Separate uniforms for GR.. Yes/No....

Mc Jakester · 17-04-2014 7:34am #1

The Association of Garda Sergeant and Inspectors (AGSI) delegates have unanimously backed a call at their annual conference for a separate uniform for volunteer members of the Garda Reserve to distinguish them from full time members of the force.
Eddie Golden of Cork north told the conference that currently there was insufficient differentiation in uniforms between full time officers who have completed years of training and volunteer reservists who have only completed minimum training.
“To a member of the public attending a major event or socialising in any town or city we feel that the only differentiation at present is the GR on the epaulettes in front of the divisional number and we do not believe that is enough,” he said.
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“This, to the public at large, means absolutely nothing. Even to a supervisory member at a large event at a distance, they can’t be easily seen. Garda Reserves are indistinguishable to the majority by virtue of wearing identical uniform to the full time members.
“We can perhaps laugh at the one of the YouTube hits in 2013 of the dancing reserve at Independence in Mitchelstown but was it clear from this video that it was a Garda Reserve on the stage and not a full time member? I don’t think so.”
Mr Golden said police in other jurisdictions ensure their reserve officers wear a distinctive epaulette cover or a rocker panel on the chest or even a distinct title on the back of their fluorescent jackets to clearly identify them to their colleagues and members of the public.
“The Garda Reserve have a role to play in the modern police force, but it should be very clear to members of the public who are the volunteer members and who are the full time members,” said Mr Golden.
Brian O’Dea of AGSI’s national executive backed the motion, pointing out that in the UK, members of the counterpart of the Garda Reserve, the Special Constables wear a uniform that is very different from the regular force.
“Originally, reserve gardaí were to wear a band around their hat to distinguish themselves from ordinary gardaí, but the reserve gardaí rejected that proposal and the current reserve Garda uniform does not distinguish themselves from ordinary gardaí,” he said.
The establishment of The Garda Reserve was provided for by the Garda Síochána Act 2005 with the first reservists passing out in a graduation ceremony in 2006 and to date over 1,000 people have served as members of the reserve where they assist the existing force

magumadoo · 17-04-2014 1:06pm

I'm a serving garda reserve and this uniform issue is nonsense, if a member of the public needs to speak to a full time member a reserve garda should be with or within shouting distance of the a full time garda weather on the beat, mobile patrol or in the public office of a station. Public order incidents I believe requiring a uniformed response, should be just thats UNIFORMED.

msg11 · 17-04-2014 4:19pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

Brian O’Dea of AGSI’s national executive backed the motion, pointing out that in the UK, members of the counterpart of the Garda Reserve, the Special Constables wear a uniform that is very different from the regular force.

Well that's bull****, first off PCSO (Police community support officers)are completly seperate than the SPC, and the Specials over there can and do undercover work.

Raider190 · 17-04-2014 6:21pm

There a lot more important issues than this. How many motions have been made by AGSI and the GRA over the years.... How many ever get accepted....???????
There are more serious issues which need to addressed.
What would happen if a GR was targeted on the street because of their rank and their reduced powers. Would make some legal precedent dont you think.

bluetop · 17-04-2014 8:53pm

Raider190 wrote: »

There a lot more important issues than this. How many motions have been made by AGSI and the GRA over the years.... How many ever get accepted....???????
There are more serious issues which need to addressed.
What would happen if a GR was targeted on the street because of their rank and their reduced powers. Would make some legal precedent dont you think.

Health & Safety would be a big player in this and i think AGS are aware of this, can you imagine the publicity that would come out of this should a GR be injured, the media would have a field day not to mention the claim that would ensue.

