Latest news with #GardaHeadquarters
Irish Examiner
8 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Kinahan cartel leaders 'should be worried' after extradition of senior lieutenant
The Garda Commissioner said the leaders of the Kinahan cartel in Dubai 'should be worried' after senior lieutenant Sean McGovern was extradited from there to Ireland to face gangland charges. Drew Harris urged members, both junior and senior, in the cartel — who are either at large or in jail — to think about whether or not to help gardaí in their efforts to bring the leaders to justice. Mr Harris was commenting on the transfer over a week ago of McGovern — seen as the right-hand man of cartel leader Daniel Kinahan — by gardaí and military pilots from Dubai. He was brought to the Criminal Courts of Justice to be charged with directing and facilitating an organised crime group and with a Kinahan-Hutch feud murder. Speaking in Garda Headquarters in Phoenix Park, Mr Harris said the leaders, who are still in Dubai, should be in fear they will be next. 'Yes, they should be worried," he said. "They should have been worried now for a number of years because there's huge investigative effort and international investigative effort has gone into the Kinahan organised crime gang.' He said a lot of comments of what 'couldn't be done have been done' and a legal extradition had happened. Mr Harris said because of the cooperation of police in Dubai and legal authorities in the UAE, 'we've seen an individual extradited back to Ireland to face justice here'. Mr Harris reminded other members of the cartel they are in a bind, but there are options for them, in terms of cooperating with gardaí. He said: 'I'd also like to point out too, the other senior lieutenants in the Kinahan organised crime group, who are now facing justice or who are now imprisoned, the sanctions and the rewards still stand — there's $15m there of reward money through the federal law enforcement authorities of the US, so that is still in play. I just want to remind other members of the Kinahan organised crime gang the perilous position they are now in, that ourselves and other law enforcement are fixed on them and are fixed on bringing them, all of them, to justice. 'So, all of them should be worried and thinking about the choices, the serious life choices that are now ahead of them in respect of what to do over the coming months.' Deputy Commissioner, Security, Governance and Strategy, Justin Kelly said a couple of years ago, when he was Assistant Commissioner, Operations and Security, both he and the commissioner had said gardaí would be 'relentless', and the extradition of McGovern was 'absolute evidence' of that. He said the 'exact same' applied to other transnational crime gangs. Referring to the Kinahan cartel, he said at one point there were 47 members of it in jail. Mr Kelly also called on Kinahan lieutenants to have a 'really good think' about what choices they make in the coming months.
Irish Examiner
12 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Public trust in gardaí now at 89%
A new garda report shows that 700 body-worn cameras are now in operation across five stations in divisions in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford, while 15,000 mobility devices have also been issued to gardaí. That's according to the 'Transforming An Garda Síochána 2018-2024' report which is published today, Monday, by Garda Headquarters. It also shows: 567 Garda stations are providing public services in communities; 3,672 vehicles are now in operation making it the largest fleet in garda history; Public trust of An Garda Síochána is now at 89%. The report sets out the journey of the transformation and growth taken by the gardaí since the publication of the Report of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland (CoFPI) in 2018 which was guided by 10 key principles. Programme of reform It reflects a broad programme of reform from operational structures and systems to governance and standards as well as the ongoing transition and progress to date by gardaí — bringing about the biggest structural change in the gardaí. It details how divisional protective service units are now staffed by highly-trained specialist detectives and how this change has delivered for communities in particularly for victims of child abuse, serious sexual assault, and domestic abuse. The report also shows how: 75% of respondents agree that gardaí are community-focused; 82% say gardaí are focused on human rights and community-based approaches to policing; 4,000 Garda personnel have completed a University of Limerick-accredited course in policing and human rights law. New technology The report found that the issuing of 15,000 devices has minimised the time it takes to retrieve information on vehicles and people, as well as the issuing of fixed-charge notices. It also outlines how the development and implementation of new technology systems has ensured that when gardaí are dispatched to an incident all relevant information is available to them. Staff levels have also increased by 51% since 2018 which has helped release gardaí to front line duties as well as provide additional support to operational gardaí. Garda vetting The Garda vetting bureau is turning vetting applications around within eight days. Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "This report serves to document our transformation journey, while highlighting some key changes implemented by An Garda Síochána under A Policing Service for Our Future. "It provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that has been done over these past seven years to bring about really meaningful change in our organisation. While we have made progress, there is more to do. "And so, An Garda Síochána will continue to adapt to the needs of the public and we remain committed to delivering a modern, community-focused policing service to the people of Ireland.'
