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Cowboy Gardai

Xavi6

Now before I start this is NOT a garda bashing thread. They do a great job blah blah blah. However they get some nice perks out of it. Take my mate. He's a recently qualified garda, straight out of the sty and full of power. Flashes the badge wherever possible to prevent crime.....or to get a free bag of chips from Macari's.

It's unbelievable. Spar down from the station give him and his buddies free coffee in exchange for extra vigilence, he never pays into a nightclub, he can park his car in Dublin Castle all day to do his shopping and only today I've been informed he is on his way to Limerick by train with his buddies on the piss. Did he pay for the ticket? Did he f*ck. Quick badge flash and he's off.

What I'm wondering really is this just a perk of the job or should it be stood for? Also does anyone else have stories of rogue guards getting free chicken rolls?

P.S. He's also allowed drive a squad car yet is a notorious dodgy driving. I've had a brush with death on at least one occassion.

"Cowboys Ted, they're all a bunch of cowboys"

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Kat1170

If I was arrested after an incident like above and found out that the cops had a "relationship" with the shop Id use it to get any case thrown out of court, same as if the Judge was best mates with the shop keeper.

Then surely you should be hoping that the Guards get free stuff everywhere, and not bitching about the few things they do get. :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

GreeBo

colliegG wrote: »

Em actually you'd be mistaken about most of your assumptions but that's not the point.

well it is actually, so which am I wrong on?

colliegG wrote: »

The point is if I get a discount from a service provider I'm more likely to use that service provider again. I'm also more likely to mention my good experience with that service provider to other people such as friends or family. They will go there and if their experience is also positive, albiet without the discount, they too will mention it to other people and on and on. Thats what is happening with the gardai. It's positive reinforcement to advertise through word of mouth. It really is very basic marketing.

If you increase the pool that you offer "perks" to you increase the chance of other non-discounted business arriving.

Yes I understand how marketing works thanks.
There are far more IT people that Gards, why dont these shops give discounts to IT professionals?
But you are still missing the point.
In your instance the shop is getting custom from you, if a Gard is let into a nite club for free what is the club getting that they are not getting from me?
Why can I not go in for free? I will be buying drinks whereas the guard (as mentioned several times earlier, will not as they are bound to step in during any trouble)

colliegG wrote: »

The fact that the Gardai repeatedly use the same service providers to buy non discounted items shows how effective this tactic is.

You have facts to back this up? Personally I would say they reason they go back is the fact that they keep getting stuff for free...

How impartial do you reckon the Gards are towards these "Perk Shops"?
If there is in incident between shop A and person B and the Gards are called do you not think there is a slight chance that the guards will be influenced by the fact that shop A gives them their coffee for free everyday?
Cant you see how this is wrong?
If I was arrested after an incident like above and found out that the cops had a "relationship" with the shop Id use it to get any case thrown out of court, same as if the Judge was best mates with the shop keeper.

An Citeog

GreeBo wrote: »

So what you are saying is that these shops give you all these "perks" because they want something from you, i.e your money.
Hmmm I wonder what the niteclubs, etc want from the Gards that they are not already getting?

Also, (unless Im terribly mistaken) these shops are not:
1) paying your wages
2) organsed by the state
and you are not
1) a public body
2) in a position of power

Same thing with all the local authorities, in Dublin anyway. Fingal County Council staff get discounts in certain shops in Swords and Blanchardstown, Dublin City Council too, South Dublin in Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown aswell. You're "paying their wages", so what's your opinion on it?

If a Guard gets free entrance into a nightclub, he still has to pay for his drinks. If he gets a free coffee, it's because he's also bought a roll worth €4 or whatever. The shops are looking for somthing in return too ie. the Guard's money. As regards chippers and fast food restaurants, all prisoners are entitled to be fed. The amount of business a chipper could do just from being nice to the Gardaí is unreal. If you're regularly placing big orders, the owner would be mad not to say, sure have a burger and chips for yourself aswell. If he doesn't, you can be sure someone else will. That's not corruption, it's trying to win customers and make money.

colliegG

GreeBo wrote: »

So what you are saying is that these shops give you all these "perks" because they want something from you, i.e your money.
Hmmm I wonder what the niteclubs, etc want from the Gards that they are not already getting?

Also, (unless Im terribly mistaken) these shops are not:
1) paying your wages
2) organsed by the state
and you are not
1) a public body
2) in a position of power

Em actually you'd be mistaken about most of your assumptions but that's not the point.

The point is if I get a discount from a service provider I'm more likely to use that service provider again. I'm also more likely to mention my good experience with that service provider to other people such as friends or family. They will go there and if their experience is also positive, albiet without the discount, they too will mention it to other people and on and on. Thats what is happening with the gardai. It's positive reinforcement to advertise through word of mouth. It really is very basic marketing.

