The Policed Podcast

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } On this episode of Policed: the Beat, Vicky speaks to criminal defence lawyers Shalom Binchy and Michael Finucane about attendance at Garda interviews. We discuss what right lawyers have to be in the interview and why it matters. We also discuss currently proposals to legislate for attendance, and some of the significant problems with those proposals. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } In this week's episode we review 20 years of research and data to bring you a comprehensive account of what we know about racism and policing in Ireland. An Garda Síochána may not gather and publish all the data it should, but we still know a great deal. We are joined by Dr Sam O’Brien Olinger, Dr Aogan Mulcahy, Dr James Carr, Dr Lucy Michael and Haritha Olaganathan of Youths Against Racism and Inequality (YARI) all of whom have conducted essential research in this space. We show how findings of institutional racism in 2004 have only been reinforced by all later research Guests Research: Sam O'Brien Olinger - Aogán Mulcahy - James Carr - Lucy Michael - Haritha Olaganathan Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week on Policed, we talk to Michelle Gavin, who worked for Debenhams in Waterford for over 25 years. She was on the picket in Waterford for over a year, and tells us about the interactions they had with An Garda Síochána. We examine in detail how the Gardaí were used in the dispute, but also question whether they had to act as they did. Michelle Byrne, of Unite, also joins us to tease through those bigger questions the policing of trade union disputes. Join us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we speak to Neil, whose sister Donna was killed while she was cycling in 2016. Neil talks to us about his interactions with the Gardaí after her death, how supportive the liaison officer could be, but how difficult it was to find out key information. We also consider the inquest process and the Garda role in that. Liam Herrick of the ICCL joins us to share findings from their recent report on the coroner system. (This episode builds on our last episode with Conn, and we recommend listening to that first.) Support us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we consider and focus on the Garda role of road safety. In particular, Conn from Cork talks to us about his experiences of engaging with the Gardaí as a cyclist. The difficulties experienced in the reporting of crime points to cultural stereotyping of cyclists and a dismissal of the seriousness of the issue. We also speak to Mike McKilllen of cyclist.ie who speaks of an institutional blindness towards cyclists. Support this podcast at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week our very own James Leonard, of the Two Norries Podcast, talks to us about his experience of policing. We consider how young people in working class areas are policed and the interventions the Gardaí made in his life. To give context to this, Prof Shadd Maruna of Queens University Belfast, talks to us about the research on resistance: what actually enables people to move away from criminal activity. The episode raises big questions about how the police engage with those involved in drugs, what's considered 'antisocial' and criminal activity. Find the Two Norries podcast on YouTube HERE Support this podcast and help the platform by joining us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } In the 20th episode of Policed in Ireland, we hear from Kayleigh, about her experiences of reporting sexual violence to An Garda Síochána. We know that this is one of the most underreported crimes, and so hearing what it's like when someone does report is really important. Kayleigh tells us about what it meant as a teenager to report sexual violence, and not have it taken seriously. She is also able, through more recent experiences, to reflect on more responses from Gardaí. A necessary listen. Support this podcast and the wider tortoise shack by joining us at patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } In this episode we return to the topic of the policing of domestic violence. You'll hear from Mary tell about how she was in an abusive marriage for decades and what happened when she turned to the Police for help. You'll also hear from Dr Marian Duggan, Senior Lecturer at the University of Kent, with expertise in Sexual Gender and Hate Based Violence. Warning: This episode contains subjects and themes that some people might find distressing. Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead. Support this project and get access to our additional content at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack Women's Aid are available at womensaid.ie/help Safe Ireland provide services and support at https://www.safeireland.ie/contact-us/

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we're honoured to be joined by Amy, a young woman who, as a teenager, disclosed inter-familial child sexual abuse. She talks to us about what happened when she disclosed, how the Gardaí have handled her case, and the extreme difficulties that she encountered in life afterwards. We place all this in the broader context of the policing of child sexual abuse, and are joined by Dr Jane Mulcahy of UL who discusses trauma and adverse childhood experiences. Warning: This episode contains subjects and themes that some people might find distressing. Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead. Support this project and get access to our additional content at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we're talking about the policing of animal rights activism. Mark Fitzpatrick joins us to share some experiences from the 90s, including one particular attempt to sabotage a fox hunt that turned incredibly violent. We place this in a broader context with Dr Nathan Stephen-Griffin's to think about the politics of policing such activity. Referencing Spycops we see the role that power plays in these events. Support this podcast and get access to lots of additional content by joining us at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead.

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we talk with Patrick and Catherine Barry, who share with us their story of their son, Stuart, who died in 2017. Stuart suffered from mental illness, and took his own life days after an arrest. In this episode we hear of their experiences with the Gardaí and how they believe Stuart was failed on that night. We also speak with Dr Ian Cummins of the University of Salford about the wider question of the policing of mental health. Support this podcast and get access to lots of additional content at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead.

