Waterford Garda Station opens its doors to the next generation

Students from across Waterford were given unprecedented access into the work of local Gardaí last week, through a new initiative being carried out at Waterford Garda Station.

Ten students spent a week in and around our local gardaí at the station last week, with a further 10 to follow next month.

Throughout the week, the students were given an insight into the daily life and work of local An Garda Siochana members.

From forensics, to horse and dog units; investigators to public order and traffic personnel, the students were handed valuable access and learning experiences.

As part of the experience, they also had the opportunity to visit Waterford Courthouse, and attend a sitting before Judge Eugene O’Kelly during the day's Circuit Court hearing.

Judge O’Kelly greeted the students, and gave them a brief breakdown of the day's proceedings and some insight into the legality of early guilty pleas and mitigation.

Speaking further on the initiative, Garda Inspector Shay Keevans told this newspaper that the students showed passion and interest throughout the week.

“The youth in the community are very important to An Garda Siochana. We try to have a connection with them through our Junior Liaison Officers and Community Policing Officers, and, of course, we want all Gardaí to have a good connection with the youth because they are the future. 

"It really shows that we want to connect with communities and the youth in the city."