Irish Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tributes to 'well-liked' garda and dad-of-two killed at speed checkpoint
Tributes are pouring in for the garda who was struck and killed by a motorcycle after trying to flag the vehicle down. Brave Garda Kevin Flatley, 49, who was a father of two young children and served 26 years in the force, died when a motorcyclist drove into him at the old Swords to Balbriggan Road, in the Lanestown area of Lusk, around 12:50pm on Sunday afternoon. Garda Flatley, who was a roads policing officer based out of Dublin Castle, was operating a speed checkpoint on the road - and attempted to flag down the bike when the tragedy occurred. Garda colleagues rushed to the scene along with emergency services - as an off-duty doctor did his best to try and save Kevin on the roadside. Sadly, despite the best efforts of those who rushed to the area, Garda Flatley was declared dead at the scene. Meanwhile, the motorcyclist came off the bike and was critically injured in the incident. Last night, the motorcyclist, who is in his 30s, was fighting for his life in Dublin's Beaumont Hospital - after he was rushed there via ambulance. Speaking outside Garda Headquarters on Sunday night, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris spoke of Kevin Flatley's professionalism and dedication to the job. 'As Commissioner, I have to say this is a desperately sad day for An Garda Siochana. Really our most deepest sympathy to the family of Kevin Flatley, to his wife Una and to his children and his extended family, including his parents. 'Kevin today was performing his duty as a roads policing member. He's been engaged in roads policing from 2018, a very professional, proficient officer. He was engaged in duty to prevent speeding and he was involved in detecting speeding on the R132 as you travel north towards Balbriggan. 'Really regrettably, a collision takes place, he was struck by a motorbike and subsequently then dies. This is a terrible loss for us all but all of us acknowledge how heavy a blow this is,' he said. 'I'd just like to say Kevin has been a very faithful public servant, he has served in An Garda Siochana for 25 years. Prior to serving with roads policing, he served as a community officer in the Blanchardstown area, and was well known and well liked there and indeed well liked within the organisation.' The Commissioner stated that the investigation into the crash is in its early stages - and appealed for any members of the public who may have seen or filmed the bike involved to come forward. 'Obviously then, the investigation is ongoing. I visited the scene and I could see myself just the extent of the debris field and the vehicle in situ, the garda vehicle in situ as well. So those investigations carry on. We would be particularly interested in the movements of a large motorcycle, a Yamaha R1000cc motorbike, really after 12 noon today. This collision happened about 12:50pm. We're very interested then for anybody who might have seen this vehicle and who may have recorded dash-cam footage,' he said. 'We've already received a lot of assistance from the public in terms of witness statements and also CCTV and dash-cam footage and that appeal is still ongoing,' he said. 'I'd also like to thank members of the public, our emergency services, an off duty doctor who came immediately to the aid of Kevin and all assistance that could be rendered was rendered as quickly as possible but tragically Kevin passed away.' Assistant Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Region Paul Clearly, meanwhile, told of how Kevin Flatley was well liked within the force - and highly regarded in his local community of Balbriggan. 'He was well regarded by his colleagues, very much involved in his own community where he lived out on Balbriggan, the local GAA club and a very well liked person, very well respected and a huge loss to our Garda family today,' he said. In an earlier statement, the Garda Commissioner stated that he was 'deeply saddened' by the incident. "My thoughts, and the thoughts of all personnel in An Garda Síochána, are with Kevin's family and friends," he said. "We also think of Kevin's colleagues at the Roads Policing Unit, Dublin Castle." Garda Kevin Flatley is the 90th member of An Garda Síochána killed in the performance of duty. "Kevin was on duty this afternoon, serving the public by endeavouring in keeping them safe on our roads," said Commissioner Harris. "His death is a terrible reminder of the dangers faced by gardaí. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal." Several tributes have also poured out from politicians and policing organisations. President Michael D. Higgins stated: "As President of Ireland, may I express my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Garda Kevin Flatley, who today lost his life while serving the community. 'Garda Flatley dedicated his career to public service and to keeping people safe. The loss of a Garda has a deep impact on society due to this strong connection and my thoughts are with his family and all those who knew and cared for Garda Flatley across his life. Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said he was "deeply shocked" by the death of Garda Kevin Flatley. 'Very sadly, this brave garda has died in the line of duty, serving and protecting the community. I know his death will bring heartbreak to his family, friends, loved ones and his colleagues in An Garda Síochána across the whole country," he said. 'The women and men of An Garda Síochána go out to work every day to keep Ireland safe. They put the welfare of others ahead of themselves, as they work to shield us from harm and to strengthen our communities. 