The Garda Podcast
The Garda Podcast is the official podcast of An Garda Síochána, Ireland's national police and security service. It features interviews and behind-the-scenes features from across the organisation. Episodes provide insight into the work, people, and operations of Ireland's national police service.
Episodes
EP39: Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking involves the recruitment, movement, harbouring or receiving of a person through means such as fear, fraud and deception, coercion, force or the abuse of power or a position of vulnerability, for the purpose of their sexual or labour exploitation, forced criminality or the removal of the organs of a person. In this episode, Detective Chief Superintendent Thelma Watters from the Ga
Episode spotlight: Transporting VIPs
Ireland holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this year - 2026. During this period, many significant meetings are taking place nationwide, attended by VIPs. In order to get these VIPs safely and efficiently to their destination, the Garda National Escort Unit provides motorcycle escorts. Our National Escort Unit consists of highly skilled Garda motorcyclists who provide these e
EP38: Visual evidence: In focus with the Garda Photography Section
The Garda Photographic Section, attached to the Garda National Technical Bureau, recently marked 100 years in operation. Garda photographers in the section go to crime scenes which include suspicious deaths and meticulously photograph evidence to assist investigation teams. In this episode, photographer Detective Garda Ian Redican gives a fascinating insight into the section, takes us inside a sce
EP37: Drug Related Intimidation
Drug Related Intimidation occurs when a criminal orcriminals allege that a sum of money is owed as a result of a drug debt. Individuals or other family members may be subjected to intimidation or the threat of intimidation. Intimidation can take many forms, including: threats of physical violence, physical violence, verbal threats, sexual violence, threats of a sexual nature, damage to property an
Repost: Life in the Garda College
An Garda Síochána will be recruiting for Garda Trainees again soon. In this podcast, Patrice was joined by Sergeant Andrew Geary who was attached to Foundation Training in the Garda College at the time of recording. In this episode, you'll find out what life is like for Garda Trainees during their Foundation Training Programme and what it takes to become a member of An Garda Síochána.
EP36: Domestic abuse: The signs and support
Detective Sergeant Laura Sweeney is attached to An Garda Síochána’s National Domestic Abuse Unit. In this episode, Laura talks about the signs of domestic abuse and the supports available. If you need help or are in immediate danger or require Gardaí, dial 999 or 112. If you think you are a victim of domestic abuse or know someone who may be, you can visit this link for more information. This epis
Video episode: Operation Shamrock
Recently, our Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and other national units took part in Europol's 'Allies 2026', a training exercise designed to enhance cross-border cooperation and interoperability among European law enforcement authorities. The exercise simulated scenarios unfolding across 12 European countries in parallel, testing participants’ ability to effectively fight drug traffickin
EP35: Tackling rural crime
Superintendent Michael Corbett has been appointed as An Garda Síochána's Rural Crime Lead. In this podcast, Superintendent Corbett offers crime prevention advice to those living in rural Ireland and also talks in detail about topics such as: trespassing, illegal hunting and more.
EP34: Community Policing in Cork
Community Policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. All around the country, community policing units work in partnership with local residents, business owners and agencies, to prevent crime and enhance public safety. Community policing units are embedded in local communities. They are often the face of An Garda Síochána and are known on a first name basis in the localities that they work. The
EP33: On patrol with roads policing
Come with us on patrol with Cavan Roads Policing for this episode of the Garda Podcast. Sergeant James Gallagher and Garda Amanda Gilmartin take us on a ride along as they help to keep our roads safe.
EP32: Inside the Special Detective Unit
The SDU (Special Detective Unit) is our Counter Terrorism Unit with responsibility for State security. This highly trained unit mitigate and investigate any threats to the State. The SDU also has responsibility for the protection of diplomatic missions to Ireland. In this episode of the Garda Podcast, Detective Chief Superintendent Brian Woods gives a behind the scenes insight in to this fascinati
2025 rewind - Video episode about the interdiction of the MV Matthew
One of the most popular Garda Podcasts of 2025 tells the story about the interdiction of the MV Matthew. This special video episode is produced by An Garda Síochána's Office of Corporate Communications.On September 23 2023, a Panama flagged cargo ship called the MV Mathew entered Irish territorial waters, having set off from Curacao, an island off the coast of Venezuela. Unbeknownst to its crew, s
EP31: The Garda National Immigration Bureau
The Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) enforces immigration legislation in Ireland. In this episode, Detective Chief Superintendent of GNIB Aidan Minnock brings us behind the scenes of this busy and specialist bureau. This interview took place in mid-November 2025. Some statistics mentioned in the episodes will have changed at the time of listening.
EP30: Forensic Collision Investigation
Garda Forensic Collision Investigators (FCIs) are deployed in the immediate aftermath of fatal or life altering road traffic collisions. They are trained to forensically reconstruct a road traffic collision. In this episode, FCI Sergeant Paddy McElroy discusses this important role in detail.
Repost: High visibility beat patrol in Dublin city
Come with us on a high visibility beat patrol in Dublin city centre.
