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Extra.ie
3 days ago
- Extra.ie
One in three gardai not trained to drive at high speed -- or use lights and sirens
A third of Garda drivers are not trained to drive at speed or to use lights or sirens, can reveal. There are now calls to change the entire driving training system to a new model, which will see more members of the force being able to respond to calls without fear of discipline. There have been several incidents in recent years in which members of the force have faced legal or disciplinary difficulties for chasing alleged criminals. A third of Garda drivers are not trained to drive at speed or to use lights or sirens, can reveal. Pic: Leah Farrell/Rolling News In total, there are just 4,700 members of the force who are trained to the level where they can use lights and sirens while also breaking the speed limit to respond to calls. The remaining 8,913 Garda members have only completed the basic driving assessment, which allows them to drive patrol cars. To drive at higher speeds and use equipment such as lights or sirens, gardaí are required to pass a specific level of training called Competency Behaviour Driving 2 (CBD2). CBD2 is a two-week course aimed at frontline Garda drivers. This course contains road techniques and emergency response driving. Last year, just under 600 members were trained in CBD2. The number so far for this year is 277. The Garda Representative Association (GRA), along with other Garda associations, has repeatedly said that the threat of internal investigation or discipline has resulted in gardaí being fearful of doing their jobs. Detective Garda Mark Ferris of the GRA has claimed that no gardaí in the country are specifically trained for pursuits. Pic: KarlM Photography/Shutterstock A new Garda Spontaneous Pursuits Policy was published in December 2024. It states that gardaí are now permitted to chase scramblers, motorcycles, and electric bikes in a more proactive way, a change from previous restrictions, where they were often told to step down from any pursuits of these vehicles. Detective Garda Mark Ferris of the GRA has claimed that there are no gardaí in the country who are specifically trained for pursuits. He said: 'There is no member of An Garda Síochána trained and appropriately authorised in pursuit driving which renders the policy inoperable. 'Competency Based Driving 2 [CBD2] drivers, which make up the vast majority of response drivers, are not trained in any element of pursuit. To allow these pursuits magnifies the risks to the health and safety of rank-and-file gardaí and jeopardises their career trajectory with the potential for disciplinary or even legal action in the event of a mishap. In total, there are just 4,700 members of the force who are trained to the level where they can use lights and sirens while also breaking the speed limit to respond to calls. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto/Shutterstock 'Until An Garda Síochána addresses this lack of training, pursuit policies will remain theoretical and expose everyone involved to high-risk situations. Inadequate or no training results in individuals making poor decisions or, worse again, no decisions. 'The risk to the public is great in situations where people are not equipped appropriately to deal with dynamically unfolding events.' In a statement, An Garda Síochána said it does not comment on internal procedure documents. However, a spokesman said that Garda HQ had been criticised in the past for having a pursuit policy that was too restrictive. He said: 'The policy statement clearly states, 'It is the aim of An Garda Síochána to preserve the safety of members of the public and Garda personnel when a spontaneous pursuit is initiated'.' He added: 'Any decision to engage in a pursuit must be done in the interests of public safety, to protect life, to prevent crime and to apprehend offender(s) in line with the statutory obligations set out in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. 'A key consideration is to ask if the pursuit is necessary and balanced against threat, risk and harm for which the subject driver is being/about to be pursued. An Garda Síochána has previously been subject of adverse criticism, internally by various garda representative associations, and mainstream media and public, that the previous pursuit policy was too restrictive. 'The current documents provide guidance and direction to Garda personnel who in the course of their duties engage in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk associated with pursuits and stopping of subject vehicles, rather than a prescriptive process.