Raider190 · 17-04-2014 9:42pm

bluetop wrote: »

Health & Safety would be a big player in this and i think AGS are aware of this, can you imagine the publicity that would come out of this should a GR be injured, the media would have a field day not to mention the claim that would ensue.[/quote

Exactly so can't see it happening

Shady Tady · 18-04-2014 8:48am

Yes, there should be seperate uniforms, the public should know that the person in the uniform is a reserve and not full time with full time powers. Nurses have different uniforms depending on qualifications. I see reserves on their own more and more at events etc against regulations and it's masking that lack of real resources on the ground. I think the fact managers in AGS have looked for this is there way of saying that it's not working and in fact a waste of resources. This government would put cut out card board images of gardai on the street if they thought they would get away with it, actually they would take less minding by full time members who could get on with the real job!

msg11 · 18-04-2014 10:49am

Shady Tady wrote: »

Yes, there should be seperate uniforms, the public should know that the person in the uniform is a reserve and not full time with full time powers. Nurses have different uniforms depending on qualifications. I see reserves on their own more and more at events etc against regulations and it's masking that lack of real resources on the ground. I think the fact managers in AGS have looked for this is there way of saying that it's not working and in fact a waste of resources. This government would put cut out card board images of gardai on the street if they thought they would get away with it, actually they would take less minding by full time members who could get on with the real job!

I understand what you are saying. But at the end of the day, it comes down to not only the Reserve saying I am not to be on my own I need a full time member with me but also a Full time member putting there foot down and saying the Reserve should not be on his own. Maybe it's a cause of the full timer not opening there mouth cause they will be stuck with the Reserve.

I mean, would a Full time member put up with Reserves driving cars around because they were told? No way.

Been blunt, Garda are there to enforce the law, if they can't even enforce there own regulations. It's very clear, under no circumstances should a Reserve member ever be left to do police work without a full time member to oversee there actions.

I have posted on here before regards the topic of overtime for Garda that us Reserves are apparently taking off members. At these events, Garda overtime is set in stone. Say 10,000 euro for an event. Once this is used up, they call on the Reserves. Like a Reserve water tank, it comes into play once the main pool is used up. So regardless if the Reserve was here or wasn't that O/T is at 10,000 and if there's a problem getting Garda to work at the event they will force members from other stations to attend the event.

So it comes down to this and I think members should vote on it.

Do full timers want the help from the Reserve or not.

It's simple stuff, non of this pissing around with uniforms and powers. If the vote is yes, uniform stays and more powers are granted. If not the Reserve is disbanded end of story.

Shady Tady · 18-04-2014 11:21am

msg11 wrote: »

I understand what you are saying. But at the end of the day, it comes down to not only the Reserve saying I am not to be on my own I need a full time member with me but also a Full time member putting there foot down and saying the Reserve should not be on his own. Maybe it's a cause of the full timer not opening there mouth cause they will be stuck with the Reserve.

I mean, would a Full time member put up with Reserves driving cars around because they were told? No way.

Been blunt, Garda are there to enforce the law, if they can't even enforce there own regulations. It's very clear, under no circumstances should a Reserve member ever be left to do police work without a full time member to oversee there actions.

I have posted on here before regards the topic of overtime for Garda that us Reserves are apparently taking off members. At these events, Garda overtime is set in stone. Say 10,000 euro for an event. Once this is used up, they call on the Reserves. Like a Reserve water tank, it comes into play once the main pool is used up. So regardless if the Reserve was here or wasn't that O/T is at 10,000 and if there's a problem getting Garda to work at the event they will force members from other stations to attend the event.

So it comes down to this and I think members should vote on it.

Do full timers want the help from the Reserve or not.

It's simple stuff, non of this pissing around with uniforms and powers. If the vote is yes, uniform stays and more powers are granted. If not the Reserve is disbanded end of story.

