The Garda Podcast

Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year - 2026. During this period, many significant meetings are taking place nationwide, attended by VIPs. In order to get these VIPs safely and efficiently to their destination, the Garda National Escort Unit provides motorcycle escorts. Our National Escort Unit consists of highly skilled Garda motorcyclists who provide these escorts for various reasons, including for the transport of VIPs and critically ill patents. In this episode, you'll go inside this specialist unit and hear about their training, more about who they escort and why.

The Garda Photographic Section, attached to the Garda National Technical Bureau, recently marked 100 years in operation. Garda photographers in the section go to crime scenes which include suspicious deaths and meticulously photograph evidence to assist investigation teams. In this episode, photographer Detective Garda Ian Redican gives a fascinating insight into the section, takes us inside a scene call out, talks us through his kit bag, provides a history of Garda photography and much more.

Drug Related Intimidation occurs when a criminal orcriminals allege that a sum of money is owed as a result of a drug debt. Individuals or other family members may be subjected to intimidation or the threat of intimidation. Intimidation can take many forms, including: threats of physical violence, physical violence, verbal threats, sexual violence, threats of a sexual nature, damage to property and various other forms of violence.  In this episode, Detective Superintendent Sé McCormack who is attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) talks about cases that An Garda Síochána deals with and the supports available to victims.

An Garda Síochána will be recruiting for Garda Trainees again soon. In this podcast, Patrice was joined by Sergeant Andrew Geary who was attached to Foundation Training in the Garda College at the time of recording. In this episode, you'll find out what life is like for Garda Trainees during their Foundation Training Programme and what it takes to become a member of An Garda Síochána.

Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney is attached to An Garda Síochána’s National Domestic Abuse Unit. In this episode, Laura talks about the signs of domestic abuse and the supports available. If you need help or are in immediate danger or require Gardaí, dial 999 or 112. If you think you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who may be, you can visit this link for more information. This episode features discussions about suicide and self-harm. If you have been affected by anything you heard, you can contact the Samaritans on 116 123 or Pieta on 1800 247 247.