit but not disciplined. afair

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo · 19-10-2016 3:20pm

Did you ever feel sorry for someone that was arrested and went to prison? As in they showed remorse ect. but got sent to jail anyway because they got a judge on an off day ect.

I ask because we hear about someone not going to prison with 40+ convictions and them thinking the whole system is a joke. But rarely do we hear stories of someone in the opposite position, ie were in the wrong place at the wrong time, no previous convictions, a Garda didn't take a liking to them, judge was extra grumpy that particular day. And someone got 'sent down' for something most others don't.

Utah · 19-10-2016 3:20pm

Thanks for doing this. Very interesting.

1. Do Gardai get tired of stamping passport photos?
2. Do the Gardai find it amusing when on a motorway and nobody will overtake them even though they're under the speed limit?
3. Do you think anything should be changed about the current uniform?

orthsquel · 19-10-2016 3:24pm

Do you think that the twitter account of AGS is a benefit to getting specific messages out there?

You mentioned your own mental health is a factor in your decision to leave.... given that mental health - and mental health in the workplace - is a big topic being discussed, if AGS was investing in this area (e.g. on the back of new methods to support staff from HR e.g. a health and well-being declaration, a mental health champion) would you support that? I assume Gardai see an awful lot of bad stuff while on duty, what sort of supports are there for Gardai who are injured or affected by a situation while on the job?

Does the Garda Band still operate?

Oh and what do Gardai generally think of vigilantes? Does anyone in AGS wish there was Batman around to do what they can't?

Sligo1 · 19-10-2016 3:31pm

jonsnow wrote: »

Some of them are true

https://www.digitalrights.ie/judges-report-reveals-allegations-that-garda-used-phone-records-to-spy-on-her-ex/

Crime and security garda. she was moved from unit but not disciplined. afair

Yea I think so. It would have been just waaaay too much of a coincidence with what he knew in my case....

Sligo1 · 19-10-2016 3:35pm

Do you think the uniform helped you on the pulling front? lol

Gardi work so hard and are put in such dangerous situations beyond their control. Thank you for all you do or have done...

The flying mouse · 19-10-2016 3:39pm

Thank you ex garda very interesting, and I say ya be here a while :-) Bail refused.

jonsnow · 19-10-2016 3:47pm

You,ve alluded to nepotism in AGS earler. Do you believe this is a lsarge part of the reason for such a small numbers of minorities in the guards.

Also do you believe that a quota system like the psni should be implemented so that there is a police force which accurately reflects the wider population re minorities?

Thanks for your time

Rory28 · 19-10-2016 3:49pm

Going back to the cannabis. Is there a consensus in the Gardaí for it to be legalised or at least decriminalised? And if it did become legal what would happen to someone with a possession charge from before it was made legal?

Im not even sure if its called a possession charge over here. But it is on the TV and thats good enough for me.

Stealthfins · 19-10-2016 3:51pm

If a person declined to give a bailiff a salmon fishing license,could you intervene ?

alchemist33 · 19-10-2016 3:55pm

Are there many undercover Gardaí and if so, how deep undercover would they go i.e. fabricating new identities, being apart from real family for weeks?

Nekarsulm · 19-10-2016 3:57pm

What were your opinions on the Gardai Reserve?
Valuable resource or cost saving bulking up of the Force by idealist busy-bodies?

Satriale · 19-10-2016 4:09pm

No question, just a thanks for your service and wishing you success in your new career. Great AMA.

iLikeWaffles · 19-10-2016 4:10pm

Thanks Guard!

GBX · 19-10-2016 4:19pm

Great idea and fair play for taking the time to answer questions. I've no doubt its a hard job to do(and getting harder) with the lack of resources available. Its obviously a job with many frustrations.

Not sure if this has been asked already:

There was a lot of public outcry to the use of Garda personnel when the water meters were being installed and the fact that this was protection for a private company on behalf of the state. Was this a role you had to do - and if not - what was the general consensus within the force that Gardaí were tasked with doing this when there is so much more these Gardaí could have been doing on the crime side of things?
(I'm not trying to start a Garda bashing point - I'm just curious - I have an uncle who retired after near 30 years a Garda so I have the upmost respect for the job you have to do.)

