I was delighted to get the opportunity to speak with the Assistant Commissioner, and four colleagues who will be training the new intake of recruits in the Garda training college in Templemore on Thursday last.
The meeting lasted about an hour and was very positive. During our meeting they outlined the new B.A in applied Policing which will commence next month at the College. I was really impressed with the way that in this course, the students learn through working with realistic policing scenarios. To me it shows how practical and “real life” the course is.
At the meeting, I got a chance to get my thoughts across on the need the for more suicide training across the force. I outlined some suggestions that I would like to see included in their suicide awareness training. My hope being,that this training will be given in the Garda Training College and included in the Primary Inservice Program so that all members of An Garda Siochana will receive this training. This undoubtedly in my opinion will help and protect the Garda and indeed the suicidal person they may encounter.
They said they would think about what I said and that they found it very useful and informative. They also said that what was discussed will help them in how they train all members of the force.
That the meeting even took place is the biggest and most significant day for me since I set out on this campaign and I am most grateful to them for inviting me to the Garda Training College to speak with them on this hugely important issue.
I didn’t know what to expect but I left with the impression that they really listened to me and my suggestions and I genuinely hope that this could well be the start of something positive Please God.
Where There Is Life There Is Hope 