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04/12/2019
Garda Committed To Solving Missing Persons Cases
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has expressed his commitment to solving outstanding cases this National Missing Persons Day, 04 December.
Addressing guests at an event, Commissioner Harris spoke alongside loved ones of missing persons such as Jo Jo Dullard, William Maughan, and Lisa Dorrian.
Reiterating their commitment to solving cases, he credited advances in DNA databases, medical science and social media for gaining crucial information.
"This is an important day," he told the crowd.
"For all here, it is a day of difficult emotions – a day of sadness and a day of hope against hope.
"A day where we remember those who are missing.
"And a day where we hear some of their stories.
"A day where the focus on missing persons might spark somebody's memory or make someone think differently about a situation.
"But, above all, today is a day for the families and friends of the missing.
"Every day you carry your cherished memories of your loved ones with you.
"Today I hope you can share those memories and what you have gone through and continue to go through with others who will understand."
Commissioner Harris continued: "It is an honour to be able to speak today alongside representatives of the loved ones of missing persons such as Jo Jo Dullard, William Maughan, and Lisa Dorrian.
"I would like to give my and An Garda Síochána's ongoing investigating commitment to these cases
"Gardaí are often the first port of call for those of you who have suffered the anguish and heartbreak of having a loved one go missing.
"The staff in the Missing Persons Bureau are determined to provide the best possible service to families and we are continually improving how we investigate missing person cases.
"The DNA database and advances in medical science has meant that we are now in a better position to identify people who went missing years and even decades ago.
"The greater use of social media to publicise missing person cases – means crucial information can be spread faster and wider.
"Putting the Missing Persons Bureau under the National Protective Services Bureau means Garda officers with significant expertise in investigating incidents involving vulnerable people coordinate missing person investigations and provide advice to Divisional officers.
"There has also been a greater focus on ensuring families are kept informed of the progress of investigations. And we have developed international links via Interpol and with the UK.
"We will continue to work tirelessly to try and provide answers to the loved ones of all missing persons – no matter how long it may take.
"Thank you again to the Minister for the invitation to speak and thank you to all of you here today for your ceaseless efforts on behalf of those who are missing."
(JG/CM)
Addressing guests at an event, Commissioner Harris spoke alongside loved ones of missing persons such as Jo Jo Dullard, William Maughan, and Lisa Dorrian.
Reiterating their commitment to solving cases, he credited advances in DNA databases, medical science and social media for gaining crucial information.
"This is an important day," he told the crowd.
"For all here, it is a day of difficult emotions – a day of sadness and a day of hope against hope.
"A day where we remember those who are missing.
"And a day where we hear some of their stories.
"A day where the focus on missing persons might spark somebody's memory or make someone think differently about a situation.
"But, above all, today is a day for the families and friends of the missing.
"Every day you carry your cherished memories of your loved ones with you.
"Today I hope you can share those memories and what you have gone through and continue to go through with others who will understand."
Commissioner Harris continued: "It is an honour to be able to speak today alongside representatives of the loved ones of missing persons such as Jo Jo Dullard, William Maughan, and Lisa Dorrian.
"I would like to give my and An Garda Síochána's ongoing investigating commitment to these cases
"Gardaí are often the first port of call for those of you who have suffered the anguish and heartbreak of having a loved one go missing.
"The staff in the Missing Persons Bureau are determined to provide the best possible service to families and we are continually improving how we investigate missing person cases.
"The DNA database and advances in medical science has meant that we are now in a better position to identify people who went missing years and even decades ago.
"The greater use of social media to publicise missing person cases – means crucial information can be spread faster and wider.
"Putting the Missing Persons Bureau under the National Protective Services Bureau means Garda officers with significant expertise in investigating incidents involving vulnerable people coordinate missing person investigations and provide advice to Divisional officers.
"There has also been a greater focus on ensuring families are kept informed of the progress of investigations. And we have developed international links via Interpol and with the UK.
"We will continue to work tirelessly to try and provide answers to the loved ones of all missing persons – no matter how long it may take.
"Thank you again to the Minister for the invitation to speak and thank you to all of you here today for your ceaseless efforts on behalf of those who are missing."
(JG/CM)
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