Full time members regularily point it out, but management turn a blind eye because it's policing on the cheap, like I said if they could use card board cut outs they would! 90% of full time members would scrap the reserve in the morning and put the money saved towards recruiting full time members or towards getting extra vehicles IMO.

bluetop · 18-04-2014 2:02pm

Is this topic about uniforms or reserves on their own ?? This is also not about FT and PT start another topic if you wish to discuss this matter please, maybe now we can get back on topic of Uniforms

Shady Tady · 18-04-2014 2:32pm

bluetop wrote: »

Is this topic about uniforms or reserves on their own ?? This is also not about FT and PT start another topic if you wish to discuss this matter please, maybe now we can get back on topic of Uniforms

How is it not?

Raider190 · 18-04-2014 3:37pm

msg11 wrote: »

I understand what you are saying. But at the end of the day, it comes down to not only the Reserve saying I am not to be on my own I need a full time member with me but also a Full time member putting there foot down and saying the Reserve should not be on his own. Maybe it's a cause of the full timer not opening there mouth cause they will be stuck with the Reserve.

I mean, would a Full time member put up with Reserves driving cars around because they were told? No way.

Been blunt, Garda are there to enforce the law, if they can't even enforce there own regulations. It's very clear, under no circumstances should a Reserve member ever be left to do police work without a full time member to oversee there actions.

I have posted on here before regards the topic of overtime for Garda that us Reserves are apparently taking off members. At these events, Garda overtime is set in stone. Say 10,000 euro for an event. Once this is used up, they call on the Reserves. Like a Reserve water tank, it comes into play once the main pool is used up. So regardless if the Reserve was here or wasn't that O/T is at 10,000 and if there's a problem getting Garda to work at the event they will force members from other stations to attend the event.

So it comes down to this and I think members should vote on it.

Do full timers want the help from the Reserve or not.

It's simple stuff, non of this pissing around with uniforms and powers. If the vote is yes, uniform stays and more powers are granted. If not the Reserve is disbanded end of story.

They cannot get enough regulars to cover the events. After tax the overtime is just not worth it

bluetop · 18-04-2014 3:53pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

I see reserves on their own more and more at events etc against regulations and it's masking that lack of real resources on the ground. I think the fact managers in AGS have looked for this is there way of saying that it's not working and in fact a waste of resources. This government would put cut out card board images of gardai on the street if they thought they would get away with it, actually they would take less minding by full time members who could get on with the real job!

Try this part for a start do you think if they changed the uniform that would make and difference to a reserve been on their own.

Guys this is all waffle we all know that AGSI and GRA dont want us under any circumstance and have not done so since 2006, have they been able to make any head way in changing things "nope" so this is like putting the cart before the horse.

They just like to hear themselves rant on so let them have their say is it going to change things most certainty not, under health & safety guidelines this would put the Reserve in the front line of fire, now maybe thats what the AGSI want, just remember when you are out with a FT he or she is 100% responsible for you, as the GRA have said time and time using their words not mine they are BabySitting the Reserves, it should be the same as it is in the Uk independent patrol then the Reserve is is responsible for his or her actions plain and simple, this is what the GRA wanted no independent patrol that was part of the deal for letting it in now its in they dont want it either way, well guys too late its in and i dont ever see it been mooted out, or changing of uniforms either.

Shady Tady · 18-04-2014 7:33pm

bluetop wrote: »

Try this part for a start do you think if they changed the uniform that would make and difference to a reserve been on their own.

Guys this is all waffle we all know that AGSI and GRA dont want us under any circumstance and have not done so since 2006, have they been able to make any head way in changing things "nope" so this is like putting the cart before the horse.

They just like to hear themselves rant on so let them have their say is it going to change things most certainty not, under health & safety guidelines this would put the Reserve in the front line of fire, now maybe thats what the AGSI want, just remember when you are out with a FT he or she is 100% responsible for you, as the GRA have said time and time using their words not mine they are BabySitting the Reserves, it should be the same as it is in the Uk independent patrol then the Reserve is is responsible for his or her actions plain and simple, this is what the GRA wanted no independent patrol that was part of the deal for letting it in now its in they dont want it either way, well guys too late its in and i dont ever see it been mooted out, or changing of uniforms either.

