Visit at the Henry Street Garda Station - Limerick

Today, I visited the Garda Station in downtown Limerick. Limerick is the third largest city in Ireland, behind Dublin and Cork, with a population of 94,000 sitting along the Shannon River. The Henry Street station serves as the hub of County Limerick.

I was able to meet with officials at the station and allowed to observe and discuss several matters. We talked of the state of policing in Ireland. I also wanted to gain a better understanding of the current practices of training new Gardai.

I met with the sergeant and staff members from the Training Division and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Sergeant John Flaherty, Garda Anne Cronin and Colin O'Carroll allowed me to review and discuss the reflective journals of probationary Garda. Following 8 months of training and education at the Garda College in Templemore, there is a 70-week period where certain milestones are to be met along the way towards finishing probation. After graduating from the Garda College, the probationary officers are assigned a policing tutor and go through several phases. Since 2015, members work towards earning the Bachelors of Arts Degree in Applied Science, from the Garda College in conjunction with the University of Limerick Law School. probationers go through several stages during their first assignment. The Assisting Stage (17 weeks), the Assisted Stage (17 weeks) and finally the Autonomous Stage (35 weeks). Reflective Portfolios, also known as the Personal Development Log, detailing the work they have engaged in, from community policing to investigations are documented, along with a reflection portion. This portfolio is meant to provide details on the activities the probationary officer participates in, and focuses on 20 behavioral areas. During the process, members of the Continuous Professional Development section, and Inspector and ultimately a Superintendent reviews the portfolio and meets with members of the command staff. A probationary Garda is expected to make two presentations on a project they have worked on.

I also met with Sergeants of patrol at Henry Street Station. We discussed the job of patrol and the assignments of patrol officer. Officers work in pairs while on patrol.

Everyone I spoke with was open, candid and honest, direct and willing to explain and share. I was able to speak to the supervisor of the Armed Response Unit Sergeant Pat Brennan. Since only a small number of members are trained and carry weapons, he explained the work and approach of the response team to calls for service and assisting in the execution of warrants.

My visit was originally scheduled for two hours, but easily lasted 5 hours! This was a rewarding day, contributing to my understanding of the Garda organization.

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