Whitewater-AGS · 19-10-2016 4:23pm

I'm a Garda, AMA wrote: »

The Garda has to have a legal reason to pull you in. Fortunately, traffic law
is very robust in this aspect, as any breach of traffic law is legal reason to pull someone in. That is something as simple are barely going over a continous white line, not stopping before the white line at the lights, failure to indicate, etc. Once the legal power to pull over has been established, the Garda can pull you over. After that, there are different parts of legislation which dictate what a Garda can and can't demand. If you were pulled over for a traffic offence, the Garda has the right to demand licence, insurance, etc. Failure to comply is an arrestable offence. It's the same in the US, they have to have a legal reason to pull you over. They usually do, and the ones recording are probably cop haters or social justice warriors who think they know their rights. They're usually wrong. Law is very complicated and convoluted. A Garda with 30 years service still won't know everything. A Garda can ask you anything, but can only demand certain things. And, Ireland being Ireland, the Gardaí are less authorative than some of our counterparts, so it's not uncommon for a demand to be disguised as a question; "Can I see your licence and insurance please" instead of "I am now demanding to see your licence and insurance details". The first is friendlier, the second is more authorative. If you don't answer the friendly way, the authorative way then takes over.

Pat Harty would beat you with a law lecture book. No motoring offence needs to have happened, S.109 RTA is the power to stop any vehicle. No reason needed.;) Its very different here to the states.

beertons · 19-10-2016 4:31pm

Holy moley, that was the longest multiquote I ever read.

Head to coppers much when up in the big schmoke?

ED E · 19-10-2016 4:45pm

Thanks for answering my previous two questions. I'll be greedy and ask a third.

What would your views be on having a civilian head of the force/police head but appointed from an external background?

Comic Book Guy · 19-10-2016 4:50pm

When you were off duty and heading home in your private car, if someone over took you exceeding the speed limit could you have pulled them in?

ever use the siren for non Garda stuff when in the squad car like beating the traffic to get to a shop before closing?

I had dealings with someone I don't know via Donedeal that didn't work out on my side of the deal. After getting burnt I subsequently found out that said individual is "known to the Gardaí". The money involved is small enough but its the principal of it that annoys me. Should I just walk away and take it as a lesson learnt or what would you have recommended in your former role?

.G. · 19-10-2016 5:34pm

Why do Gardai feel they can park anywhere they like anytime they like? Why do Gardai feel they can flout the road traffic laws they expect the rest of us to observe? For example mobile phone use while driving, speeding, sticking the blue lights on to get through bad traffic then knocking them off again once through. How many take advantage of their status to get free stuff. I use a deli in Dublin and a few Gardai are regulars yet I've never seen them pay for anything.

I see all this stuff on a regular basis and it gives the rest of you a bad name and like you spoke of earlier, damages any hope that people will respect Gardai.

Boards.ie: Niamh · 19-10-2016 6:03pm

superg wrote: »

Why do Gardai feel they can park anywhere they like anytime they like? Why do Gardai feel they can flout the road traffic laws they expect the rest of us to observe? For example mobile phone use while driving, speeding, sticking the blue lights on to get through bad traffic then knocking them off again once through. How many take advantage of their status to get free stuff. I use a deli in Dublin and a few Gardai are regulars yet I've never seen them pay for anything.

I see all this stuff on a regular basis and it gives the rest of you a bad name and like you spoke of earlier, damages any hope that people will respect Gardai.

Just a reminder that we cannot expect our guest to answer on behalf of every Garda, he can only speak from his own experience. Thanks

Mightydrumming · 19-10-2016 6:05pm

Hi there!

In regards to medical emergencies, are all Gardai trained in basic first aid?

JCX BXC · 19-10-2016 6:26pm

Definitely the best AMA I've ever seen!

Just one question, did you ever notice people in general getting nervous around you, purely because you were a guard?

Barry Badrinath · 19-10-2016 6:29pm

Hows things.

1. What are your experiences of fitness levels in the AGS and do you think an annual fitness test should be mandatory.

2. Never having worn an AGS uniform, do you feel it should be upgraded to a more suitable and flexible design for regular Garda.

3. I know a good few people who left the DF and joined the AGS. I almost did myself. Have you ever met any ex DF and how did they fair out? Was there any difference between ex Army AGS members and regular AGS members?

4. Thanks for serving over the years, i'm sure you made a difference.

.G. · 19-10-2016 6:35pm

Obviously but I'm sure he'll have come across this attitude among some colleagues. Or maybe he won't have since he wasn't based in Dublin, that's where I see it all the time.

Head Wreck · 19-10-2016 6:41pm

What is your personal opinion on cannabis officer? Would you think it should be at least decriminalised. I think ye are fighting a losing battle. It's easier to get than milk. Also, stoners don't generally pose a threat to themselves or others. They won't be out fighting on the streets.