Special live event: The Garda National Youth Awards
The annual Garda National Youth Awards celebrate outstanding young people aged between 13 and 21 years, and recognises the good work they are doing throughout their communities. The awards, held in Portlaoise, gives An Garda Síochána a valuable chance to truly recognise the remarkable influence young people have on their communities. In this episode, you’ll hear from some of the 2025 winners. This
EP 29: Becoming a Garda - Part two
In episode 21, we spoke with four Garda Trainees who had just entered the Garda College in Templemore. Six months later, they join us for this episode of the Garda Podcast straight after their attestation (graduation) where they became sworn members of An Garda Síochána. If you are interested in following in the footsteps of the Gardaí you hear in this podcast, you can apply to be a Garda in the l
EP28: Garda Commissioner Drew Harris
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris took up the role of Commissioner of An Garda Síochána in 2018. After seven years of leading the organisation, he will now retire from the position, and from his almost 42 year policing career. In this episode, Commissioner Harris reflects on his seven years with An Garda Síochána. Some topics discussed in this episode include:-Proudest achievements as Commissioner -C
Highlight: Protecting ourselves against cybercrime
This highlight is taken from Episode 6: The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau. Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh gives some useful advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.
EP27: Inside the MV Matthew operation - Ireland's largest drug seizure
In this episode, Detective Superintendent Joe O’Reilly of the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau takes us behind the MV Matthew operation. The previous Garda Podcast episode - EP 26, outlines the timeline of the MV Matthew interdiction and subsequent conviction of eight men. Background:On September 23 2023, a Panama flagged cargo ship called the MV Mathew entered Irish territorial wat
EP26: The MV Matthew cocaine seizure
On September 23 2023, a Panama flagged cargo ship called the MV Mathew entered Irish territorial waters, having set off from Curacao, an island off the coast of Venezuela. Unbeknownst to its crew, suspicions about the ship’s activities had been communicated by international intelligence agencies to An Garda Síochána’s Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau.The ship was being monitored, with the belief t
EP25: Inside the Armed Support Unit
The Garda Armed Support Unit, also known as the ASU, is a specialist firearms and tactics unit in An Garda Síochána. In this episode, ASU member, Garda Emma Henebery takes us inside this highly skilled unit. This episode contains some discussions about suicide and self-harm. If you are affected by anything you hear in this podcast, you can call Samaritans on 116 123 or Pieta on 1800 247 274. In an
EP24: On the Beat in Dublin
In this episode, we go on the beat with two Gardaí based in Pearse Street Garda station. Find out what city policing is like during a high visibility foot patrol.
EP23: Inside the Cold Case Unit
Our Serious Crime Review Team, often referred to as the Cold Case Unit is tasked with reviewing historical cases, many of them high profile, such as the case of Jo Jo Dullard, Sophie Toscan du Plantier and a recent review in to the Stardust tragedy. In this episode, Detective Superintendent Des McTiernan takes us behind the scenes of this highly specialised and experienced team who are determined
Highlight: Diving with the Water Unit
For this highlight, we go back to episode five, where Garda Lorcan Byrne takes us through a dive with the Garda Water Unit. More Garda Podcast episodes are on the way very soon. You can follow the channel to get updates when those episodes drop.
Repost: Dismantling organised crime groups in Ireland. Ten years of the GNDOCB.
Our Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB) was established ten years ago this month, in March 2015. Last year, Detective Chief Superintendent Séamus Boland spoke to the Garda Podcast about the history of the bureau and its determination to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute those taking part in organised crime in Ireland.Over the last ten years, the GNDOCB has seized:• €627 million
EP22: Motorcycle safety
Superintendent Stephen McCauley and Garda Seamus Fitzgerald are not only Gardaí attached to our Roads Policing Bureau, but motorcyclists when they're off duty too. In this special episode, recorded in Dublin Castle, Stephen and Seamus discuss their passion for motorcycling and give some safety tips.
EP21: Becoming a Garda
What does an All Ireland winning Meath footballer, former stunt performer, firefighter and radio presenter have in common? They are all trainees in the Garda College and feature in this episode of The Garda Podcast. If you are interested in following in the footsteps of the people you heart in this podcast, you can apply to be a Garda in the latest Garda recruitment competition which is open until
EP20: Inside the Dog Unit
Our Garda Dog Unit is an integral part of our operational support service, consisting of highly skilled Gardaí and Garda dogs. In this episode, Sergeant Brian Dineen takes us behind the scenes of this specialist unit.
EP19: Keeping our roads safe
An Garda Síochána is committed to road safety. From enforcement to education, our Garda National Roads Policing Bureau is constantly innovating and collaborating to ensure we have the right tools and strategies to keep you safe on our roads. In this episode, our Assistant Commissioner for Roads Policing, Paula Hilman sits down with Patrice Harrington to discuss the part we are playing to keep our
EP18: Community Policing
Community Policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána. In this episode, Chief Superintendent Padraic Jones of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau sits down with Patrice Harrington to discuss this effective style of policing. This episode was recorded in late 2024.
EP17: The Garda fleet
From patrol cars to unmarked vehicles, from motorbikes to public order vans, the Garda fleet is unique. What does it take to procure such unique and innovative vehicles and how are they kept on the road to keep people safe? In this episode, our Head of Fleet Management gives a fascinating insight into the Garda fleet.
