new powers

gilly0512 · 21-02-2015 2:10am

Yogi Bear wrote: »

Just a question lads.

If we were to be granted the powers in the morning, do you think it would solve a lot of things??

My opinion would be that it would as we would become more useful.

Yogi Bear in my humble opinion, proper training, fit for purpose powers with the aim of been able to patrol on your own (IP) after two years would transform the Garda Reserve over night. By virtue of the fact that there is very little that we are allowed to do on our own, we are completely at the behest of your Unit Sergeant or Unit members as to whether you spend your tour bored out of our mind in the public office, or somewhat less bored in the back of a patrol car. For every Reserve who works in a station where they are included in everything, and spend their tours saving the world, there are probably two Reserves sitting in a public office in another station doing nothing. I would like nothing better than to be able to go into my station tomorrow night, put on my gear, get my radio and head out on the beat with another Reserve. Armed with our public order powers, traffic powers and the power to search, we should be more than capable of handling most situations, with backup always close at hand. A fantasy on my behalf perhaps, but something like that would be so simple to achieve, with massive benefits for AGS and society as a whole.

D Trent · 21-02-2015 8:32am

gilly2308 wrote: »

Yogi Bear in my humble opinion, proper training, fit for purpose powers with the aim of been able to patrol on your own (IP) after two years would transform the Garda Reserve over night. By virtue of the fact that there is very little that we are allowed to do on our own, we are completely at the behest of your Unit Sergeant or Unit members as to whether you spend your tour bored out of our mind in the public office, or somewhat less bored in the back of a patrol car. For every Reserve who works in a station where they are included in everything, and spend their tours saving the world, there are probably two Reserves sitting in a public office in another station doing nothing. I would like nothing better than to be able to go into my station tomorrow night, put on my gear, get my radio and head out on the beat with another Reserve. Armed with our public order powers, traffic powers and the power to search, we should be more than capable of handling most situations, with backup always close at hand. A fantasy on my behalf perhaps, but something like that would be so simple to achieve, with massive benefits for AGS and society as a whole.

Sorry but now you just sound like your power hungry.
I don't think two reserves are a good idea at all, the general public wouldn't like that.
Police on hire comes to mind

RUNNER 1 · 21-02-2015 1:38pm

Even the specials in UK have to do something like 1/2 years before independent patrol they have to proof they can be trusted , if you let to GR off on there own no dout they would make 6 news for doing something daft.

bluetop · 21-02-2015 3:24pm

D Trent wrote: »

Sorry but now you just sound like your power hungry.
I don't think two reserves are a good idea at all, the general public wouldn't like that.
Police on hire comes to mind

You don’t think that two reserves out on patrol is a good idea........ They have community police who are out on their own in the UK with no powers, and they are not in pairs either, I would think if you are competent enough after 2/3 yrs you should be allowed IP not to mention six years, its all about change which we all know AGS is afraid of.

What are you afraid of .... ? That reserves would do a good job and that maybe some people would be shown up that don't pull their weight.

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

Even the specials in UK have to do something like 1/2 years before independent patrol they have to proof they can be trusted , if you let to GR off on there own no dout they would make 6 news for doing something daft.

So you think that reserves would make the 6 news, I have not seen one news report about any Reserve have you ? ........ i have seen plenty of full time members including one of a member throwing a girl at a bollard, how many ombudsman reports have you seen on reserves in the media ?? ....... how many have you see of FT ??. Not all reserves are numpties as you are portraying them, same as not all full timers are either in saying that you do get them in both ranks and even higher.

"Below is the correct way to utilise a reserve member" not leaving them in the control room with limited pulse access, unable to give information to mobiles looking for it, or sitting in the front office twiddling their thumbs for 10hrs.

Specials, as they’re known, come from all walks of life - they are teachers, taxi drivers, accountants and secretaries, or from many other careers - and they all volunteer a minimum of four and a quarter hours a week to their local police force, forming a vital link between the regular police and the local community.
Specials have the same powers as regular officers; they wear the same uniform and are issued with the same protective equipment including handcuffs and baton. This is coupled with an understanding of the law and the teaching of various police procedures from the use of Captor Incapacitant Spray to self defence.

