Garda Down Under

Western Australia is the largest police district in the world. The island of Ireland would fit in the region 30 times over. This vast area saw a massive boom in recent years and with the population of the region growing by more than 1,000 people a week, the government aggressively recruited Police officers from overseas, including Ireland. Gardai are regarded as highly trained by the WA Police. From 2005 to the present day, 30 Guards chose to leave their careers in recession riddled Ireland and move lock stock and barrel to become cops in booming Western Australia.

For the first time ever, the Western Australian Police Department have opened their doors to our cameras. With unique and unhindered access, we get an exclusive look at how crime fighters operate down under. We follow the Irish recruits on the job and off duty.

Far from home and away from extended family networks, we discover what life is like in their new home for the Irish ‘transitional officers’, as they get to grips with their new jobs and the new lifestyle and we see how their partners adapt to life so far from home.

Set against a backdrop of glorious sunshine and breathtaking beaches, the sheer vastness of the benign looking yet harsh landscape can be one of the greatest hindrances in solving crime.

With unique and exclusive access to their crime fighting units, this series exposes the danger of crime fighting in a foreign land for many Irish men and women.

Genre(s)

Documentaries / Unscripted

Director(s)

Jonathan Levy

Producer(s)

Jonathan Levy

Running Time

5 x 30' mins

Writers

Gary Flood

Country

Ireland

Year

2015