Do you know any of your colleagues who smoke a bit?

iLikeWaffles · 19-10-2016 6:59pm

Head Wreck wrote: »

What is your personal opinion on cannabis officer? Would you think it should be at least decriminalised. I think ye are fighting a losing battle. It's easier to get than milk. Also, stoners don't generally pose a threat to themselves or others. They won't be out fighting on the streets.

Do you know any of your colleagues who smoke a bit?

already answered was a good answer!

livedadream · 19-10-2016 7:46pm

superg wrote: »

Why do Gardai feel they can park anywhere they like anytime they like? Why do Gardai feel they can flout the road traffic laws they expect the rest of us to observe? For example mobile phone use while driving, speeding, sticking the blue lights on to get through bad traffic then knocking them off again once through. How many take advantage of their status to get free stuff. I use a deli in Dublin and a few Gardai are regulars yet I've never seen them pay for anything.

I see all this stuff on a regular basis and it gives the rest of you a bad name and like you spoke of earlier, damages any hope that people will respect Gardai.

to be fair if im walking down the street and attacked and call the gardai i dont give a crap where or how they park as long as they get to me... im sure most people would say the same.

if a crime is being commited park where ever ye like lads.

return guide · 19-10-2016 7:58pm

Did you put on the blue lights while bringing the chips back to the station for the tea ??

Only messing, fair play to you for lasting 10 years in a job that I for one would not do, respect.

KonFusion · 19-10-2016 8:06pm

Ever stop a motorcycle for driving in the bus lane?

Are you ever out with friends or family and witness them 'breaking the law' such as speeding, or something simple like that? Does it bother you or do you shrug it off when not on duty? Do they expect that you can provide them with favors if they get into trouble?

Does being a member of AGS have an impact on your personal relationships friends or family for better or worse (or no impact at all)?

0ph0rce0 · 19-10-2016 8:06pm

I'm a Garda, AMA wrote: »

I'm a country boy, Dublin is too busy and too loud, not to mention the traffic. It's nothing against the people, just the logistics and general feel of the city. I like falling asleep to a quiet night time. Anytime I've stayed in Dublin (the city part anyway, not the suburbs), it's just constant traffic noises and revelers. Give me a country house (with decent internet) any day!

The Garda has to have a legal reason to pull you in. Fortunately, traffic law
is very robust in this aspect, as any breach of traffic law is legal reason to pull someone in. That is something as simple are barely going over a continous white line, not stopping before the white line at the lights, failure to indicate, etc. Once the legal power to pull over has been established, the Garda can pull you over. After that, there are different parts of legislation which dictate what a Garda can and can't demand. If you were pulled over for a traffic offence, the Garda has the right to demand licence, insurance, etc. Failure to comply is an arrestable offence. It's the same in the US, they have to have a legal reason to pull you over. They usually do, and the ones recording are probably cop haters or social justice warriors who think they know their rights. They're usually wrong. Law is very complicated and convoluted. A Garda with 30 years service still won't know everything. A Garda can ask you anything, but can only demand certain things. And, Ireland being Ireland, the Gardaí are less authorative than some of our counterparts, so it's not uncommon for a demand to be disguised as a question; "Can I see your licence and insurance please" instead of "I am now demanding to see your licence and insurance details". The first is friendlier, the second is more authorative. If you don't answer the friendly way, the authorative way then takes over.

Similar to the above

If I'm walking down the street as normal in the middle of the day and the guards stop me and start asking questions like name & address, Where I'm going / coming from.

Do I have to answer them if they have no proof or suspicion of me causing an offence. Do I not have to be informed of an offence and under what act in which I'm being stopped for before they can ask me anything.

Or will they just pull the Public Order Act ****e and make stuff up until you give your information?

9or10 · 19-10-2016 8:07pm

Hi Garda - just wanted to say thanks for doing this. I think its very useful.

I'm a Garda, AMA wrote: »

Definitely concerned. No one ever expected something like what happened to D/Gda Donohue. I didn't know him personally, or even have heard of him prior to that incident. But it genuinely hit me hard. It's a strange feeling, one you only get in jobs like these where someone who does the same job as you, but whom you don't know, gets brutally murdered in the line of duty. You feel for him, his family, friends and colleagues like you don't for others. It sent the reality of the job to the forefront of my mind, and I shed some tears. The reality that it could have been me, as it was just so random and unexpected, it left a scar. It made me way more cautious, and I can understand why the American police are so trigger happy. If gun crime was a rife here, i'd definitely be cautious the whole time, knowing that this simple traffic stop could be the end.