The Journal
6 days ago
- The Journal
Garda warns of serious flaw in car chase policy as 'no drivers' trained in pursuit skills
THERE IS A serious flaw in the new garda pursuit policy as no garda is specifically trained to chase fleeing criminals in cars, a garda representative has claimed. Mark Ferris, who is a detective garda and an official with the Garda Representative Association (GRA), has gone public with serious concerns around the strategy used by An Garda Síochána to pursue vehicles. Ferris, writing in the latest quarterly Emergency Services Ireland magazine , has outlined that there is a gap in garda training. The detective said that gardaí are trained to respond rapidly to calls, known as response driving, but they are not specifically trained to deal with the rigours and danger of a pursuit. Since 2019 gardaí who are permitted to drive patrol cars have been trained and cleared through a qualifications known as Competency Based Driving (CBD). CBD One allows them drive but not respond on lights and sirens – CBD Two allows them to drive with the lights and sirens. Gap in training What Ferris has identified is a gap in training that while some members are qualified to drive fast and rapidly through traffic they are not trained in the specific skillset needed to manage a pursuit. 'There is no member of An Garda Siochana trained and appropriately authorised in pursuit driving which renders the policy inoperable. 'Competency Based Driving 2 (CBD2) drivers (which make up the vast majority of response drivers) are not trained in any element of pursuit. 'Response driver training, as governed by the Emergency Services Driving Standard (ESDS) in An Garda Síochána, is frequently conflated with pursuit driving, highlighting a misalignment between organisational policy, operational implementation and public messaging. 'Driving to an emergency situation such as an armed robbery in progress with blue lights and sirens on is not, and should not, be confused with pursuit driving,' he said. Ferris has outlined the differences between response driving and pursuit driving. 'While pursuit driving requires active evasion and awareness of a driver's refusal to stop it also requires a level of competence to engage, while response driving is a distinct driving activity that allows trained members, for example under CBD2, to exceed normal driving standards when responding to emergency incidents. 'These fundamental differences highlight how the two activities should never be confused or conflated,' he said. Ferris said the College of Policing (the UK police training centre) has advised that non-pursuit trained drivers must not continue pursuits. Advertisement 'On closer view, the entire CBD driver training model also has no element of pursuit driving incorporated across any of its facets. Tactical vehicle containment or the use of vehicle stopping devices do not constitute pursuit driving techniques or the required level of competence with which to engage in pursuit driving,' he added. Ferris said Britain's College of Policing's pursuit framework 'explicitly stipulates' that all personnel involved in pursuit management, including control room staff, tactical advisors, and drivers, MUST undergo standardised training. The detective garda said this is not an advisory comment in Britain but is a 'foundational governance requirement' for lawful pursuits in the UK. Ferris said that the garda policy directive must be invalidated to prevent unacceptable risks to members of the public, gardaí and the organisation. A garda car at the scene of an incident in County Galway. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo The garda response Speaking at the Oireachtas Justice Committee in June , Commissioner Drew Harris addressed the issue of training but said that a policy had been implemented to manage pursuits. 'There is more training that needs to be done in respect of pre-planned pursuit. If there is a spontaneous pursuit, the obligation on the garda member is to report what is happening to control. 'A risk assessment is then conducted by qualified individuals in the control room. There is no blanket policy against pursuit. What we have put in place is a policy to empower and enable but there is specific training required,' he said. A garda spokesman said the force introduced a 'spontaneous pursuit' policy in December 2024 following consultation with the garda representative associations. 'Where feasible, the first priority should be to prevent a pursuit from taking place,' the spokesman said. The garda statement said that the decision to engage in a pursuit must be done in the interests of public safety, to prevent crime and to apprehend offender. 'A key consideration is to ask if the pursuit is necessary and balanced against threat, risk and harm for which the subject driver is being/about to be pursued,' he said. The garda spokesman said that gardaí must comply with 'fundamental principles, of legality, necessity, proportionality and accountability' as well as in keeping with international human right laws. The spokesman said that An Garda Síochána has previously been subject of 'adverse criticism' that the previous pursuit policy was too restrictive. The spokesman said current documents provide guidance to gardaí in the use of pursuit tactics and pursuit management in order to reduce the risk, rather than 'a prescriptive process'. It is understood that the policy does not specifically require pursuits to be halted in the absence of either a pursuit trained driver or a serious incident dispatcher. The garda statement did not specifically address the training standards. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Dublin Live
27-06-2025
- Dublin Live
Garda suffered horrific finger injuries after burglar attacked him with kitchen knife in pub
