Call for mandatory counselling for officers suffering trauma

Gardaí are left traumatised from attending fatal traffic accidents, stabbings and shootings and should be required to attend counselling, mid-ranking gardaí have recommended to Garda HQ.

The annual conference of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors heard that gardaí are often in shock after attending “horrendous scenes” and can get flashbacks.

Sergeant Fergus O’Brien from Wicklow division said he had attended a Mass for deceased Garda members two years ago.