Why would reserves be in the line of fire?

Raider190 · 18-04-2014 9:47pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Why would reserves be in the line of fire?

Shady have you spoken face to face with any reserve's. If you have or had
You would realise that contery to popular belief on any given day reserves put themselves at personal risk along with their full time colleagues in order to ensure the safety of the public

Raider190 · 18-04-2014 10:25pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Yes, there should be seperate uniforms, the public should know that the person in the uniform is a reserve and not full time with full time powers. Nurses have different uniforms depending on qualifications. I see reserves on their own more and more at events etc against regulations and it's masking that lack of real resources on the ground. I think the fact managers in AGS have looked for this is there way of saying that it's not working and in fact a waste of resources. This government would put cut out card board images of gardai on the street if they thought they would get away with it, actually they would take less minding by full time members who could get on with the real job!

In your opinion only

Shady Tady · 19-04-2014 2:06am

Raider190 wrote: »

Shady have you spoken face to face with any reserve's. If you have or had
You would realise that contery to popular belief on any given day reserves put themselves at personal risk along with their full time colleagues in order to ensure the safety of the public

Why would a wearing a different uniform matter so unless reserves want to be able to give the impression they are full time and don't want people knowing they are reserves. They shouldn't have a problem wearing it, student garda had light blue epaulettes in the past and were easily identifiable as students and it wasn't a big problem.

Shady Tady · 19-04-2014 2:07am

Raider190 wrote: »

In your opinion only

Yes and the vast majority of full time members!

Raider190 · 19-04-2014 1:26pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Why would a wearing a different uniform matter so unless reserves want to be able to give the impression they are full time and don't want people knowing they are reserves. They shouldn't have a problem wearing it, student garda had light blue epaulettes in the past and were easily identifiable as students and it wasn't a big problem.

You obviously have no experience and no idea what happens on the street. Attested members are no longer considered to be a students whether there regular or reserve

Raider190 · 19-04-2014 1:28pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Yes and the vast majority of full time members!

Not in my station or my unit. And how would you know...,..have you taken a poll

Raider190 · 19-04-2014 1:30pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Shady have you spoken face to face with any reserve's. If you have or had
You would realise that contery to popular belief on any given day reserves put themselves at personal risk along with their full time colleagues in order to ensure the safety of the public

No answer to my question shady

Santa Cruz · 19-04-2014 6:03pm

It's very evident from the start that full time Gardai did not and still don't want the Reserves. Saying otherwise won't change that. It was a Government scheme aimed at undermining the full time service and providing a cut price police force. The uproar from Reserves that have not got through the recruitment highlights the false promises of government

Raider190 · 19-04-2014 6:41pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

It's very evident from the start that full time Gardai did not and still don't want the Reserves. Saying otherwise won't change that. It was a Government scheme aimed at undermining the full time service and providing a cut price police force. The uproar from Reserves that have not got through the recruitment highlights the false promises of government

Totally disagree. Where was this uproar recorded please quote your source. was it published anywhere, was a Poll taken of the 1250 plus reserves taken and I didn't get the email

Shady Tady · 20-04-2014 8:49pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Totally disagree. Where was this uproar recorded please quote your source. was it published anywhere, was a Poll taken of the 1250 plus reserves taken and I didn't get the email

Wasn't there a forum running on it here that had to be closed down and a few banned including meself and yourself, remember?

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 1:29am

Shady Tady wrote: »

Wasn't there a forum running on it here that had to be closed down and a few banned including meself and yourself, remember?

There are 1275 reserve's a few post here. Can this be considered an up roar I think not.

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 1:42am

magumadoo wrote: »

I'm a serving garda reserve and this uniform issue is nonsense, if a member of the public needs to speak to a full time member a reserve garda should be with or within shouting distance of the a full time garda weather on the beat, mobile patrol or in the public office of a station. Public order incidents I believe requiring a uniformed response, should be just thats UNIFORMED.