Special Constables play an integral role in community policing and there is no doubt that their dedication makes a difference to peoples lives.

Every Special Constable's presence offers essential and much valued support to the regular officers. It is important to remember however, that Specials exist, not as a substitute for the regular police, but as an important complement to the existing force and to the local community.

The range of duties you may be involved in are considerable. You will be in a position to help regular officers in day to day tasks, helping out across a range of local events such as fetes, shows and the planning of various operations or patrolling towns and cities with others or on your own. The work of the police is extremely varied and as such, your experiences will reflect this.

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/jobs/special-constables.aspx

RUNNER 1 · 21-02-2015 4:18pm

Ya of course they haven't been on the news but if you just give the reserve IP they soon will be , but I'm not talking about the GR with 2+ years under there belt they should have experience and be able for it.

bluetop · 21-02-2015 4:59pm

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

Ya of course they haven't been on the news but if you just give the reserve IP they soon will be , but I'm not talking about the GR with 2+ years under there belt they should have experience and be able for it.

Sorry my mistake misinterpreted your post !!

me thinking you did not want IP for any of them.

tg123 · 22-02-2015 6:46pm

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

Ya of course they haven't been on the news but if you just give the reserve IP they soon will be , but I'm not talking about the GR with 2+ years under there belt they should have experience and be able for it.

Of course reserves have been in the news one for social welfare fraud one for stalking his girlfriend using pulse .like full timers reserves get themselves into trouble but glad to say they are in the minority

carzony · 22-02-2015 11:39pm

I'm glad for the reserves and just hope the full time recruitment is continued.

gilly0512 · 23-02-2015 6:16pm

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

Even the specials in UK have to do something like 1/2 years before independent patrol they have to proof they can be trusted , if you let to GR off on there own no dout they would make 6 news for doing something daft.

I was never looking for Reserves straight out of Templemore to be allowed to patrol on their own, as Bluetop has correctly pointed out, only those with a minimum of two year's experience, and who have completed their training/courses to the satisfaction of their training officers within a two year probationary period would be allowed to patrol on their own. I attach a section from the Thames Valley Police website, which details what specials have to do in order to attain Independent Patrol Status.

Special Constables are expected to achieve fitness for independent patrol (FIP) within two years of appointment. They will be assisted to do this by being accompanied on patrol by a regular officer or an experienced Special Constable and will record evidence of their competence in part 3 of their PDP. This evidence will be corroborated by the accompanying officer and each officer’s progress will be reviewed regularly by their line-supervisor. FIP will be authorised by Special Chief Inspectors who must be satisfied that on the evidence contained in the PDP the Special Constable is capable of carrying out the listed activities without the need for further close supervision.
Until FIP is authorised, Special Constables should only perform duties while in the company of a regular officer or a Special Constable who has achieved independent patrol.

RUNNER 1 · 23-02-2015 6:31pm

I wasn't either read my last post to bluetop.

Santa Cruz · 24-02-2015 3:21pm

The more Reserves are available to work for free the more the Government is able to undermine the working conditions of full time Gardai. And Reserves wonder why they are not wanted!

tg123 · 24-02-2015 6:31pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

The more Reserves are available to work for free the more the Government is able to undermine the working conditions of full time Gardai. And Reserves wonder why they are not wanted!

Who does not want us please clarify. easy to make these comments harder to back them up with hard evidence

EveAlex · 24-02-2015 7:47pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

The more Reserves are available to work for free the more the Government is able to undermine the working conditions of full time Gardai. And Reserves wonder why they are not wanted!

nonsense

look at your own Rep body, they let that happen

even let the new entrants down in order to consolidate the position of those already serving

bluetop · 24-02-2015 9:43pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

The more Reserves are available to work for free the more the Government is able to undermine the working conditions of full time Gardai. And Reserves wonder why they are not wanted!

What conditions would these be ? as far as i know nothing has changed, and reserves working is not taking money out of their pockets, as we keep saying here time after time, we "are" not here to take over anything we are here to compliment what is in place by been an extra pair of hands or feet. Even if they took away all the reserves in the morning what do you think is going to happen, they are going to miraculously get what ever it cost to keep the 1200 reserves to replace them with 1200 FT members ?? .......... not going to happen.