A colleague of mine was fatally shot on duty in the late 90s - not police and not this country. When his kid stood up and said "All me Dah wanted to do was play for Everton" - there wasn't a dry eye

Huge supporter of the Gards - any I've come across have been really sound - but then I'm an auld fecker I don't get up to much.

.G. · 19-10-2016 8:13pm

livedadream wrote:

if a crime is being commited park where ever ye like lads.

Am talking about in general. Have a look outside Pearse St garda station any day of the week, or in the streets surrounding any courthouse around Dublin. Some old fart driving a garda van parked on the path and a double yellow line beside the site I'm working on today while he visited some one, was there for 2 hours. The laws apply to all of us but you wouldn't think it looking at some of these lads.

source · 19-10-2016 8:21pm

superg wrote: »

Am talking about in general. Have a look outside Pearse St garda station any day of the week, or in the streets surrounding any courthouse around Dublin. Some old fart driving a garda van parked on the path and a double yellow line beside the site I'm working on today while he visited some one, was there for 2 hours. The laws apply to all of us but you wouldn't think it looking at some of these lads.

Also former Garda here.

There is an exemption for Gardai:

Section 23 Road Traffic Act 2014

23. Section 87 of the Act of 2010 is amended by substituting for subsection (1) the following:

“(1) Requirements under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2010 relating to vehicles and requirements, restrictions and prohibitions relating to the driving and use of vehicles, other than those provided under sections 49, 50, 51A, 52 and 53 of the Principal Act, sections 12, 13 and 15 of the Act of 1994 and sections 4, 5, 11, 12 and 14 of this Act, do not apply to—

(a) the driving or use by a member of the Garda Síochána, an ambulance service (provided by a pre-hospital emergency care service provider recognised by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council established by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (Establishment) Order 2000 ( S.I. No. 109 of 2000 )) or a fire brigade of a fire authority (within the meaning of the Fire Services Act 1981 ) of a vehicle in the performance of the duties of that member, or

(b) a person driving or using a vehicle under the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána,

where such use does not endanger the safety of road users.”.

[\Quote]

19-10-2016 8:25pm

superg wrote: »

Am talking about in general. Have a look outside Pearse St garda station any day of the week, or in the streets surrounding any courthouse around Dublin. Some old fart driving a garda van parked on the path and a double yellow line beside the site I'm working on today while he visited some one, was there for 2 hours. The laws apply to all of us but you wouldn't think it looking at some of these lads.

You have a problem with the guards parking outside a Garda station??!
If there's anywhere that should actually provide parking for state vehicles, it's a courthouse wouldn't you think?

.G. · 19-10-2016 8:32pm

I have a problem with inconsiderate parking anywhere but they seem to be exempt so I'll just have to get on with it.

For your second point, Yes you would think they would provide parking for them but seemingly they dont seem to provide enough since their cars can be found parked on double yellows and footpaths all over the shop.

.G. · 19-10-2016 8:34pm

source wrote: »

Also former Garda here.

There is an exemption for Gardai:

Section 23 Road Traffic Act 2014

23. Section 87 of the Act of 2010 is amended by substituting for subsection (1) the following:

“(1) Requirements under the Road Traffic Acts 1961 to 2010 relating to vehicles and requirements, restrictions and prohibitions relating to the driving and use of vehicles, other than those provided under sections 49, 50, 51A, 52 and 53 of the Principal Act, sections 12, 13 and 15 of the Act of 1994 and sections 4, 5, 11, 12 and 14 of this Act, do not apply to—

(a) the driving or use by a member of the Garda Síochána, an ambulance service (provided by a pre-hospital emergency care service provider recognised by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council established by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (Establishment) Order 2000 ( S.I. No. 109 of 2000 )) or a fire brigade of a fire authority (within the meaning of the Fire Services Act 1981 ) of a vehicle in the performance of the duties of that member, or

(b) a person driving or using a vehicle under the direction of a member of the Garda Síochána,

where such use does not endanger the safety of road users.”.

[\Quote]

Fair enough. What about the other things I mentioned. Not so much the shop stuff but the other things, exempt from that too? Genuinely interested so I know whether to bother taking a reg and making a phone call. I asked the Garda twitter but they didn't answer me.

stop animal cruelty · 19-10-2016 8:35pm

I would imagine being a Garda you would need a hell of alot of patience, esp dealing with time wasters, people who love a bit of drama etc, did you find the job testing your patience alot of the time? And how did you manage it?

