Safety comes first- but deliberate ram-risks rising
The head of the Louth-Cavan-Monaghan Garda Division admits that Garda members are facing a growing danger on the roads, with erratic and dangerous criminals increasingly willing to ram patrol vehicles in desperate attempts to escape justice.
Chief Superintendent Alan McGovern told the Celt that while officer safety remains the absolute top “priority”, the threat of collisions caused deliberately by suspects on the run is sometimes an unavoidable hazard of the job.
“Yes, it’s happening more frequently,” he said, acknowledging the number of damaged vehicles has become “an issue.” “Our priority is always the safety of Garda members and anyone in the patrol car. Then we repair or replace vehicles as quickly as possible. It’s just part of the nature of the work.”
The Louth-Cavan-Monaghan division has emerged as a frontrunner meanwhile in An Garda Síochána’s electric vehicle rollout.
With 18 electric patrol vehicles currently deployed across the three county division- one of the highest allocations outside Dublin- officers are encouraged to embrace the green shift while balancing the demands of frontline policing.
Nationwide, the Garda fleet now includes 300 electric vehicles, according to Department of Justice figures. Dublin holds the largest concentration, but substantial allocations have also been made to counties including Wexford, Wicklow, Mayo, Roscommon, Longford, Meath, and Westmeath.
Within the division, Chief Supt McGovern highlighted the diverse fleet: Skoda Kodiaks, people carriers, community engagement vans, and even a mobile unit allowing residents to speak directly with a Community Garda. Motorcycles and unmarked cars have also been increased, providing versatility for a range of operations.
EV charging infrastructure was one of the stipulations incorporated into planning for the soon-to-open Bailieborough Garda station, reflecting the longer-term commitment
“Electric vehicles are suitable for some policing tasks, but at the moment the technology isn’t quite ready for 24/7 use,” says Chief Supt McGovern. “We’re always evolving the fleet to ensure safe and effective transport for our officers.”
Chief Supt McGovern concluded by striking a firm note on accountability however. While the exact number of “ramming” incidents varies with detection and ongoing cases, he says anyone caught deliberately damaging patrol vehicles will face the full force of the law.
“Anyone caught engaging in that kind of criminal activity will be brought before the courts and will face the full rigours of the law,” he warned.