That's why you often see newspapers being discounted or indeed being handed out for free. (not the actual free ones i.e. Herald AM)

If you increase the pool that you offer "perks" to you increase the chance of other non-discounted business arriving. The fact that the Gardai repeatedly use the same service providers to buy non discounted items shows how effective this tactic is.

GreeBo

Lola123 wrote: »

QFT.... In russia the cops will take get you to pay up or they'll take your passport off you. And the funny thing is.... legally you have to carry yur passport around with you.

I dunno what these Russians are complaining about, in Nigeria the cops cut your arms off.

See how pointless that argument is?:rolleyes:

GreeBo

colliegG wrote: »

Where I work I'm entitled to :

A 10% discount in a gift shop across the road. (On production of ID)
A cheap haircut in a barber nearby. (On production of ID)
Cheaper taxis if called from work.
Very cheap parking in a nearby car park. (On production of ID)
A 10% discount on sandwiches in a place on Dame St. (On production of ID)
A varying discount from a local bakery.
Cheap dinner in a place in Temple Bar. (On production of ID)
Cheaper access to certain swimming pools, gyms etc. (On production of ID)
A well known computer firm is apparently introducing a discount for staff home PCs.
Several pubs and niteclubs around here run promotions specifically aimed at the people working for my company. These can involve free entrance or cheaper drinks.

I'm not a Garda.

Not one of these perks is authorised or funded by our management. They are completely unsolicited and are usually passed around by word of mouth. They're all very real and used by lots of my colleagues every day.

They're perks that clever local company's employ to attract people from my company to their business. It probably has something to do with the numbers of us flooding onto the street during the working day. Professionally I have never felt obliged to do anything in return for these businesses except use them more frequently. In fact a sandwich shop beside us used to close when our office was shut at weekends. That's how much our business was worth to them.

A good service industry needs to adapt to it's surroundings. If that involves perks for local businesses then that's what will happen. Anyone who'd begrudge a Garda a cup of coffee must never have heard of corporate gifts!

So what you are saying is that these shops give you all these "perks" because they want something from you, i.e your money.
Hmmm I wonder what the niteclubs, etc want from the Gards that they are not already getting?

Also, (unless Im terribly mistaken) these shops are not:
1) paying your wages
2) organsed by the state
and you are not
1) a public body
2) in a position of power

Lola123

Mutz wrote: »

Whats the fuss? Its a bit of water and coffe granules. COFFEE! OMFG its a BRIBE! Who's got their camera phone!

LMFAO! You guys have little to be moaning about! Isn't great that all we have to give out about is getting into discos free and getting the odd free cup of coffee!

Imagine living in Russia or the Ukraine where if you look at a cop sideways you get a full blown beating!

Off to the ombudsman with you and see what reaction you get! :rolleyes:

QFT.... In russia the cops will take get you to pay up or they'll take your passport off you. And the funny thing is.... legally you have to carry yur passport around with you.

colliegG

Where I work I'm entitled to :

A 10% discount in a gift shop across the road. (On production of ID)
A cheap haircut in a barber nearby. (On production of ID)
Cheaper taxis if called from work.
Very cheap parking in a nearby car park. (On production of ID)
A 10% discount on sandwiches in a place on Dame St. (On production of ID)
A varying discount from a local bakery.
Cheap dinner in a place in Temple Bar. (On production of ID)
Cheaper access to certain swimming pools, gyms etc. (On production of ID)
A well known computer firm is apparently introducing a discount for staff home PCs.
Several pubs and niteclubs around here run promotions specifically aimed at the people working for my company. These can involve free entrance or cheaper drinks.

I'm not a Garda.

Not one of these perks is authorised or funded by our management. They are completely unsolicited and are usually passed around by word of mouth. They're all very real and used by lots of my colleagues every day.

They're perks that clever local company's employ to attract people from my company to their business. It probably has something to do with the numbers of us flooding onto the street during the working day. Professionally I have never felt obliged to do anything in return for these businesses except use them more frequently. In fact a sandwich shop beside us used to close when our office was shut at weekends. That's how much our business was worth to them.

A good service industry needs to adapt to it's surroundings. If that involves perks for local businesses then that's what will happen. Anyone who'd begrudge a Garda a cup of coffee must never have heard of corporate gifts!

GreeBo

Mutz wrote: »

Whats the fuss? Its a bit of water and coffe granules. COFFEE! OMFG its a BRIBE! Who's got their camera phone!

so when does it become a problem? 4 Coffees , 6 donuts and a few sandwiches?

Mutz wrote: »

LMFAO! You guys have little to be moaning about! Isn't great that all we have to give out about is getting into discos free and getting the odd free cup of coffee!