Totally agree there is so much unqualified opinion on this forum it staggers belief. Some have never even spoken to a reserve let alone know what role or duties we perform.

Santa Cruz · 21-04-2014 9:06am

Raider190 wrote: »

Totally agree there is so much unqualified opinion on this forum it staggers belief. Some have never even spoken to a reserve let alone know what role or duties we perform.

I prefer to speak to the organ grinder

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 10:28am

Raider190 wrote: »

Totally agree there is so much unqualified opinion on this forum it staggers belief. Some have never even spoken to a reserve let alone know what role or duties we perform.

I'm a full time member, i think that might qualify me to have an opinion!

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 11:35am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

I prefer to speak to the organ grinder

Are we now to assume that you are calling reserves monkeys

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 11:36am

Shady Tady wrote: »

I'm a full time member, i think that might qualify me to have an opinion!

Are you really .......didn't get that impression from your previous posts

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 11:43am

Raider190 wrote: »

Are you really .......didn't get that impression from your previous posts

Yes I am, I don't go around blowing ****e about it like you do with your 4 hours a week with little powers or responsibility. It's the likes of you who have turned me fully against the reserve. There are good reserves out there who get on with their role and don't act as if they are full time or know it all and I'll work with them any day of the week, but I refuse to go out on the street with likes of you because your arrogant and a liability.

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 11:57am

Shady Tady wrote: »

Yes I am, I don't go around blowing ****e about it like you do with your 4 hours a week with little powers or responsibility. It's the likes of you who have turned me fully against the reserve. There are good reserves out there who get on with their role and don't act as if they are full time or know it all and I'll work with them any day of the week, but I refuse to go out on the street with likes of you because your arrogant and a liability.

Dont believe a word of it,. Four months ago you posted a question " what rank are you in the reserve" . Does that seem like a question a full time member would post. Dont think so..,,,.,.As for refusing to go out with a reserve. well as you are not a full time member dont think that will be a problem

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 12:01pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Dont believe a word of it,. Four months ago you posted a question " what rank are you in the reserve" . Does that seem like a question a full time member would post. Dont think so..,,,.,.As for refusing to go out with a reserve. well as you are not a full time member dont think that will be a problem

I was taking the piss out of you commissioner raider 190,

I won't work with people who are a liability

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 12:15pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

I was taking the piss out of you commissioner raider 190, I won't work with people who are a liability

Of course you were. I believe you

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 12:19pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Of course you were. I believe you

That makes my day!

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 12:37pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

That makes my day!

Glad to spread some happiness as I go along my way. Now let discuss the original topic

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 12:47pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Glad to spread some happiness as I go along my way. Now let discuss the original topic

Ya, reserves should wear seperate uniforms so that the public can tell who the professional is if they want to be dealt with by the professional.

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 12:56pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Ya, reserves should wear seperate uniforms so that the public can tell who the professional is if they want to be dealt with by the professional.

Has it been an issue in the past. By saying this you are implying that GRS are not professional in their duties. Most reserves dealing with the public have a very clear understanding of what they can deal with and what they cannot. In this situation they would redirect the member of the public to a full time member. Do the reserves which are professional in their full time jobs leave their tprofessionalism at the door of the station when they go on duty I think not

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 1:05pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Has it been an issue in the past. By saying this you are implying that GRS are not professional in their duties. Most reserves dealing with the public have a very clear understanding of what they can deal with and what they cannot. In this situation they would redirect the member of the public to a full time member. Do the reserves which are professional in their full time jobs leave their professionalism at the door if the station when they go on duty I think not

You are not a professional police officer unless you are full time. Being a professional in another job means you are professional in that job. You can still be helpful and effective but you are not a professional and the public have a right to know, I know many reserves who don't want the public to know they are reserves and pretend they are fulltime, many who forget! to wear epaulettes. Yes they should wear a seperate uniform but like I said before if the government could use cardboard cut outs they would.