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Garda suffered horrific injuries to his fingers after a burglar who broke into a west Dublin pub slashed him with a knife. The respected officer was responding to a break-in at 'The Great Wood' by Wetherspoons at the Westend shopping park near Blanchardstown Centre in the early hours of Thursday morning when the horror attack unfolded. Sources say the thug managed to break into the pub and steal E1,500 in cash before the garda member attempted to apprehend him on the premises. The front of the property was damaged by the thief as he made his way inside. The criminal attacked the garda member with what is understood to have been a kitchen knife - slashing the officer in the hand. Officers managed to arrest the man as their wounded colleague was taken to hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries to his hand. It is understood his fingers were badly damaged by the sharp blade - and sources say he is lucky not to have been more seriously hurt. Reacting to the incident, Detective Garda Mark Ferris, who is the Garda Representative Association (GRA) representative for the Dublin Metropolitan Region West CEC told us: 'It is with real concern that we acknowledge yet another incident in which a young Garda was assaulted while carrying out their duties, this time during the arrest of an individual in possession of a knife in Blanchardstown. The male Garda received medical attention at Connolly Hospital and has since been discharged following treatment. 'I wish to commend my colleagues for their courage and professionalism in the face of such adversity. Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are entirely unacceptable, and sadly, becoming far too common. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily while carrying out their work.' Asked for comment, a manager for The Great Wood declined to comment and referred this paper to the Wetherspoons Headquarters. In a statement about the incident gardai said: 'At approximately 3:45am this morning, Thursday 26th June 2025, Gardaí attached to Blanchardstown Garda Station responded to a report of a burglary occurring at a business premises in Dublin 15. 'At the scene, it was apparent to both Gardaí that a burglary had occurred and they called colleagues by radio for assistance. As they searched the premises, they encountered a male in possession of a bladed weapon who became aggressive and threatening. "One male Garda sustained injuries. During the incident, a male in his 30s, was arrested and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin. The bladed weapon was seized at the scene along with €1,500 in cash. "The injured Garda, a male in his 20s, was taken to James Connolly Memorial Hospital for treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening. Garda welfare services have been made available to the Garda. The investigation is ongoing." The incident comes as a Garda representative told this paper this week that officers are being attacked 'on a daily basis.' Garda Eoin Browne, who represents the Roscommon and Longford divisions of the GRA, was speaking to us after a court heard how drug dealer Gerard Forte attacked two gardai with a meat cleaver - narrowly missing the head of one of them. 'Two gardai while conducting a search during the course of their duty were violently assaulted and both members were lucky to escape with their lives,' Garda Browne told us. 'We have one member (Garda Michael Fox) still out sick as a result of undergoing constant medical treatment another member gave a very impactful victim impact statement where he was attacked with a meat cleaver with his back turned and only for the grace of God he could have been killed. 'It very easily could have been a lethal situation,' he said. Garda Browne said the incident highlights the all too common events where officers in the region are putting their lives on the line. 'I just want to highlight the fact that these assaults on gardai are going on on a daily basis and are not just confined to the bigger urban areas. Towns like Roscommon have violent criminals as well and we just need to highlight the manpower issues in two common where there's just such a shortage of gardai and this has been going on now a number of years,' he said. Forte (29), pleaded guilty to assaulting both Garda Murphy and his colleague Garda Michael Fox - as well as producing a knife - namely a 'meat cleaver.' Forte, who the court heard already has a conviction for sale and supply of drugs and threatening and abusive behaviour, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for the purpose of sale or supply on that same date. The court heard that Garda Murphy was saved by Garda Fox, who struggled with Forte on the floor and couch of his home before managing to restrain him with handcuffs. The drugs unit officers had made their way into the home, repeatedly shouting 'gardai', the court heard, as they executed a warrant to search his home on the suspicion that he was supplying drugs in Roscommon town. In a powerful victim impact statement read out in court, Garda Murphy, who has had to undergo physiotherapy and has ongoing issues due to the incident, said he feels he is lucky not to have been killed by Forte on that night. 'It seems somewhat unfair for only me to give a victim impact statement because the reality is, is that this attack affects many many more people than just me,' Garda Murphy told the court. 'The fear that I may be attacked again, is our reality. The fear that next time, I won't be so lucky, is our reality. My tour of duty the evening of the 27th of December 2023, I have no doubt in my mind could have been my last,' he added. "I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever, that Gerard Forte, tried to fatally injure me." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Sunday World
26-06-2025
- Sunday World
Garda stabbed in hand after responding to Blanchardstown pub break-in
The garda who is understood to be a talented rugby player suffered significant wounds to his fingers A crazed man stabbed a garda in the hand after officers responded to a break in at a pub in Blanchardstown last night. The garda who is understood to be a talented rugby player suffered significant wounds to his fingers. He was hospitalised after the incident as was the suspect who is from Co Cork and is understood to have been 'highly intoxicated.' Sources say that he was armed with a kitchen knife and attacked the highly respected officer when he responded to the burglary at the pub. 'There was damage to the entry door – the culprit got in – gardai responded – the suspect went at the garda who is aged in his early 30's – he suffered injuries to his fingers from the knife – all are in hospital,' a senior source told the Sunday World. 'The strong belief is that the suspect was highly intoxicated,' the source added. Speaking after the knife attack, Garda Detective Mark Ferris of the Garda Representative Association condemned the attack. 'It is with real concern that we acknowledge yet another incident in which a young Garda was assaulted while carrying out their duties, this time during the arrest of an individual in possession of a knife in Blanchardstown. 'The male Garda received medical attention at Connolly Hospital and has since been discharged following treatment. 'I wish to commend my colleagues for their courage and professionalism in the face of such adversity. Attacks on members of An Garda Síochána are entirely unacceptable, and sadly, becoming far too common. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks our members face daily while carrying out their work.' Stock photo (Brian Lawless/PA) News in 90 Seconds - June 26th
