For the first time, this two-part series shadows the work of Gardaí dealing with issues from drug dealing and street crime, to the policing of major public events.
With exclusive access to officers working on the ground, the series provides a never-before-seen insight into the scale and variety of work facing Gardaí in the city centre. From
The Guards also documents the role of community-based policing and how An Garda Síochána interact with a wide-range of communities in Dublin.
The Guards, Episode 1, RTÉ2, Tuesday, May 17th at 9.55pm
In episode one, our cameras follow the Gardai as they tackle the problems associated with drugs and drug-dealing in the city centre.
We explore how the drugs problem is often a contributing factor in other crimes, including burglaries, theft, anti-social behaviour and assaults.
The documentary goes behind-the-scenes on a successful operation to clean up the north inner city and examines some of the unintended consequences for other parts of Dublin as well as the subsequent Garda response in those areas.
We show how some dealers will go to any lengths to hide their drugs and outwit the police.
Our cameras witness the highs and lows, from the individual struggles, to the camaraderie and friendship that helps them get through their toughest challenges.
The film was made over a period of two years by RTE’s Barry O’Kelly and Zucca Films. It is the first documentary of its kind to gain exclusive access to garda operational units. This two part series will conclude with a second episode tackling public order, street crime and policing large scale events to be broadcast on Tuesday, May 24th at 9.55pm on RTÉ2.