Gardaí say a lack of training and concern over unclear policies leave them in vulnerable position if pursuits go wrong
“And if there was no response, they’d start beeping the horn. Or they’d swipe you [veer towards a patrol car] out on the road. That was the culture: they were looking for the chase and so were you.”
A number of gardaí concede they have engaged in pursuits over what they now accept, with the benefit of hindsight and experience, were very minor matters that did not warrant speeding through a built-up area. When the men’s inquests recently came before Dublin District Coroner’s Court, a representative of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission applied for the hearing to be adjourned as a Garda member was set to face charges over the alleged manner of his driving. It was the first time anyone, including the garda about to be charged, knew criminal charges were imminent.
“We hear of gardaí sitting in traffic while crimes are in progress or members of the public are in danger,” he adds. O’Connor also believes there is a “fundamental question for society” about the rules to be put in place for Garda pursuits. If those rules are very restrictive and rigidly applied, criminals will know once they engaged in a certain type of driving gardaí are not permitted to give chase.
When on duty, gardaí must contact their control room and speak to a dispatcher, sergeant and inspector when deciding whether to pursue a suspect vehicle. If permission is granted to pursue, the passenger in the Garda car must provide what is effectively a running commentary on the speed, road conditions and whether members of the public are in the area, either on foot or in vehicles. If told to desist chasing, they must comply.
When something goes wrong, you’re on your own and the investigations into you could last for years. And of course the superintendent, and everyone else, keeps you at arm’s length for the duration
España Últimas Noticias, España Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
Three burglary suspects in custody after dramatic Garda chase in DublinThe three, who were travelling in a high powered Audi, failed to stop for gardai when directed to do so after it was suspected the car they were in was used in connection with several burglaries in south Dublin and Co Meath
Leer más »
Two due in court after Garda car chase across South DublinTwo men are due in court after a Garda car chase across Dublin yesterday afternoon. A teenage boy has been released without charge.
Leer más »
Teen refused bail after after dramatic Garda chase in DublinMartin McAleer (19) and Hughie Doherty (20) were arrested on Wednesday after a high powered Audi they were allegedly travelling in, allegedly failed to stop for gardai when directed to do so after it was suspected the car they were in was used in connection with several burglaries in south Dublin and Co Meath.
Leer más »
New Garda oversight body will need twice as many staff - GsocThe commission currently has about 170 staff and a budget of more than €16 million
Leer más »
Garda Reserve facing 'official neglect' as numbers drop - McDowell'It's very clear that the Garda Reserve has been allowed to decline by official neglect for a long period'
Leer más »
Murder case heard in underground carpark in Wexford with accused in Garda van'As well as the murder of Mr Gladyszewski, the accused is also charged with producing a kitchen knife in the course of a dispute at his own home on May 25.'
Leer más »