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 1:15pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

You are not a professional police officer unless you are full time. Being a professional in another job means you are professional in that job. You can still be helpful and effective but you are not a professional and the public have a right to know, I know many reserves who don't want the public to know they are reserves and pretend they are fulltime, many who forget! to wear epaulettes. Yes they should wear a seperate uniform but like I said before if the government could use cardboard cut outs they would.

For myself professionalism is applied to whatever endeavour you undertake. If GRS are been allowed to operate without their shoulder numbers then this should be addressed. Have never come across it myself. Our sarge would not allow it. As for uniforms can't see it happening and lets face it AGS need to address a number of more serious issues relating to full time members

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 1:25pm

Raider190 wrote: »

For myself professionalism is applied to whatever endeavour you undertake. If GRS are been allowed to operate without their shoulder numbers then this should be addressed. Have never come across it myself. Our sarge would not allow it. As for uniforms can't see it happening and lets face it AGS need to address a number of more serious issues relating to full time members

All issues need to be addressed including this one, the fact that AGSI have raised it as managers and it was unanimously passed means that it should be given serious consideration by the government. They just want the optics and don't want the public to know the reality on the ground

Raider190 · 21-04-2014 3:40pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

All issues need to be addressed including this one, the fact that AGSI have raised it as managers and it was unanimously passed means that it should be given serious consideration by the government. They just want the optics and don't want the public to know the reality on the ground

And how many AGSI and GRA motions fund their way to operations very very few. So in my humble opinion it will never happen so us lowley reserves will carry on doing our duties to the
Best of our abilities

Shady Tady · 21-04-2014 3:42pm

Raider190 wrote: »

And how many AGSI and GRA motions fund their way to operations very very few. So in my humble opinion it will never happen so us lowley reserves will carry on doing our duties to the
Best of our abilities

Maybe if more did we wouldn't have many if these outstanding issues!

bluetop · 21-04-2014 3:53pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Ya, reserves should wear seperate uniforms so that the public can tell who the professional is if they want to be dealt with by the professional.

That is a ridiculous post to put up about any group, remember one thing all reserve members regardless of them being PT or unpaid are members of AGS as that is what it states on the ID card, and at all times operate to the best of their abilities in a very professional manner with the tools they have been given it is "not" the fault of the reserve force for the lack of powers they have, but to call them unprofessional is a disgrace to 1400 people who have volunteered their time freely, have you ever dealt with a reserve garda that was unprofessional or even spoke to one, maybe you would have a different opinion of them.

A lot of FT members have a very high opinion of PT members yes you will get fools in every walk of life regardless of what employment they are in, but to call people unprofessional is totally out of order. I am wondering if you are or applied to be a reserve if not you have no incite into the workings of AGS, so you are unqualified to make remarks on the subject.

timwynne · 21-04-2014 4:08pm

Shady Tady wrote: »

Ya, reserves should wear seperate uniforms so that the public can tell who the professional is if they want to be dealt with by the professional.

is this a question of professionalism or rank recognition? because professionalism is a state of mind

all ranks are differentiated in AGS so that you may recognise the role they play

sgt - chevrons
cig - red gold bar
super- red gold bar and red pip

so on and so on

Reserve Gardai have a big GR on their shoulders so they are easily identified

Our organisation wears a UNIFORM and everyone is UNIFORMED

if a member of the public seeks help that a GR cannot provide well then the fulltimer at his/her side can deal with it

a different uniform is rediculous. if anything it would prob attract more queries to the GR as he would be different to everyone and therefore seen as special!! such is the mindset of joepublic

WilcoOut · 21-04-2014 5:17pm

Ill wear a pink uniform if they want - ill still be as professional as any man and plenty of mules wouldnt know the meaning of the word

bring it on I say - GRs are not afraid of change

Canyon86 · 22-04-2014 9:42am

Would the gougers / crims on the street target the GR more if the uniforms were different ?

