Gardaí test new ‘call centre’ system

THE garda authorities are testing a new communications strategy to keep patrols out on the beat and away from behind the station desk.

The Limerick garda division, it was revealed yesterday, has been chosen for a pilot whereby patrols phone in reports to a call centre in Castlebar, operated by the Department of Justice, while out on patrol.

The new system has just been introduced in Limerick and it is planned to roll it out in the Cork and Kerry garda divisions in the new year.