Garda Reserve Training

wonka · 02-11-2007 4:37pm

'most' full timers are ok but i'd say that a couple of the younger gardai might have a slight problem with it. especially since our number of hours training is a lot less than theirs. could be their attitude with anyone though. some people are hard to work out.
Others can't understand why anybody would want to do their job for free. Think we're mad! (maybe we are?)

pat1187 · 02-11-2007 6:16pm

wonka wrote: »

'most' full timers are ok but i'd say that a couple of the younger gardai might have a slight problem with it. especially since our number of hours training is a lot less than theirs. could be their attitude with anyone though. some people are hard to work out.
Others can't understand why anybody would want to do their job for free. Think we're mad! (maybe we are?)[/QUOT

glad to hear I'm not the only one to have come up against that.

pat1187 · 02-11-2007 6:26pm

baton charge wrote: »

Pat I spoke to Albert about those competency forms during the summer and he said we would need to discuss them further in relation to what should go into them and so was to set them aside.Heard nothing further so I haven't filled in any.You seem to be getting lots of experience anyway.As I said I am tied to my unit and hope to go out in a forthnight or so as times do not suit at the minute.Hope B gets night organised soon. I kept RTE news tape from passing out Cermony I must say ye looked mighty fine.

K,
I scanned all of them and use Sun micro systems ''open office'' paint
program to type and print them off. I would like to fill one in each duty if for no other reason than self criticism. I find it would be easy to drift into a situation where you become an observer and not be an active participant. If I am going to wear the uniform I should learn competency, ie what would happed if on the way to duty I was to come on a car accident and got out in uniform,and suddenly found people looking to me for guidance, I feel it's important I get up to a competent level asap.

freddiew · 02-11-2007 6:49pm

Murphy(Cork) wrote: »

I was just told i can't go up saturday unless i bring my discharge papers from the RDF.. i signed the paper work but im still waiting for my copy.
What a joke!!

C, will you be there tomorrow. S

in control · 03-11-2007 11:48pm

wonka wrote: »

'most' full timers are ok but i'd say that a couple of the younger gardai might have a slight problem with it. especially since our number of hours training is a lot less than theirs. could be their attitude with anyone though. some people are hard to work out.
Others can't understand why anybody would want to do their job for free. Think we're mad! (maybe we are?)

joined the gr less than a year ago and my experiences are generally very good. most full time members are fine if a bit suprised that you will do a sometimes difficult job for no pay. A lot of how you get on depends on you as you have to work on getting accepted in your unit . Once they see you are ok and will get stuck in you will be fine.My advice to new members is to listen , learn and watch. Sometimes you would deal with situations in a different way but it is best in the first few months to keep your opinions to yourself. Try and work with the same unit all the time as you will be accepted a lot easier than if you move between units.Hope this is of some help to those thinking of coming on board.

geo1212 · 04-11-2007 1:40am

in control wrote: »

joined the gr less than a year ago and my experiences are generally very good. most full time members are fine if a bit suprised that you will do a sometimes difficult job for no pay. A lot of how you get on depends on you as you have to work on getting accepted in your unit . Once they see you are ok and will get stuck in you will be fine.My advice to new members is to listen , learn and watch. Sometimes you would deal with situations in a different way but it is best in the first few months to keep your opinions to yourself. Try and work with the same unit all the time as you will be accepted a lot easier than if you move between units.Hope this is of some help to those thinking of coming on board.

Yep! I agree "in control"

The very best lesson for all new Reservists is to watch, listen and learn. I joined with the original phase and it has been an eye opener both on the street and indeed, following this thread as to how opinions have changed both from the public and the Guards you are working with. At this stage I have more respect for what the general beats have to deal with on a day to day basis than I had before I joined. I have had no problems from the Regulars at any stage, I have had many questions and a lot of curiousity but no negative feed back from a single member.

iandromiskin · 05-11-2007 12:40am

So, how did all the new P1 trainees get on this weekend ?

You will be sore for tomorrow.

freddiew · 05-11-2007 2:46pm

Well, we all turned up for Phase 1 training on Saturday morning, it was all very professional and nice Lecture Theatre's, Staff etc The food is also very good. We had our measurements taken for our uniforms, we had Lectures, we did some Role Play & Self Defense Classes. This is the only area I would feel I should brush up on, get fitter etc. Any ideas how to get ready fitness wise for Phase 3, would be appreciated. Anyone who has just done Stage 3 or the Exams after Stage 2 please apply !!

pat1187 · 05-11-2007 8:26pm

Hi,
I distinctly remember being told during one of the lectures, in phase one, where the lecturer
said that he could see being a reserve as prerequisite for joining the regular force somewhere down the line.
Since phase 1 two of our group have been given the go ahead for full time membership,and I know another couple who are hoping that being a reserve helps them.