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } In this episode we hear from Isreal about his experiences as a young Black man in Ireland. You'll also hear from Dr James Carr of the University of Limerick, who has done significant research on issues of race and policing and Bashir Otukoya, Asst Professor of Law in DCU and a member of the Government's Anti-Racism Committee. We are deliberately launching this series with this episode in the wake of the killing of George Nkencho, and we are grateful to Isreal, who was a friend of George's, for finding the emotional capacity to talk to us. Support this project and get lots of additional content by joining us at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead.

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } Bernie Hughes speaks to us this week about her involvement in the water protests and how these were policed. We look at the class based nature of this social movement, the nature of their concerns at the Garda role and behaviour, as well as the long term consequences. Dr Laurence Cox of NUI Maynooth helps us to explore these issues, and how this fits in the broader scheme of Irish protests. Support this project and get lots of additional content by joining us at: patreon.com/tortoisrshack Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead.

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we consider how children in care are policed and criminalised. Liam tells us his story of being removed from his home, being offered limited supports and how when he acted out the Gaurds were called. John Murphy from EPIC places this experience in a wider context. Liam is voiced by Michael Shehan: @MichaelSheehan8 Support this project by going to: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week we speak to Gabrielle, a wonderfully strong woman, who was born in a Mother and Baby Home and then survived the Magdalene Laundries. We focus in particular on the role that Gardaí had in facilitating the operation of the Laundries. With assistance from Dr Maeve O'Rourke we think quite critically about the legality of Garda actions, and how this should be addressed as we go forward. For more information on the Justice for Magdalene's campaign visit: jfmresearch.com To support this project by joining us at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead.

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } In March of 2019, 4 hours after he was released from Garda custody for a public order offence, 20 year old Niall took his own life on the family farm. This week his mother, Johanna bravely and powerfully speaks to us about what kind of young man Niall was, the struggle they've had to find out from Gardaí what exactly happened, and the concerns they have about how young people are being handled by police. Dr Roxanna Dehaghini, Cardiff University and Doireann Ansbro of the Irish Council of Civil Liberties give crucial context on this harrowing story. Support this project and get access to our side-series Policed: The Beat by joining us at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This week, we speak to two teenagers, Orlaith and Brendan (not real names) about their experience of stop and search in a town in Donegal. Stop and search, while often a short, minor encounter, can have huge consequences and we see that in how these young people feel about the police. We know so little about stop and search in Ireland but Orlaith and Brendan tell us what it's like for them. Dr John Topping and Professor Alex Vitale explain some of the issues that arise. Support this project: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

In July of this year Estefany was held in Mountjoy Prison in solitary confinement for 12 days after she attempted to enter the country: this detention was held to be unlawful. Estefany describes for us what happened at the airport, how she was treated, and how she ended up in prison - it's a visceral account of her experience. Dr Liam Thornton and journalist Luke Butterly provide context on the wider system as we consider the Garda role in this process. Support this project by joining us: patreon.com/tortoiseshack

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } This is part two of the story of Osgur Breatnach, who was wrongfully convicted in 1978 of the Sallins Mail Train Robbery. In this episode we hear about his trials and conviction before the Special Criminal Court. Dr Fergal Davis helps us understand the controversies of that court. We hear of Osgur's time in prison and the campaign for this release. We discuss the impact all of this had on him and his family, with his brother Cormac contributing. The ongoing campaign for an apology and accountability is also detailed. Support this project:patreon.com/tortoiseshack Artwork by @Ciaraioch. Production, editing and sound design by Brian at Grooves Ahead. CC credits: Frankum, samulis, The Tides, tkky, klankbeeld, kinoton, stratcat322, dbspin, waveplay, oscii, tim kahn, felix blume, tradeshowmusic, soapuel Osgur’s website: https://sallinsinquirynow.ie/ Cormac’s website: https://www.thewhistleblower.ie/ Cormac’s music: https://cormacjuanbreatnach1.bandcamp.com/releases

.wpedon-container .wpedon-select, .wpedon-container .wpedon-input { width: 170px; min-width: 170px; max-width: 170px; } Over the next two weeks, we speak to Osgur Breatnach, who was wrongfully convicted in 1978 of the Sallins Mail Train Robbery. This conviction was based on a false confession which he provided have been beaten by the Heavy Gang, a group that operated within An Garda Síochána. In this part, we remind listeners of the context of the 1970s, and Osgur bravely describes his arrest, treatment and abuse, telling us just how severe it got. Dr Sinead Ring outlines some of the legal issues around confession evidence. Support this project at: patreon.com/tortoiseshack