Is the health service undermined by all the other voluntary organisations ie order of malta, red cross "no" why because they are there to compliment a service already in place.

tg123 · 25-02-2015 9:48am

EveAlex wrote: »

nonsense

look at your own Rep body, they let that happen

even let the new entrants down in order to consolidate the position of those already serving

Eve , santa cruz is not a member of AGS and is a well known begrudger of the reserve . He or she will never understand or try to understand the level of commitement it takes to put on stab vest and put yourself in harms way in order to contribute something to the community.
SOME DO AND OTHERS JUST TALK AND GIVE NOTHING

RUNNER 1 · 25-02-2015 6:59pm

No dates have been set for any training , thought I would give an email and see.

Alan94 · 25-02-2015 7:04pm

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

No dates have been set for any training , thought I would give an email and see.

Will you keep me posted runner, how often did you ring when enquiring about BR forms ?

RUNNER 1 · 25-02-2015 7:24pm

Will do . Once every 2 months .not often ,sure they were just going to tell me what I didn't want to here haha

Alan94 · 26-02-2015 1:08am

yeah that's not to bad I ring every month around the 15th just to check. Did they give you any word as to your medical ?

RUNNER 1 · 26-02-2015 2:49am

No word on the medical , might get it this year .

Alan94 · 26-02-2015 9:28am

RUNNER 1 wrote: »

No word on the medical , might get it this year .

Id say that's a certainty mate

RUNNER 1 · 26-02-2015 3:50pm

well I'm keeping the fingers crossed

Mc Jakester · 03-05-2015 1:07pm

There is a email circulating for Reserves... Keep an eye out for it!

Please note that the Garda Commissioner has directed that each Garda Reserve be briefed in regard to some additional policing powers which are due to be devolved to Garda Reserves during 2015.

How many more meetings can we have regarding this... Another Joke!...

RUNNER 1 · 03-05-2015 3:10pm

What powers will be given ? PO powers are really needed.

TallGlass · 03-05-2015 3:52pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

There is a email circulating for Reserves... Keep an eye out for it!

Please note that the Garda Commissioner has directed that each Garda Reserve be briefed in regard to some additional policing powers which are due to be devolved to Garda Reserves during 2015.

How many more meetings can we have regarding this... Another Joke!...

What are they talking about. Very cryptic all together.

Mc Jakester · 03-05-2015 9:31pm

TallGlass wrote: »

What are they talking about. Very cryptic all together.[/quote

I give up!

Meeting after meeting! And Another meeting.. I suppose this will take them another year to make contact with every one!
I know they are giving 3 dates! To choose from. Starting May onwards...

Information has been lead along and along, killing time! While in the mean time! Papers and news folks make there own conclusion a million miles of the mark!

many years later... we might hear something, hopefully this will come to an end, what ever that may be?

TallGlass · 03-05-2015 10:05pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

TallGlass wrote: »

What are they talking about. Very cryptic all together.

I give up!

Meeting after meeting! And Another meeting.. I suppose this will take them another year to make contact with every one!
I know they are giving 3 dates! To choose from. Starting May onwards...

Information has been lead along and along, killing time! While in the mean time! Papers and news folks make there own conclusion a million miles of the mark!

many years later... we might hear something, hopefully this will come to an end, what ever that may be?

We will have our hall monitor uniforms before any powers. If they want to turn us in to PCSOs like in the UK then at leased the people thinking about turning us into PCSOs could do is read the leaflet on what the PSCO's can do, which is alot more than us Reserves. They can drive cars, seem to be able to hold someone there for 30mins till Police arrive. They are also paid according to this leaflet;

Starting salary for these positions will be £19,326p.a. rising to £21,402p.a. plus weekend enhancements and a 14% shift allowance

Some of there powers from this leaflet;

Power to direct traffic and pedestrians

Power to confiscate alcohol

Power to confiscate tobacco from persons under 16

Power to enter premises to save life and prevent damage to property

Power to remove abandoned vehicles

Power to issue fixed penalty notices (for example, cycling on the pavement, dog fouling, littering, graffiti etc.)