Murphy(Cork) · 06-11-2007 9:18pm

During Phase 1 during the weekend, they were saying another Reserve done the same thing a couple of months ago, however the reservist was told not to arrest the person involved by the full time guard but done it anyway. The matter is still being looked in 2.

baton charge · 07-11-2007 8:58am

Was just wondering how many of the group who passed out on Oct 20th have got their Epaulets ??? I know lots who don't have them nor do they know when they will get them.From my understanding we can't go out without them.I know a reservist who passed out months ago who still only has an embroidered GR on his Epaulet with no numbers.Maybe Geo could shed some light on this from his experience.

wonka · 07-11-2007 1:50pm

passed out on the 20th of October. Did my first 4 hours since then last friday and my epaulets were waiting for me at the station. Didn't get any book listing the exact powers, and am still waiting for pulse training. Sargent told me that the 40 hours we did as part of the training actually counts for the 208 in the year. Not so sure about that....

iandromiskin · 07-11-2007 1:55pm

wonka wrote: »

Sargent told me that the 40 hours we did as part of the training actually counts for the 208 in the year. Not so sure about that....

I heard that too. Also as I will be doing P4 in Dec but not attesting till March, so I was told that any hours I do in 08 may also qualify to the total 208 per year quota. That of course remains to be clarified.

baton charge · 07-11-2007 2:08pm

geo1212 wrote: »

Hi Baton, we were issued with shoulder numbers when we passed out, not entirely sure what the story is if you dont have numbers, thats a new one.

Thanks Geo,
We passed out in Oct but received no epaulets in our Division even though we witnessed some receive them.Some were told our stations would receive them but nothing to date.

Dee5 · 07-11-2007 11:06pm

So how is everyone getting on? Anyone due to pass out before Xmas?
Anyone any update on anything in general?

Dee

freddiew · 08-11-2007 12:40am

Gardaí to get US-style metal batons
01/11/2007 - 16:47:34

Gardaí are currently being trained to use 21 inch metal batons which should be available to officers on the streets during the busy Christmas and New Year period.

The equipment, which replaces the old style wooden truncheon, is now standard issue for modern police forces across the world.

Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are taking part in one-day training courses in the US-made ASP baton.

GRA president John Egan said: “Officers are being trained in all aspects of using the baton by the manufacturers. They must reach a required standard of competency or else they will go back for further training.

“It is lightweight enough to carry and offers increased personal protection for officers in potentially dangerous situations.”

The ASP baton measures 7.5 inches in its closed state but can extend telescopically to around 21 inches with the flick of a wrist.

Its neat design ensures it doesn’t get in the way during a foot pursuit or when getting in and out of a patrol car.

Advertisement
A weighted metal ball is attached to the end of the striking end of the baton.

In riot situations, the baton can deliver a sharp blow to the leg or arm of a rioter to momentarily incapacitate him while the officer makes an arrest.

The new equipment will complement the anti-stab vests issued to all officers on the beat earlier this year.

Last month the AGSI requested that Garda management provide training in the use of the batons.

The current AGSI newsletter sent to members says: “Garda management has replied to correspondence on this issue to say that the manufacturers of the baton had no difficulty with a one-day training course in its use.

“Management stated that the course includes verbalisation. Feedback from the evaluation forms is generally positive.

“If members do not reach the required standard, they will be reverted for further development at a later stage.”

The GRA is also calling for pepper spray to be supplied to its members but the Garda Commissioner has not yet decided to introduce defensive sprays to the force.

This year’s GRA conference heard calls for the introduction of the ASP baton as well as bullet-proof vests.

iandromiskin · 08-11-2007 9:55am

During P1 we were told that the ASP was being introduced but that we wouldn't be issued with it for a while due to the length of time it takes to train on it, so we're being trained on the wooden baton in P3.

That would also explain why my trainer couldn't conduct my P2 class this week. She must be being issued with the new baton ?

Just to clarify - a half sheet is a standard A4 piece of paper folded in half ?

geo1212 · 08-11-2007 10:02am

iandromiskin wrote: »

During P1 we were told that the ASP was being introduced but that we wouldn't be issued with it for a while due to the length of time it takes to train on it, so we're being trained on the wooden baton in P3.

