potnoodler
Registered User
- Messages
- 310
Is anyone else slightly concerned of the ever-increasing militarization of the Gardai, it seems to have started with heavy boots and combat style trousers and now I notice that the majority of the force have taken to wearing the anti-stab jackets.
While I'm not criticizing any worker wearing safety gear if there is even a slight risk of injury, I have to say it is unnerving to me to see how widespread it has spread throughout the country.
Understandably if it was in the major cities/towns , but in a small town in Wexford or Offaly I feel is over the top, how many Gardai get stabbed a year at two in the afternoon in Birr. While if it had no side effects then they would be no issue , but what happens is that it adds to the media frenzy of how an imaginary crime ridden society we exist in with thugs, rapists, drug dealers and scum lurking in every corner. My own mother believes the sensational headlines being constantly spewed out and hence is almost fearful to step out after dark in her very safe small home town.
It must be noted have I have 100% pride and admiration for our unarmed Gardai, and the fact that the majority of the GRA to remain that way despite pressure over deaths/injuries to arm. I've many a time boasted that fact when I lived in the US, Canada and Australia even though the international media had portrayed the entire island as bandit country.
Irish society has a tenfold better relationship with its law enforcement officers than the majority of its western neighbours and I for one would wish to keep it for as long as possible.
I just despise the thought that before long our police force will be armed/threatening and the negative changes that will follow
While I'm not criticizing any worker wearing safety gear if there is even a slight risk of injury, I have to say it is unnerving to me to see how widespread it has spread throughout the country.
Understandably if it was in the major cities/towns , but in a small town in Wexford or Offaly I feel is over the top, how many Gardai get stabbed a year at two in the afternoon in Birr. While if it had no side effects then they would be no issue , but what happens is that it adds to the media frenzy of how an imaginary crime ridden society we exist in with thugs, rapists, drug dealers and scum lurking in every corner. My own mother believes the sensational headlines being constantly spewed out and hence is almost fearful to step out after dark in her very safe small home town.
It must be noted have I have 100% pride and admiration for our unarmed Gardai, and the fact that the majority of the GRA to remain that way despite pressure over deaths/injuries to arm. I've many a time boasted that fact when I lived in the US, Canada and Australia even though the international media had portrayed the entire island as bandit country.
Irish society has a tenfold better relationship with its law enforcement officers than the majority of its western neighbours and I for one would wish to keep it for as long as possible.
I just despise the thought that before long our police force will be armed/threatening and the negative changes that will follow