EP16: Missing Persons: Working together to provide answers
In this Missing Persons Day special, you'll hear from Detective Chief Superintendent Colm Noonan who has responsibility for the Garda Missing Persons Unit, Jerry Bradley, brother of Alan Bradley who went missing in Maynooth, Kildare in 1999 and you'll hear from Dr Hilary Clarke, a scientist from Forensic Science Ireland (FSI). Missing Persons Day, hosted by the Department of Justice, is an annual
EP15: Life in the Garda College
Our Garda College is the national centre for police training, development and learning and is based in the town of Templemore, Co. Tipperary. In this episode, you'll find out what life is like for Garda Trainees during their Foundation Training Programme and what it takes to become a member of An Garda Síochána.
EP14: Inside the Garda National Escort Unit
Our National Escort Unit consists of highly skilled Garda motorcyclists who provide escorts for various reasons, including for the transport of VIPs and critically ill patents. In this episode, you'll go inside this specialist unit and hear about their training, more about who they escort and why.
EP13: Garda vetting explained
This episode features an interview with Superintendent Niall Featherstone, Chief Bureau Officer with the Garda National Vetting Bureau. Last year, our Garda Vetting Bureau processed over 588,000 vetting applications from 28,000 relevant organisations.Find out why vetting takes place, what information is looked for during the vetting process, what is disclosed to an organisation, tips on how to car
EP12: Policing Ireland v England
Ireland and England went head to head in a UEFA Nations League soccer game at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on September 7th 2024. Due to the high risk nature of this fixture, the Garda Commissioner declared it an extraordinary event, meaning that leave could be cancelled for Gardaí to ensure enough resources were in place. In this episode, we follow those charged with policing this event in the days
EP11: Take down of major criminal communication platform
Find out how we played a key role in dismantling a major global communication platform known as Ghost. This platform is used by dangerous criminals and Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) in Ireland and around the world. We carried out 33 coordinated searches across the country on Monday 16 September and gathered significant evidence. Séamus Boland, Detective Chief Superintendent with the Garda National
EP10: Information-Led Policing
The Garda Síochána Analysis Service (GSAS) is a national, operational support service that turns internal and externally sourced data into information and insight that supports investigations and management decisions within An Garda Síochána. In this episode, GSAS Director Sara Parsons details the highly specialist work undertaken by analysts in the service, including involvement in some of Irelan
EP9: Inside the Public Order Unit
We have a skilled public order capacity in An Garda Síochána. Our National Public Order Units are constantly trained and assessed to the highest standards in tactics, equipment and fitness. In this episode, Garda Karl Burton, a Public Order Training Coordinator explains the function of the Garda National Public Order Unit.
EP8: Policing Dublin
Assistant Commissioner Angela Willis has responsibility for the policing of the DMR - the Dublin Metropolitan Region. In this episode, recorded in August 2024, she sits down with Patrice Harrington to discuss the many challenges and high points that come with policing a capital city.
EP7: Inside the Garda Mounted Unit
Our National Mounted Unit provides very specialised policing on horseback support within An Garda Síochána. Gardaí and their beautiful horses undertake community relations activities, high-visibility patrols, crowd control at major events, searches for missing persons over difficult terrain, assisting at incidents of public disorder and more. In this episode, Garda Nives Caplice takes us behind th
EP6: The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau
The Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau (GNCCB) is tasked with the forensic examination of electronic devices seized during the course of any criminal investigation. The bureau also has responsibility for investigating significant and complex cybercrimes that target computer systems and provides cyber-prevention advice to the public. In this episode, GNCCB Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Walsh
EP5: Inside the Garda Water Unit
The Garda Water Unit provides operational support and search capability in marine environments and hazardous locations. In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of this highly specialised unit.
EP4: The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB)
The aim of the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) is to deny and deprive people of the proceeds of criminal conduct. Chief CAB Bureau Officer, Garda Chief Superintendent Michael Gubbins takes us inside this multi agency body.Find out about some of the most common and valuable items seized, how CAB's process works and how you can help.
EP3: Inside the Garda Air Support Unit
Based at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin, the Garda Air Support Unit was established in 1997 and has since become a vital operational support in An Garda Síochána. In this episode, Sergeant Mark Campbell takes us behind the scenes of this highly specialised unit.
EP2: Tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence in Ireland
Sinéad Greene is a Detective Superintendent with the Garda National Protective Services Bureau (GNPSB). Detective Superintendent Greene gives a fascinating and powerful insight in to the important work carried out by her Bureau, including the tackling of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. In an emergency, please call 999 / 112
EP1: Dismantling organised crime groups in Ireland
Detective Chief Superintendent Séamus Boland heads up the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau. In this exclusive interview, he talks to Patrice Harrington about the important work carried out by his team to disrupt, dismantle and prosecute organised crime groups.He talks about his own career path in An Garda Síochána, how the illegal drugs and organised crime landscape has dramatically
The Garda Podcast Trailer
The Garda Podcast is an official An Garda Síochána podcast.