'As Minister for Justice, I convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to the parents, family and friends of Garda Flatley and indeed to the whole family of An Garda Síochána.' And Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'I extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Garda Kevin Flatley who lost his life while on duty in north Dublin today. 'Our gardai serve with courage and dedication each and every day to keep the public safe and to prevent crime. The loss of a garda while on duty will be keenly felt by those who knew him, in communities across Ireland and by all members of An Garda Síochána. Our thoughts and prayers go to all those in mourning following this terrible tragedy.' Tánaiste Simon Harris added: 'It was with profound shock and sadness that I learned today of the loss of Garda Kevin Flatley who died in the course of his duties on Sunday. 'Garda Flatley was a long-serving and much-respected member of An Garda Síochána, devoted to his job and to keeping his community safe. There is no greater example of that than today when he was working to keep the public safe on our roads. 'The untimely loss of Garda Flatley reminds us of the frailty of life and how suddenly loss and grief can be thrust upon us. It is also a tragic reminder of the risks that Gardaí take everyday in the service of our country and its people. 'I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family, his friends, his colleagues in the Roads Policing Unit and all those who loved him. Mark O'Meara, president of the Garda Representative Association, of which Kevin Flatley was a member, said: 'As an association, we have been numbed by the sudden and devastating loss of a colleague, friend and member of the Garda family. 'Today our thoughts and prayers are with our fallen member, his wife and children and his family as well as his wide circle of friends and colleagues. We have lost a wonderful friend and colleague and he will never be forgotten for what he gave to public service and what he meant to his colleagues.' Meanwhile, the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) expressed its deepest sympathies to the family and colleagues of the deceased garda. General Secretary Ronan Clogher described the news as 'devastating' and called it 'a dark day' for An Garda Síochána. 'We are in shock and numbed at the news this afternoon. No Garda shift is ever routine, but this one has ended in the most horrendous of circumstances. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased member. It is not easy for Garda colleagues today so please keep them in your thoughts.' AGSI President Declan Higgins says the Association will provide all their support to members, Garda colleagues and their families at this tragic time. Gardai have appealed for any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, and were in the area at the time are urged to provide this material to investigating Gardaí. Anyone with information is asked to contact Swords Garda Station at 01 666 4700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Irish Times
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Garda authorities to narrow hate crime definition in wake of new legislation
The Garda authorities have said they will narrow their definition of hate crimes following the passage of legislation that contains a much more restrictive definition than the one used by the gardaí. The hate crime legislation that was passed late last year provides for stiffer sentences if a court finds that hate was a motivating factor in crimes such as assault. The legislation provides for a 'demonstration' test for hatred, requiring the perpetrator of a crime to have demonstrated that they were motivated by hate, for example by using racist or homophobic language during or before an assault. However, this definition of a hate crime is much narrower than the one used by the Garda. In leaflets posted in Garda stations and on the Garda website, a hate crime is described as one where the victim feels that it is motivated by hate – a subjective test, rather than the objective one now contained in the legislation. READ MORE The Garda definition says that a hate crime is 'any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person to, in whole or in part, be motivated by hostility or prejudice, based on actual or perceived age, disability, race, colour, nationality, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or gender'. Asked about the discrepancy between the legislative definition and the Garda definition, Garda Headquarters first said that the new Act 'will provide greater insight into hate motivation of these, and other listed offences, in the Act and will be examined in reporting statistics for 2025 which will take place in Q1 2026″. [ Small increase in hate-related crimes reported to gardaí last year Opens in new window ] When pressed on the discrepancy, the Garda said the definitions relate to '2024 and previous years, when no hate crime legislation was in place. The definition in place for hate crime is now provided for in legislation.' The Garda subsequently confirmed that its definition of a hate crime would be changed to take account of the new legislation. Although there was no such thing in law as a hate crime until the new legislation was put in place last year, the Garda has been collecting statistics on hate crimes and hate incidents – an incident motivated by hate but which falls short of a crime – reported to the force for several years. Last week, it said that 676 hate crimes and hate-related incidents were reported to gardaí last year compared with 651 the previous year. But the Garda authorities said that hate-related crime is still underreported in Ireland and encouraged more people to come forward. Race remained the most prevalent discriminatory motive, up from 36 per cent in 2023 to 39 per cent last year. Just under half of all hate-related incidents occurred in the Dublin region.
