Sir, – I had reason to visit Kevin Street Garda station to get a form signed recently. When I got to the station, there was a doorbell to get access to the station, which I duly rang. Somebody answered and let me in. I then had to wait nearly 15 minutes for somebody to come out to the front desk to meet me. If police officers are busy attending to more important work, I would have no problem with that. What was disappointing was that I could hear officers having a great chat in the office behind reception. They knew I was waiting. Sure, didn’t they buzz me in?
This has been something that I have noticed whenever I have visited a Garda station over the years, mostly to get forms signed but twice to report crimes. To be left waiting while staff who are on the clock chat about personal matters would not be acceptable in any other organisation. Why is it okay in Garda stations?
I understand that neither police work nor police stations are glamorous. However, like other service-based enterprises, there is a front of house and a back of house. Most of us will hopefully never have any reason to see the back of house. Might I suggest that the front of house could be a bit more welcoming, both in decor and demeanour? It could be a small step towards winning and maintaining the trust, confidence and support of civilians. – Yours, etc,
SEÁN DONNELLY,
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Dublin 8.