Yeah, coz as long as we are not the worst, sure then its fine.
Way to reach for the stars dude. :rolleyes:

Mutz

Whats the fuss? Its a bit of water and coffe granules. COFFEE! OMFG its a BRIBE! Who's got their camera phone!

LMFAO! You guys have little to be moaning about! Isn't great that all we have to give out about is getting into discos free and getting the odd free cup of coffee!

Imagine living in Russia or the Ukraine where if you look at a cop sideways you get a full blown beating!

Off to the ombudsman with you and see what reaction you get! :rolleyes:

Xavi6

Kernel wrote: »

Do you have any evidence for this ridiculous claim?

I've seen it with my own eyes, hence my opening post. I don't go around with hidden cameras but I can asure you I've seen it happen. Others have too so it's far from a 'ridiculous claim'.

Kernel wrote: »

You've ignored all the points raised here and are still proceeding with your clearly biased view on the subject.

Of course I have a biased view, I've seen something I don't agree with!

Xavi6

Cokehead Mother wrote: »

This thread is way off topic. It's not about gardaí, it was never about gardaí.

This is about the OP's relationship with their friend.

Alex (OP) and Melvin (Their friend - and wtf @ the name) have known each other since they were 5, and carnally since they were 14.

Recently, the relationship is being strained by Melvin's career and the OP is using this thread as a means to call Melvin a bastard.

My advice to the OP is to move on, gurl. He AIN'T gonna change.

I'm sorry but wtf?

Cokehead Mother

This thread is way off topic. It's not about gardaí, it was never about gardaí.

This is about the OP's relationship with their friend.

Alex (OP) and Melvin (Their friend - and wtf @ the name) have known each other since they were 5, and carnally since they were 14.

Recently, the relationship is being strained by Melvin's career and the OP is using this thread as a means to call Melvin a bastard.

My advice to the OP is to move on, gurl. He AIN'T gonna change.

thefinalstage

OPENROAD wrote:

Nurses (female) are generally hot. Gardai (female) are most definitely not.

Damn man! You haven't seen the new crop! Yumlicious.

kowloon

OPENROAD wrote: »

Nurses (female) are generally hot. Gardai (female) are most definitely not.

TAKE IT BACK! :mad:

TheNog

brim4brim wrote: »

I have heard of the garda ombudsman, I've just never heard of them doing any work.

Its corruption if a crime occurs in two locations and he goes to help the guy who gives him free coffee from being robbed instead of going to another more crime say a woman being raped for example.

A lot of guards can't or won't do the job their being paid to do either.

Have you lost the plot?? A simple theft or robbery at a shop versus a woman being raped. This is a no brainer.

Possibly like the poster?

Where are your facts of these gardai who can't or won't do there job?

ivanthehunter

make a complaint and suffer the WRATH OF COP...... they be out to bust your balls any chance they got.. its just one of the things u have to let slip.. its not worth falling out with a cop it will just haunt u

TheNog

brim4brim wrote: »

Nonsense, its a bribe, it maybe a stupidly small bribe but its still a bribe. If they got the sack for accepting any size of a bribe then they would be pretty stupid to risk their job for a free cup of coffee but they don't.

Do they get sacked for any level of corruption? Is there anybody watching to see if any guards are accepting bigger bribes? When was the last time you heard of guard getting done for accepting bribes or doing favours that brought to light by the guards themselves?

If you say it is a bribe then what is the bribe? Every bribe requires an action of the person being bribed, so tell us what is that action?? You need to show fact here

Some Gardai are dismissed or disciplined for many of reasons all the time. Two to three years a Garda ( i think based in Kerry ) was dismissed for taking bribes to overlook traffic offences, another was dismissed in Sligo this year for stealing money that was found and handed into the station, another was dismissed this year when he was found in a flat in Drogheda with drugs during a drugs search. These are just a few examples and there are plenty more.

If nothing has shown us in the last few years is that every profession will have few bad eggs. These professions highlighted are doctors, priests, gardai, prison officers, politicians and more recently solicitors. There is no profession that cannot say there is absolutely no corruption or illegal actions.

From reading your posts it seems to me that you have been personally aggrieved by the gardai. If you feel wronged then make a complaint to the Ombudsman.

Alessandra

Supermacs has/had a policy that if a garda walked in in uniform they could order what they want for free.

I think a lot of them do good work, like any profession, there may be a few incompetent ones out there but isn;t that life?

As for the perks, think many people get perks in other jobs undeservedly, why begrudge the gardai?

