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| How did you go about getting your current job? |
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I'm attached to the Regional Traffic Department in Dublin Castle. We cover all of Co. Dublin. I've been there since 2003. Before that I was in a Divisional Traffic unit in Blanchardstown Garda Station.
Before I was accepted into Divisional Traffic, I had to sit an interview and pass a 'standard' motorcycle course. This was a four week course where I drove a Kawasaki 550 motorcycle. I was accepted into the Divisional Traffic Unit but I longed to drive with the 'Big Boys' - the Gardaí on the 1100 Pan Europeans (big Bikes).
In 2003 I applied to the Regional Traffic Department in Dublin Castle. I passed the interview and the advanced motorcycle course. It was long and really hard. I was only the third female Garda to pass this course and now I know why. It's definitely not for the faint-hearted. However the instructors were exceptional. I learned so much from them and I even have my own bike now.
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| Describe a typical day? |
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There isn't one. Every day is different. It's like Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.
My day could start with manning a bus lane, operating a speed checkpoint or taking details of a road traffic collision. It could end with escorting an ambulance with a dangerously ill child into Temple Street Hospital. I like not knowing how the day will unfold.
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| What are the main tasks and responsibilities? |
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A Garda’s main responsibilities are:
• preserving life and property
• protecting and serving the public
• detecting crime and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
In this context I have brought drug dealers, burglars and car thieves among others to court. I have successfully convicted many drink drivers and other dangerous drivers who were a serious threat to other road users. I know that my actions as a Garda have probably prevented many road deaths.
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| What are the main challenges? |
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Being a Garda is a challenging role. I am in direct contact with the public every day. Furthermore, I deal mostly with either victims or perpetrators of crime. This can be easier said than done.
A Garda needs to be able to empathise with a victim of crime, but not so much as to be distracted from carrying out the duties required of them, that is, investigating crime and prosecuting offenders. Similarly, a Garda cannot let feelings of disapproval or revulsion for a criminal's actions prevent him or her from dealing with the criminal in an unbiased and professional manner.
I have had to struggle with emotions regarding both of these issues. Thankfully, early on in my career I always had an experienced colleague to seek advice from and years of experience has now made it second nature. Within An Garda Síochána there is a peer support network and a welfare service available. With another 16 years left of my career however I'm sure there are plenty more of these types of 'challenges' out there for me.
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| What's cool? |
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As a woman, I have to say that being one of only a few female advanced motorcyclists in the Gardaí is the coolest thing ever. I love driving the bike. We drive 1300cc Yamaha FJR's which have, trust me, a serious presence on the road. I'm very proud of the motorcycles and the motorcyclists in the Gardaí. We undergo a number of extremely difficult driving courses before we are considered 'advanced' drivers.
There are very few careers out there that provide this kind of world class training. I've driven motorcycles in America, England, Spain and France and without being biased, I have to say, both our machines and training surpass anything I witnessed abroad (Oh and we look quite cool too).
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| What's not so cool? |
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My job can be exciting; blue lights and sirens, catching the bad guys and successful prosecutions. But along with that comes a lot of paper work. It can be hard when you're young and enthusiastic to sit down for an hour or two to type up and input reports into the system, but, it must be done.
I find I need to have a 'chat' with myself every now and again, where I lock myself away in a room and just get it all done.
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| What particular skills do you bring to your workplace? |
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I am a skilled and highly qualified driver. I drive motorcycles, cars and jeeps. I'm trained in the use of speed detection devices and breath test machines. I have years of experience in prosecuting road traffic offences.
There are lots of specialist roles in An Garda Síochána, for example forensic investigators, hostage negotiators or instructors. I found quite early in my career that I had a flair for dealing with road traffic matters and it became my 'niche’. In addition to the driving skills I believe I bring a number of qualities and skills to this role as follows:-
- Communication skills. It's important to be able to talk to people in a clear concise way, ensuring they understand me at all times. A Garda needs to be able to listen to others too, and have the ability to empathise with people
- I like to think I am quite level headed. I am a problem solver and am able to assess problems and come up with solutions while under pressure. I don’t think I panic when faced with difficult situations
- Commitment and dedication. I am very proud of my uniform and the work I do. I constantly strive to portray our organisation and myself in a professional manner. As Gardaí, we are held to a very high professional standard. I make sure I maintain that professionalism every day
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