Roughly, how many people have become/are a guard that are not suitable for the job? eg lazy, doing it for status, poor communication skills, too much of a push over etc

livedadream · 19-10-2016 8:36pm

I'm a firm believer in trying not to care about other people and their jobs... As long as their doing the right thing and helping the people that need to be helped who gives a **** where they park?
If them parking wherever they like is the worst complaint we have then we pretty ****ing lucky.

And do remember your speaking in generalisations not all gardai get free breakfast rolls and cups of tea from shops. Not all get free stuff, get a grip you seem to have a chip on your shoulder. Remember like mammy said if you don't have anything to say don't say anything at all they do double the work for half the pay put up with total scum bags and get ripped to pieces by the general public for doing heir jobs to fast to slow to good to bad they can't win.

.G. · 19-10-2016 8:40pm

livedadream wrote: »

I'm a firm believer in trying not to care about other people and their jobs... As long as their doing the right thing and helping the people that need to be helped who gives a **** where they park?
If them parking wherever they like is the worst complaint we have then we pretty ****ing lucky.

And do remember your speaking in generalisations not all gardai get free breakfast rolls and cups of tea from shops. Not all get free stuff, get a grip you seem to have a chip on your shoulder. Remember like mammy said if you don't have anything to say don't say anything at all they do double the work for half the pay put up with total scum bags and get ripped to pieces by the general public for doing heir jobs to fast to slow to good to bad they can't win.

The parking was one thing I mentioned and the shop was the second one. Trivial I agree compared to the more serious ones I mentioned which you've ignored. I'm a firm believer that these fella's need to practice what they preach because they set the example they expect the rest of us to follow, even if they are exempt.

19-10-2016 8:54pm

Firstly...much respect. It's a job that I'm not sure I could do.

My question is: Does the length of time the likes of the Adrian Donahue investigation is taking with apparent lack of progress annoy you or do you just think that it'll come to pass eventually with the people involved answering for it?

coyle21 · 19-10-2016 8:54pm

hello there, I am from NI and was in a filling station last week getting diesel, was driving off when a unmarked car pulls up beside me with a one guard in the car and starts asking me alot questions of what i'm doing here and so on and for my licence, had not licence on me but what information am suppose to give yourselves please when approached, made me feel like I was up to no good which was not the case at all

Comic Book Guy · 19-10-2016 9:00pm

What was the most frightening experience you hand on the job? Have you ever feared for your life while on duty?
Why do some of the force have such low powered cars?
How deep would the most under cover garda be in a criminal organisation if any?

Paully D · 19-10-2016 9:21pm

Do you have any idea how fast you were posting?

0ph0rce0 · 19-10-2016 9:27pm

coyle21 wrote: »

hello there, I am from NI and was in a filling station last week getting diesel, was driving off when a unmarked car pulls up beside me with a one guard in the car and starts asking me alot questions of what i'm doing here and so on and for my licence, had not licence on me but what information am suppose to give yourselves please when approached, made me feel like I was up to no good which was not the case at all

If you have done nothing, then you tell them nothing and carry on.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo · 19-10-2016 9:39pm

superg wrote: »

The parking was one thing I mentioned and the shop was the second one. Trivial I agree compared to the more serious ones I mentioned which you've ignored. I'm a firm believer that these fella's need to practice what they preach because they set the example they expect the rest of us to follow, even if they are exempt.

This is an AMA with a former Garda who has given answers here that people are interested in reading. It feels like you just want to rant about the chip on your shoulder instead of giving him a chance to respond to your and everyone else's question(s).

.G. · 19-10-2016 9:46pm

superg wrote:

Fair enough. What about the other things I mentioned. Not so much the shop stuff but the other things, expect from that too? Genuinely interested so I know whether to bother taking a reg and making a phone call. I asked the Garda twitter but they didn't answer me.

Tangatagamadda Chaddabinga Bonga Bungo wrote:

This is an AMA with a former Garda who has given answers here that people are interested in reading. It feels like you just want to rant about the chip on your shoulder instead of giving him a chance to respond to your and everyone else's question(s).

People have asked me stuff, I've answered them. As you say I just have questions like everyone else. Maybe folk should just let him answer them rather than voice their opinion about my questions and me in general?

job seeker · 19-10-2016 9:53pm

Will a qualification in Irish always be a requirement for entering the gardai ?
Also do you think the qualification requirement for the Gardai is a little dated?

I ask this as I done the leaving cert applied in school and that didn't include irish, so I couldn't apply.

And, what's the fastest speed you ever experience in a car or on motorbike?
Also, do you think gardai should be armed?
Also, Whats your favourite takeaway meal?

Now Ye're Talking - to a member of An Garda Síochána

Comments