clappyhappy wrote: » I got stopped on Monday at 12.30pm in local village, 2 guards checking every vehicle both ways. My guard was non Irish, pleasant enough checked everything, tax etc, tyres, asked was I a fully licensed driver then breathalysed me, first time ever. Had to blow around 4 times as I hadn't a clue. Scared the crap out of me,i knew I was fine as I had nothing to drink the night before but it certainly made me think about driving the day after a few. I've a good few friends who are guards and honestly I think it's a horrible job. One has been moved into city and its scary what's going on with some people, I don't know how she does it. Another 2 friends were involved in the case of a very violent double murder and suicide a couple of years ago. They said seeing that home and what they had to do, no counselling would ever help. We tend to forget all the suicide scenes they have to go to, car crashes etc. It really does affect them and it changes them. They have to try and hide their feelings while dealing with extremely traumatised families. I know another guard and he is just an ignorant pig, on and off duty. So there's all kinds, as with everything..
Captain Obvious wrote: » I know it's easy to have a go at the Gardaí and people do deserve a professional service but there's some things that I think should be kept in mind. A recent study showed that Up to 11 per cent of serving gardaí may meet the clinical criteria for a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder, while one quarter are showing symptoms of trauma at levels that are “a cause of concern” Only in the last couple of years has a counselling service been brought in and attending it is voluntary. The Garda suicide rate last year was about 6 times the national average. As an example, I know a Garda who recently attended a fatal accident in the early hours of the morning. Was with the victim as he passed. Broke the news to the wife and kids. The personal circumstances of that family were particularly heart breaking. Went to the morgue with the family to identify the body. Back to the station for all the paperwork. 3 hours sleep then into an investigation conference to be given jobs to complete. Home for 6 hours and expected to be in for regular work at 9pm that night. That's a tough ask of anyone. i say this not for sympathy or as an excuse because the public deserves a well mannered professional Garda. I simply want to give a bit of an insight into why a Garda might not seem like he is treating your stolen bike with enthusiasm or why he might be pissed off at a traffic stop. It's very unlikely to be a personal slight on you and it's very unlikely it's because he only wants the pension. The fact of the matter is Garda management, the GRA and the government has completely failed it's members when it comes to resources and mental health care and the cracks are well and truly showing at this stage.
Wheety wrote: » I remember walking up Crumlin Road before and witnessed an accident. A couple of young lads on a moped coming out of the side road (Old County Road) at the tire place. A taxi knocked them off their bike. Wasn't too bad of a crash and taxi driver got out to see if they were alright. The lads were groaning quite loudly so I thought the quickest way to get help would be to run across to the Garda station, directly across the road. Me: *knocks on glass at counter* Guard: *opens door and says 'Yes?'* Me: There's been an accident across the road Guard: Where? Me: Just literally across the road Guard: What happened? Me: Couple of lads knocked off a moped, think they're hurt. Guard: And where did it happen? Me: Right across the road. If you look out the window you'll see it. At the tire garage. Guard: Which garage? *One of the young lads runs in* Young lad: I've just been in an accident. Guard: Where did this happen? Me: For f*ck sake. *walks out and continues onto pub* I couldn't believe it. Did he just not want the work? Probably nearly finished shift. Would have been quicker ringing 999 than expecting a Guard across the road to help.
bubblypop wrote: » And now you understand what happened in the ' breathalyser scandal' Gardai, detailed for duty on breathalyser check points, told by management that they had to be done, if they were not completed, big trouble for individual gardai. Same time, dispatchers are screaming for gardai to attend calls, that are stacking up........ So, some gardai, claimed they did more tests than they did. They didn't have much option.
Captain Obvious wrote: » In Crumlin the guy at the hatch is generally also the guy minding the cells which are just behind where the hatch is. He's not allowed leave if there's anyone there.
retro:electro wrote: » Only dealings I’ve ever had with Garda is when they’ve stamped my passport forms. If you find yourself frequented with the Guards more than the average person, well there’s probably a reason for that.
Wheety wrote: » Well I expected a bit more of a reaction out of him. He wasn't the only Guard in the station. He wasn't even taking any notes while asking these questions. Wouldn't have been surprised if he just said "Right, that's my shift over. Goodnight" and closed the hatch.
Graces7 wrote: » I have an idea that, rightly, they are not allowed to give lifts. If they were called on en emergency with a lay person aboard? There are taxis
freshpopcorn wrote: » I don't think I've had any real dealing with the Gardai. Apart from the public threading them badly I think some Gardai loose interest because of how people get sentenced.
opfleet wrote: » A lot of Gardai will never reach their full potential because of zero resources, poor training and lack of respect from the public which causes low morale over time. The same can be said for nurses, teachers etc. Just because a crime goes unsolved does not mean that nothing was done..Yes, some Gardai may be in a bad mood when you deal with them, but bear in mind they may have just come from a suicide, sudden death etc. The only difference between them and you is the uniform. Just trying to do a job.
WoollyRedHat wrote: » Bingo you've got it. There's a few bad apples along the way.. Martin Callinan you crook take note, but most are trying to do their best.
Discodog wrote: » I disagree. You don't take your "bad mood" out on the public. You are supposed to be a professional.
Brodie Creamy Yolk wrote: » Did she know her car must be taxed? Did the Gardai stop her from taxing her car on time? And why does it matter if she has kids if she’s breaking the law? It reminds me of a few years ago late November or early December the Gardai had an early morning checkpoint near a local primary school and there was uproar on Facebook that the Gardai were targeting mothers at Xmas time
WoollyRedHat wrote: » I also disagree with that part , but you can understand if that they're not happy sunshine the whole time
Discodog wrote: » The Guard has discretion as to whether to seize or issue a 10 day producer. It was wrong to turf & mum & young children out onto the roadside. Yes we can all be sanctimonious do gooders but some people actually struggle to fund an essential car.
Discodog wrote: » I have never met one that's "happy sunshine". I think that smiling is banned.