Power to demand a name and address of a person acting in an anti-social manner

Power to seize vehicles used to cause alarm

Power to search property in matters relating to terrorism (with a constable)

Power to search property in matters relating to terrorism (with a constable)

Power to seize drugs

And a from here seems like a hell of alot more

PCSOs have a number of other powers and abilities that they may exercise in the course of their duty:[61]
Issue fixed penalty notices (FPN) for littering, breach of dog control orders and cycling on a footpath

Require name and address where they have reason to believe a person has committed a road traffic offence, a 'relevant offence', a licensing offence, an act of anti-social behaviour or is in possession of a controlled drug

Confiscate alcohol from persons in designated places and from under 18s, or anyone considered involved in supplying under 18s with alcohol

Seize and dispose of tobacco from under 16s

Seize (controlled) drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Enter and search premises to save life or prevent serious damage to property

Seize vehicles used to cause alarm, distress or annoyance (s.59 Police Reform Act 2002)

Remove abandoned vehicles

Stop bicycles

Control traffic

Carry out road checks

Place traffic signs

Enforce cordoned areas under the Terrorism Act 2000

Photograph people away from a police station

Stop and search in an authorised area under the Terrorism Act 2000 if authorised and supervised by a police officer

A PCSO of the British Transport Police on duty at Newport railway station

Certain additional powers which may be assigned to PCSOs by the chief constable (or Commissioner in London), but which vary from force to force, include:[61]
Detain a person suspected to have committed an offence or an act of anti-social behaviour.

Detain a person who does not provide their name and address when required[62]

Detain a person who fails to provide details or complies with orders of a PCSO.

Use reasonable force in relation to a detained person or to prevent a detained person making off. This may involve the use of handcuffs and leg restraints if the PCSO has been issued with and authorised to use them.

Issue Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND), truancy, excluded pupils found in public places, dog fouling, graffiti and flyposting

Enforce bylaws

Deal with begging. This involves requiring the person to stop begging as well as providing their name and address to the PCSO

Enforce certain licensing offences

Search detained people for dangerous items i.e. weapons and/or items that could effect an escape from the PCSO.

Disperse groups and remove under 16s to their place of residence

Remove children contravening bans imposed by a curfew notice to their place of residence.

Remove truants to designated premises

Search for alcohol and tobacco

Enforce park trading offences

Enter licensed premises (limited)

Stop vehicles for testing

Direct traffic for the purposes of escorting abnormal loads

Deal with parking offences including giving fines

Individual Chief Constables or Commissioners can increase the discretionary powers their PCSOs use from the existing list.

So if these guys are trying to push us more like the PCSOs and not like the Specials at leased read up on what they are and why they have different uniforms to begin with. Specials are Police officers with full powers and if I am not mistaken this is what the Reserves are modeled on, so why on this planet they want to change the uniform and make more of a mess without fixing any real issues with the Reserves is beyond me!

Yogi Bear · 05-05-2015 11:07am

Mc Jakester wrote: »

TallGlass wrote: »

What are they talking about. Very cryptic all together.[/quote

I give up!

Meeting after meeting! And Another meeting.. I suppose this will take them another year to make contact with every one!
I know they are giving 3 dates! To choose from. Starting May onwards...

Information has been lead along and along, killing time! While in the mean time! Papers and news folks make there own conclusion a million miles of the mark!

many years later... we might hear something, hopefully this will come to an end, what ever that may be?

Lads,

This was asked in the Dail on the 10th of March. Nearly two months ago.

Are we going to be all called back to meetings like we had in July last year and be told that the new powers are "imminent" again.

I'd be asking some serious questions if we get called to another meeting.

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source310. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the date the Garda Commissioner expects to implement the granting of additional powers to members of the Garda Reserve; if she envisages this to be within the next month, two months or longer; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9965/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Minister, Department of Justice and Equality; Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas sourceI fully support the important role of the Garda Reserve in the delivery of the policing service. I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that she is currently finalising arrangements to extend the powers and functions of Reserve members with a view to implementation at an early date.

Mc Jakester · 21-05-2015 6:18pm

Anybody got a email yet, regarding final meeting on powers?

rocky911 · 22-05-2015 9:04pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

Anybody got a email yet, regarding final meeting on powers?

Nope but full time members in the division ( Cork City ) got something alright about it

new powers

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