That would also explain why my trainer couldn't conduct my P2 class this week. She must be being issued with the new baton ?

Just to clarify - a half sheet is a standard A4 piece of paper folded in half ?

Yep, we were told the same, the asp will follow when the Regulars have finished training, same with the vests when they were first issued.

That was a bad business with that lad getting hit with the firework Ian, thats you part of the country is'nt it.

iandromiskin · 08-11-2007 10:36am

geo1212 wrote: »

That was a bad business with that lad getting hit with the firework Ian, thats you part of the country is'nt it.

It was indeed. Lad was just walking home, car pulls up and banger thrown at him. Lucky he wasn't blinded. Oddly on the way home a load of kids were throwing bangers under cars as they drove by in Dunleer up the road, but thats no comparison. They are apparantly checking CCTV from local business to see if they can get a reg.

freddiew · 08-11-2007 11:47am

For those of you who were asking. In the Garda Reserve, Information for Employers Booklet No 10. it says "The Garda Siochana Compensation Acts apply for Reserve members as it would for members of the full-time service.

geo1212 · 24-11-2007 2:48pm

Does anyone know when the next group are passing out?

freddiew · 24-11-2007 3:24pm

geo1212 wrote: »

Does anyone know when the next group are passing out?

4 groups passing out in March then its June September & December, 4 a year from here on in.

geo1212 · 26-11-2007 12:47pm

freddiew wrote: »

4 groups passing out in March then its June September & December, 4 a year from here on in.

Is'nt there a group still to pass out in december sometime?

colliegG · 26-11-2007 4:23pm

Did anyone use the train going to Templemore. I've been looking up the Iarnroid Eireann website and there doesn't seem to be a service on a saturday until 10 or thereabouts. Didn't want to drive if I didn't had to. Only got a provisinal licence.

iandromiskin · 27-11-2007 2:02pm

I'am about to go on Phase 4. Does anyone have any words of advice ? Obviously watch, listen, learn and be safe, but any other advice ?

geo1212 · 27-11-2007 2:54pm

iandromiskin wrote: »

I'am about to go on Phase 4. Does anyone have any words of advice ? Obviously watch, listen, learn and be safe, but any other advice ?

Sent you a pm.

colliegG · 28-11-2007 1:53pm

Sorry everyone, I feel like I'm on this the whole time asking stupid questions but I've no information from the Garda other than I've to be at the college at 9.00 on Saturday. They're to send an email to me but I'm gonna be finished work this evening so I prob won't get it. Anyway could someone here help me out because frankly I don't have a clue what I'll need, what to expect etc. I'll be coming down from Dublin but will I have time to drive on Saturday or what. As I said sorry again but I'm half tempted at this stage to just leave it.

baton charge · 28-11-2007 2:06pm

Don't leave it cos you will only regret it later.Bring some comfortable clothing Track suit or whatever as this will be what you will have on most of the time.You will do some basic self defence and attend some introductory lectures on ethos of the gardai,Human rights etc.Oh yeah bring an overnight bag and swimming trunks if you wish to use the Hotel leisure facilities.Just enjoy it.I guarantee you will be glad you did.

Dee5 · 28-11-2007 2:55pm

ColliegG

Did you ask them if they are providing transport down?

colliegG · 28-11-2007 3:07pm

No Dee I haven't heard anything from them except a phone call telling me when to be there. There was supposed to be an email with details on Monday but it never came. It was then changed till thursday or friday which wud be fine if I was gonna be in work because they email me here but I won't be so not gonna know anything!! Do they usually provide transport? I'm afraid I know nothing except what Baton told me. Thanks btw.

iandromiskin · 28-11-2007 3:15pm

baton charge wrote: »

Don't leave it cos you will only regret it later. Just enjoy it.I guarantee you will be glad you did.

Absolutely, if you can make it, do. You will genuinely be wondering what you missed if you do miss it. As has been said you arrive on Saturday and check in so to speak. Make sure you bring your drivers licence or passport (it must have a photo) to identify yourself when you give your name to the Garda. You will then be brought to the canteen area at the back, where you will spend most of your time, before getting introductory lectures on the history or the Garda, ethics, use of force, human rights etc. You also have some talks in perception and a bit of role play too.

