[Scan-DC] ROGER AND OUT; Garda bosses axe 'sexual' code word

[Alan Henney]

The Sun (England)

November 2, 2009 Monday
Edition 1; 
Ireland

ROGER AND OUT; 
Garda bosses axe 'sexual' code word

BYLINE: BARRY MORAN

SECTION: NEWS; Pg. 20

LENGTH: 289 words

PRUDISH Garda chiefs want to clean up cop radio airwaves - by banning the word ROGER.

Baffled beat officers have been told to drop the traditional word from their walkie-talkies over its "sexual connotations". 

And they must now respond to all communications from fellow officers with the politically-correct 'affirmative'. One Garda source revealed other emergency services have also barred the word - for fear of it being taken up the wrong way.

The insider explained: "All officers have been told to stop using 'roger' when confirming a message has been received, because of the double meaning.

"Even though 'roger' in a sexual sense is a very old British term and largely out of date, it was felt by management that it could be misinterpreted."

According to the source, Garda top brass were especially worried the phrase might cause titters among new recruits. "Although it's highly unlikely that it could be misinterpreted in this day and age, I suppose they didn't want to take the risk with some of the more immature members of the Force," the insider said.

A Garda spokesman confirmed: "Internationally the correct term is 'affirmative'. In our communications with cross-border services and colleagues abroad, 'affirmative' is the correct term for 'yes'."

Criminals The rule change comes as cops get to grips with their new Tetra digital radio system - due to roll out across the country within two years.

The old analogue system was built 25 years ago and didn't work in some parts of the country.

It could also be easily listened in to by criminals with scanners - meaning gardai on the ground regularly had to use their personal mobiles.

A senior Garda source said: "The main benefit of the new system is security."

barry.moran at the-sun.ie