AngryHippie

TO be fair to the cops, they deal with the worst of the worst, so that we don't have to. If that means they get a little gratuity from businesses then so be it. It's not as if the cops are sittin watchin for donut theives all day every day. Sure some of them could work harder, and some could work smarter, But the same is true of every profession, But you don't get hated by stupid members of the society you are striving to protect

TheNog

brim4brim wrote: »

What do you call it so?

An informal agreement where the gardai are encouraged to use the badge by the public transport companies and the gardai.

As for free coffee and free into niteclubs I suppose the shops are getting presence at their shops for free without having to employee security guards. The niteclub bouncers work with the gardai alot so assistance is given by either when needed. Gardai even give assistance to the bouncers when they are inside the club and off-duty.

I really don't understand why you are determined to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Is it just that you don't like the gardai?

Kernel

MrJoeSoap wrote: »

What evidence are you looking for exactly? Video footage? I've seen it happen with my two eyes, worked in a shop where I was told to give the Gardai an item free each time, so that in the case of an emergency they'd respond quicker.

The number of times they arrived in our shop with flashing blues on a normal afternoon expecting a robbery, only to find it was the shop down the road was not right.

Evidence to support the ridiculous claim that shops get extra vigilance from Guards because they dole out a free cup of tea. It's pure rubbish. As I already explained, the reason this happens is down to a business decision to attract more custom from the local station. If I owned a shop near a station you can be damn sure I'd hand out free teas if it meant that I would get more Garda customers coming in and buying all sorts during the day, with the added bonus of local robbers seeing that the cops are in and out of the premises throughout the day.

Same reason nurses from local hospitals get discounts, or Intel employees get discounts in certain shops in Leixlip. To attract more business. When I was employed by a certain multinational I got a 20% discount in a jewellers when I flashed my card. Was this because they were offered more vigilance? Was this a bribe? Get real! This thread is sending my horse**** detector into overload tbh. :rolleyes:

GreeBo

eroo wrote: »

It is not...but who said anything about the Gardai providing ''extra protection'' for the shops?Sure,they do get freebies

So why dont I get freebies from chippers and random shops/clubs then?
Gee, I wonder is it because I dont have anything to offer in return.:rolleyes:

MrJoeSoap

eroo wrote: »

It is not...but who said anything about the Gardai providing ''extra protection'' for the shops?Sure,they do get freebies but they do not put an officer on guard duty outside the premises our anything like that..

I don't disagree with shops giving out free tea or coffee to Gardai, but why else would they do it other than for extra protection or vigilance? Obviously its not an officer outside the door but there are other ways and means.

eroo

Seriously though you can't say that accepting free stuff in exchange for extra protection/vigilence is the right way for the state police to operate.

It is not...but who said anything about the Gardai providing ''extra protection'' for the shops?Sure,they do get freebies but they do not put an officer on guard duty outside the premises our anything like that..

MrJoeSoap

Kernel wrote: »

Do you have any evidence for this ridiculous claim? You've ignored all the points raised here and are still proceeding with your clearly biased view on the subject.

What evidence are you looking for exactly? Video footage? I've seen it happen with my two eyes, worked in a shop where I was told to give the Gardai an item free each time, so that in the case of an emergency they'd respond quicker.

The number of times they arrived in our shop with flashing blues on a normal afternoon expecting a robbery, only to find it was the shop down the road was not right.

OPENROAD

Xavi6 wrote: »

Nurses (female) are generally hot. Gardai (female) are most definitely not.

Don't know about that some good looking ones on operation free flow, certainly causing me to take my eyes off the road, not that the traffic is really moving.

Kernel

Xavi6 wrote: »

Seriously though you can't say that accepting free stuff in exchange for extra protection/vigilence is the right way for the state police to operate.

Do you have any evidence for this ridiculous claim? You've ignored all the points raised here and are still proceeding with your clearly biased view on the subject.

Lands Leaving

Xavi6 wrote: »

Nurses (female) are generally hot. Gardai (female) are most definitely not.

Bah, thats a tired stereotype. What hospital have you been going to? I just get oul' ones and dirty lookin yokes you'd throw out of bed, then into a burning building, for MENTIONING crisps in bed.

Trojan911

Xavi6 wrote: »

It's amazing how one little word can prevent slander....

It is indeed

. I hear what you are saying in your previous posts and I agree to a degree. They are there to uphold the laws of the country. They are the law enforcement agency for this country. They must be whiter than white etc.

In fairness I go out to work & being shot is the last thing on my mind. It is forefront to some of the lads 'n' ladies in blue.

I pulled into a queue to a multi storey carpark in Cork last week. It was pouring rain at the time. A female officer waved me on as the queue was going to hold up other traffic. I gave her some waffle to which she agreed to let me stay in the queue.

I parked the car went over to a coffee shop after & bought her a coffee and gave it to her and said "thank you" for not waving me on.

It works both ways...