Bring a track suit and trainers as you will be getting a few hours of introductory self defence (take Monday off if you can to recover as you will have aches and pains !!!!). You will be given dinner and tea on the saturday before getting a bus to the hotel. DON'T get drunk on Saturday night !!!!!!!!!! - you will be falling to the floor in arm locks etc on the Sunday, so be warned. At the end of the weekend you'll be told where your training station is for P2 and given some books for that phase. Also, make sure you are on time, very important, and if you can't make it ring them and let them know, don't just assume they'll figure it out if your not there. One guy in our group just didn't bother turning up and never let them know, and they were rightly peevedoff.

As we say, do try and make it and enjoy. You will learn a lot. Not sure if they provide transport, but if you need a lift maybe someone here is heading down and could do with the company ? I always travelled down the night before and stayed in a hotel in Roscrea as the drive on Saturday morning can be tiring. Have fun and let us know how you get on.

iandromiskin · 28-11-2007 3:24pm

Oh yes, another thing for anyone driving down this weekend. When you get to Templemore from Dublin, you turn left at the Town Hall - the medieval looking thing in the middle of Templemore - the college is signposted. Turn left, keep going straight, then turn immediately right after the AIB (you'll see a spar or similar shop on the left at the junction) otherwise you'll find yourselves at the train station and keep driving straight on over the hump back bridge, and you'll see the gates of the College straight ahead.

colliegG · 28-11-2007 3:37pm

It's not that I'd just not bother going, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to!! I'm really looking forward to it but it'd be better if I knew the arrangements down there. Which I do, kinda, so thanks, it's appreciated!! I'll probably drive down on Friday and then play it by ear.

iandromiskin · 28-11-2007 3:49pm

colliegG wrote: »

It's not that I'd just not bother going, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to!! I'm really looking forward to it but it'd be better if I knew the arrangements down there. Which I do, kinda, so thanks, it's appreciated!! I'll probably drive down on Friday and then play it by ear.

Sorry, we didn't mean to offend

If you can't make it due to circumstance you could defer it till the next P1, which will probably be January ?? If your unsure about anything over arrangements, just ring them up and ask them, explaining that you are not at your desk and can't get to your email, and they'll explain it all to you on the phone.

If its any help I stayed in Grants hotel in Roscrea which wasn't too bad, about 55 euro for a single room. Templemore is about 15 minutes away.

gilly0512 · 28-11-2007 4:10pm

I have just completed my 40 hours training, and my biggest complaint as well would be that we haven't been given public order. I mostly work Friday or Saturday nights when nearly everything you deal with is public order, so you would hope its something we will get down the line. I can imagine that to keep the GRA happy, that the Gardai had to keep our powers to a bare minimum, but hopefully once people have worked for a year or more in the job, that they will get the likes of public order. I'm sure there are very few reservists who joined this just so they could arrest people, but at the end of the day you don't want to be embarassing yourself, having to let people off, since you haven't the power to arrest them for clear breaches of the peace.

bobbydub · 28-11-2007 4:40pm

Just a note to all those thinking of joining the reserve. I have been active now for a year and must say that it has been great. Both the experience and support from the full time members has been a great encouragement.
Initially I was very concerned about the overall view of both the GRA and the members in stations. I must say that the past twelve months has been good with a good level of support from all those I have worked with to date.
The work has been varied and colorful if nothing else. I would encourage more to apply. Just on a final note this site is a great idea for all those both in training and in service, there is a need for a support network to offer both advice and encouragement to all those in the service.

Best Wishes,

Bobby

iandromiskin · 28-11-2007 4:52pm

gilly2308 wrote: »

I have just completed my 40 hours training

Hi Gilly, I'am about to start P4 and was just wondering what hours you worked ? ie. 10pm - 2am ??

colliegG · 28-11-2007 5:14pm

Sorry, we didn't mean to offend If you can't make it due to circumstance you could defer it till the next P1

No, not at all Ian. I took no offence. Really appreciated it. You gave me a quicker reply that I got from the reserve office.

in control · 28-11-2007 8:47pm

bobbydub wrote: »

Just a note to all those thinking of joining the reserve. I have been active now for a year and must say that it has been great. Both the experience and support from the full time members has been a great encouragement.
Initially I was very concerned about the overall view of both the GRA and the members in stations. I must say that the past twelve months has been good with a good level of support from all those I have worked with to date.
The work has been varied and colorful if nothing else. I would encourage more to apply. Just on a final note this site is a great idea for all those both in training and in service, there is a need for a support network to offer both advice and encouragement to all those in the service.

