Episodes

  • Policing Ireland v England
    Sep 27 2024

    Ireland and England went head to head in a UEFA Nations League soccer game at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on September 7th 2024. Due to the high risk nature of this fixture, the Garda Commissioner declared it an extraordinary event, meaning that leave could be cancelled for Gardaí to ensure enough resources were in place. In this episode, we follow those charged with policing this event in the days leading up to kick off and during and after the match. You'll get an insight in to the detailed pre planning that takes place, the many different specialist units involved, the wide reaching policing plan and we bring you inside the control rooms in Dublin city and the Aviva Stadium.


    In this episode, the Garda Podcast follows those charged with policing the Ireland v England UEFA Nations


    Every year, An Garda Siochana polices major events right across the country. From sporting fixtures to parades, from festivals to concerts, the policing of these events are a constant feature, particularly during the summer months. Although meticulous planning takes place to ensure each of these occasions run safely, some are seen as being more high risk than others and the level of planning is elevated. These events are categorised as extraordinary events. An extraordinary event can only be declared by the Garda Commissioner and means that leave can be cancelled for Gardaí to ensure enough resources are in place.


    Once such event, which was catergorised as extraordinary in the Dublin region was the Ireland v England UEFA Nations League fixture which took place in the Aviva Stadium on

    September 7th 2024. Despite the obvious rivalry on the field with a potential for tension in the stands, kick off time would be 5pm on a Saturday evening and the UK Prime Minister would be in attendance along with the Taoiseach, President of Ireland and other dignitaries.


    In this podcast, we'll speak to those charged with the policing of this high risk event. We'll hear from the Chief Superintendent in charge, Gardaí receiving and seeing off thousands of fans in the airport, the motorbike escort team escorting the VIPs to and from the stadium and we'll speak with the Gold Commander overseeing the event from the control room.

    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Dismantling a major criminal communication platform
    Sep 18 2024

    An Garda Síochána, working with Europol and Eurojust, together with law enforcement and judicial authorities from around the world, have successfully dismantled an encrypted communication platform that was established for facilitating serious and organised crime perpetrated by dangerous criminal networks operating on a global scale.


    On Monday 16 September 2024, as part of this International investigation, a coordinated International law enforcement day of action was carried out.


    Séamus Boland, Detective Chief Superintendent with the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and Justin Kelly, An Garda Síochána’s Assistant Commissioner, Organised and Serious Crime feature in this episode and explain more about this significant operation.

    Show More Show Less
    20 mins
  • Information-Led Policing
    Sep 4 2024

    The Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) is a national, operational support service that turns internal and externally sourced data into information and insight that supports investigations and management decisions within An Garda Síochána. In this episode, GSAS Director Sara Parsons details the highly specialist work undertaken by analysts in the service, including involvement in some of Ireland's most high profile cases.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Inside the Public Order Unit
    Aug 28 2024

    We have a skilled public order capacity in An Garda Síochána. Our National Public Order Units are constantly trained and assessed to the highest standards in tactics, equipment and fitness. In this episode, Garda Karl Burton, a Public Order Training Coordinator explains the function of the Garda National Public Order Unit.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
  • Policing Dublin
    Aug 19 2024

    Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis has responsibility for the policing of the DMR - the Dublin Metropolitan Region. In this episode, recorded in August 2024, she sits down with Patrice Harrington to discuss the many challenges and high points that come with policing a capital city.

    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Inside the Garda Mounted Unit
    Aug 13 2024

    Our National Mounted Unit provides very specialised policing on horseback support within An Garda Síochána. Gardaí and their beautiful horses undertake community relations activities, high-visibility patrols, crowd control at major events, searches for missing persons over difficult terrain, assisting at incidents of public disorder and more. In this episode, Garda Nives Caplice takes us behind the scenes at their base in Áras an Uachtaráin, Phoenix Park, Dublin.

    Show More Show Less
    21 mins
  • The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau
    Aug 6 2024

    The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) is tasked with the forensic examination of electronic devices seized during the course of any criminal investigation. The bureau also has responsibility for investigating significant and complex cybercrimes that target computer systems and provides cyber-prevention advice to the public. In this episode, GNCCB Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh brings us behind the scenes of this fascinating bureau.

    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Inside the Garda Water Unit
    Jul 29 2024

    The Garda Water Unit provides operational support and search capability in marine environments and hazardous locations. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of this highly specialised unit.

    Show More Show Less
    16 mins