As they know they are different from their FT colleagues etc

Just a thought I have

msg11 · 22-04-2014 12:43pm

Canyon86 wrote: »

Would the gougers / crims on the street target the GR more if the uniforms were different ?

As they know they are different from their FT colleagues etc

Just a thought I have

They wouldn't target us, they would just tell us to **** off, what can you do all the usual you would expect. Which I could see causing tension with some Reserves as they might not know what to do or could say something and that may cause a normal situation to escalate quite rapidly.

It wouldn't be wise to attack a Reserve, after all we are members of AGS, so it is technically assaulting a Garda. If anything it will be just more work for the Full time member, cause they will have to really be keeping a close eye on the Reserve.

I think it's just a bad idea, like I understand why Garda are annoyed at it but the fact of the matter is, I am easily identified as a Reserve by the GR on my shoulders. If anything maybe they should give us different colors on our shoulder numbers light blue for around the station so other people know.

Lads, all I am saying is this might seem like a great idea now, but if it is brought in I am still going to be around the station and someone will have to go out with me. I understand I am a bit of extra work, but if this is brought in, your going to be going around with someone more vulnerable not just down to the uniform but in terms of powers.

I understand your frustration at the Reserves, but I am there just to try gain some knowledge in the hope of a job, but after the recruitment campaign I have no idea. Putting me in a different uniform is putting my safety on the line, it's attacking me as person if I get hurt on the job and not the position as a Reserve.

Shady Tady · 22-04-2014 12:51pm

msg11 wrote: »

They wouldn't target us, they would just tell us to **** off, what can you do all the usual you would expect. Which I could see causing tension with some Reserves as they might not know what to do or could say something and that may cause a normal situation to escalate quite rapidly.

It wouldn't be wise to attack a Reserve, after all we are members of AGS, so it is technically assaulting a Garda. If anything it will be just more work for the Full time member, cause they will have to really be keeping a close eye on the Reserve.

I think it's just a bad idea, like I understand why Garda are annoyed at it but the fact of the matter is, I am easily identified as a Reserve by the GR on my shoulders. If anything maybe they should give us different colors on our shoulder numbers light blue for around the station so other people know.

Lads, all I am saying is this might seem like a great idea now, but if it is brought in I am still going to be around the station and someone will have to go out with me. I understand I am a bit of extra work, but if this is brought in, your going to be going around with someone more vulnerable not just down to the uniform but in terms of powers.

I understand your frustration at the Reserves, but I am there just to try gain some knowledge in the hope of a job, but after the recruitment campaign I have no idea. Putting me in a different uniform is putting my safety on the line, it's attacking me as person if I get hurt on the job and not the position as a Reserve.

I wore light blue epaulettes as a student garda and had no powers at all for 6 months on the street like nearly every serving gardai with less than 25 years service. We were easily identifiable and managed to get on with the job!

WilcoOut · 22-04-2014 1:31pm

Canyon86 wrote: »

Would the gougers / crims on the street target the GR more if the uniforms were different ?

As they know they are different from their FT colleagues etc

Just a thought I have

Just like wearing the student blue tabs - massive target

Hill St Blue · 22-04-2014 4:40pm

timwynne wrote: »

is this a question of professionalism or rank recognition? because professionalism is a state of mind

all ranks are differentiated in AGS so that you may recognise the role they play

sgt - chevrons
cig - red gold bar
super- red gold bar and red pip

so on and so on

Reserve Gardai have a big GR on their shoulders so they are easily identified

Our organisation wears a UNIFORM and everyone is UNIFORMED

if a member of the public seeks help that a GR cannot provide well then the fulltimer at his/her side can deal with it

a different uniform is rediculous. if anything it would prob attract more queries to the GR as he would be different to everyone and therefore seen as special!! such is the mindset of joepublic

+1

Separate uniforms for GR.. Yes/No....

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