Best Wishes,

Bobby

Well done . It is good to hear you are doing well. As a matter of interest have you been assessed at any stage . I am in the group behind you with at least 208 hours done and nobody has said a word about assessment . Any news on when we get the allowance for the years work ?

freddiew · 28-11-2007 10:19pm

in control wrote: »

Well done . It is good to hear you are doing well. As a matter of interest have you been assessed at any stage . I am in the group behind you with at least 208 hours done and nobody has said a word about assessment . Any news on when we get the allowance for the years work ?

When do the 208 hours start from?

geo1212 · 28-11-2007 10:49pm

gilly2308 wrote: »

I have just completed my 40 hours training, and my biggest complaint as well would be that we haven't been given public order. I mostly work Friday or Saturday nights when nearly everything you deal with is public order, so you would hope its something we will get down the line. I can imagine that to keep the GRA happy, that the Gardai had to keep our powers to a bare minimum, but hopefully once people have worked for a year or more in the job, that they will get the likes of public order. I'm sure there are very few reservists who joined this just so they could arrest people, but at the end of the day you don't want to be embarassing yourself, having to let people off, since you haven't the power to arrest them for clear breaches of the peace.

Hold your horses there gilly, the rest will come, I dont think the Gra have much of a say in what powers are agreed etc, your full time member can make the arrest if they deem it necessary anyway.
Hav'nt met that many Guards that give a **** about what the Gra think about things in any case, but it has to be remembered that by the very nature of the organisation the Gra has to look out for its members concerns whatever they may be

geo1212 · 28-11-2007 10:51pm

bobbydub wrote: »

Just a note to all those thinking of joining the reserve. I have been active now for a year and must say that it has been great. Both the experience and support from the full time members has been a great encouragement.
Initially I was very concerned about the overall view of both the GRA and the members in stations. I must say that the past twelve months has been good with a good level of support from all those I have worked with to date.
The work has been varied and colorful if nothing else. I would encourage more to apply. Just on a final note this site is a great idea for all those both in training and in service, there is a need for a support network to offer both advice and encouragement to all those in the service.

Best Wishes,

Bobby

Hey bobby,

you DMR ?

geo1212 · 28-11-2007 10:53pm

freddiew wrote: »

When do the 208 hours start from?

We have been told that all training hours for all phases are to be included in the calculation, not sure if that will change at a later date though!

gilly0512 · 29-11-2007 8:43am

iandromiskin wrote: »

Hi Gilly, I'am about to start P4 and was just wondering what hours you worked ? ie. 10pm - 2am ??

I would normally work from 22:00 - 04:00, a few times I finished at 2am, but all the fun only really starts when the night clubs start chucking out at 3am!!

iandromiskin · 29-11-2007 10:05am

gilly2308 wrote: »

although in saying that there was a bloke from Donegal in my class who had to stay in a hotel the night before the Phase 1 and Phase 3 courses. Anyway he was told to e-mail the Garda Reserve office in HQ about claiming this back, but I have no idea how he got on with this.

A few of the guys in my group stayed overnight to before P1 and 3, but never really thought we'd be able to claim it back. We just took it as one of those things. I'd be curious to know how the Donegal fella gets on.

Thanks too for your note on times. I'll probably do the same, but I don't think the sergeant is keen for me to work currently beyond 2am.

gilly0512 · 30-11-2007 3:02pm

baton charge wrote: »

Pat I hear the epaulets are been sourced??
Maybe you should ring Divisionsal headquarters to confirm that your lot are included.

It is the responsibility of your liaison Sergeant or Inspector to order your epaulets from Santry once you have graduated or just before. I am due to graduate on the 13th of next month, so I questioned this with Garda College, and that is exactly what they told me, although going on my liaison Sergeant's previous form, I would say I will be lucky if I get them before next Easter, never mind within the next few weeks!!

pat1187 · 30-11-2007 6:57pm

Those two Garda injured Thursday,its said one of them was of Chinese nationality,Is it Ke Sheng,one of the first reservists?

cushtac · 30-11-2007 8:58pm

pat1187 wrote: »

Those two Garda injured Thursday,its said one of them was of Chinese nationality,Is it Ke Sheng,one of the first reservists?

There's Chinese full-time students as well.

Edited to add: breakingnews.ie gives the names of the Gardai as Garda Amanda Lynch and Student Garda Zihao Weng.

bobbydub · 02-12-2007 9:05pm

Hi Geo 1212,
I am DMR South.

John_Dublin · 03-12-2007 10:17pm

Hey, any others that completed P1 1st & 2nd Dec about? Would be nice to keep in touch to gauge progress etc.

John

Garda Reserve Training

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