Strong links with the community were the cornerstone of good policing, Garda Commissioner Mr Pat Byrne told graduates of the Garda College in Templemore, Co Tipperary yesterday. Speaking at the passing-out ceremony for 108 officers, Mr Byrne said the force could not perform effectively without the support and confidence of the public.
Mr Byrne urged new officers to get involved in local projects, sporting clubs and other societies.
He also called on the graduates to be neutral and objective in their work. "Do not look upon a violation as a personal affront. It is a wrong against the State, not against you personally."
Some 67 of the new officers, 33 of them women, will go to stations within the Dublin Metropolitan Area.
Medals for special achievement while enrolled at the college were presented yesterday to gardai Brian O'Shea, Jayne Heaney and Donal Keogh.