Gardaí demand patrol cages

FEARS of serious accidents have prompted gardaí in Cork to demand that the Government fast-track the delivery of patrol cars fitted with “cages”, which can hold prisoners securely.

There have been several reported incidents where prisoners have attacked patrol car drivers on their way back to Garda stations, which had the potential to lead to serious accidents.

Prisoners have also lashed out with the legs, often kicking out windows as they are being transported back to Garda station cells.

Gardaí from the Cork North Division have put forward a motion at this week’s annual Garda Representative Association conference (GRA) aimed at seeking support for the move from thousands of other rank-and-file members of the force around the country.

Mallow-based Garda John Parker, a national executive member of the GRA, is expected to get widespread support for the move when the conference starts tomorrow in Tullow, Co Carlow.

Garda Parker pointed out that Dublin Bus drivers are protected from attacks by passengers by being housed behind security screens.

“It is only right that they are protected in this manner. But it is far more likely that gardaí would be attacked by violent prisoners while they are being transported to Garda stations. So, therefore, gardaí should be afforded the same protection.”

Garda Parker said patrol cars were the front-line workhorse vehicles when responding to public order incidents.

They would often arrive at violent scenes long before garda transit vans, which are fitted with cages capable of holding up to two prisoners at a time.

As this is the case, patrol cars invariably are most often used in transporting prisoners.

Rank and file gardaí are also concerned that their patrol cars are nothing more than ordinary family saloons, with the cosmetic addition of flashing lights and sirens.