new powers

Raider190 · 12-03-2014 2:45am

Bloodwing wrote: »

Well for a start a reserve works the hours that suit them, if they have a family function on they can arrange their hours around it. They don't take statements from victims or wittiness who have been involved in some horrendous incident. They aren't under pressure to get files done while being sent all over the place to cover short units. They don't get phone calls to come in at all hours because some lad you've been looking for has just been arrested. They don't arrive in to be told their going on an escort to Kerry and probably won't finish on time. They don't interview prisoners. I could go on but I've gone way off topic.

All excellent points but then the general con census would be that's what you are paid for and I don't mean that disrespectfully I happen to think the salary scales are appalling. A reserve gets a pittance hardly enough to cover fuel costs and yet when they are on duty they are subject to the same risks as their regular colleagues. Surely this commitment should be recognised in some form when it comes to recruitment. For myself I will remain positive about the reserve no matter what happens in the future but do feel disappointed that this non recognition of our devotion and commitment to the service will lead to a number of currently serving reserves to rethink their position and may lead to a number resigning . This may of course not happen but there is always the possibility that morale will sink . I hope not as I do believe that the reserve has a lot to contribute and as it evolves it will become a training opportunity for the gardai of the future

Bloodwing · 12-03-2014 5:20am

Raider190 wrote: »

All excellent points but then the general con census would be that's what you are paid for and I don't mean that disrespectfully I happen to think the salary scales are appalling. A reserve gets a pittance hardly enough to cover fuel costs and yet when they are on duty they are subject to the same risks as their regular colleagues. Surely this commitment should be recognised in some form when it comes to recruitment. For myself I will remain positive about the reserve no matter what happens in the future but do feel disappointed that this non recognition of our devotion and commitment to the service will lead to a number of currently serving reserves to rethink their position and may lead to a number resigning . This may of course not happen but there is always the possibility that morale will sink . I hope not as I do believe that the reserve has a lot to contribute and as it evolves it will become a training opportunity for the gardai of the future

I'm not trying to say that reserves should be doing all that for free, the point I was making is there is a huge difference between the reserve and the full time in terms of their roles and duties which is something that some people around here seem not to realise. I have a lot of time for most of the reserves in the station they're sound lads who I'm sure will get the FT at some point so don't think I'm knocking the people that do it.

Santa Cruz · 12-03-2014 11:13am

Raider190 wrote: »

All excellent points but then the general con census would be that's what you are paid for and I don't mean that disrespectfully I happen to think the salary scales are appalling. A reserve gets a pittance hardly enough to cover fuel costs and yet when they are on duty they are subject to the same risks as their regular colleagues. Surely this commitment should be recognised in some form when it comes to recruitment. For myself I will remain positive about the reserve no matter what happens in the future but do feel disappointed that this non recognition of our devotion and commitment to the service will lead to a number of currently serving reserves to rethink their position and may lead to a number resigning . This may of course not happen but there is always the possibility that morale will sink . I hope not as I do believe that the reserve has a lot to contribute and as it evolves it will become a training opportunity for the gardai of the future

Right at the start of this discussion on other posts I have said that recognition will be given to Reserves who have come on to units and did their job well. They will get this recognition in the form of a good reference from Garda supervisors and it will stand to them. Reserves which Supervisors are not happy with will not get good references. After that it is up to themselves at interview to impress the board. Some posters here try to portray their Reserve membership as some great altruistic mission when in fact they saw it as an easy passage to full time membership. Now that they have fallen by the wayside in aptitude tests they are building up a grievance about their treatment. In that case they may as well resign. As regards getting a pittance that was known from the start. They knew the conditions. I keep my sympathy for full time Gardaí who have entered in to financial arrangements on the basis of earning a certain salary and now the Government have hit their pay and conditions.

msg11 · 12-03-2014 7:02pm

Bloodwing wrote: »

being sent all over the place to cover short units. They don't get phone calls to come in at all hours because some lad

If someone was to ring me now asking could I come in tonight to spare a few hours to help a unit short on number I would have no problem. This is what I actually thought a reserve was for, like a reserve pool off water for when the main pool is under pressure. But instead it's left up too yourself to come in whenever you want as you put it.

All the things you have listed above I have no problem doing, I just don't do them because you get looked at with ten heads if you try use your brain as a Reserve. I don't know about other Reserves but I didn't grow up in cotton wool all my life some people are just street smart and have a natural act for knowing when something is not right and how to talk to the gougers, full timers need to start getting the Reserves into action and showing a little faith in them.

I have no problem with the fact I missed out on the full time, I do feel a bit pissed off at the way it was handled. I was never expecting to walk into a full time position. I think of it as an internship like that job-bridge scheme if you have someone there that has proven themselves, willing to learn, good worker always on time, clean and polite. You have a position coming up and you outsource the hiring of the staff member to another company at a cost when you have someone ready to go.

Put it this way. How would a full time member feel, the sergeants exams are coming up. Your fairly excited chance to move up the ladder good chance of getting that promotion to sergeant only 1000 internal applications for 50 new posts but wait, It's now decided that these posts will be filled from all candidates that hold the requirements and pass the aptitude tests. You fall at the first stages of the test and hear via friends that people you know have applied and gotten to the final stages and you know deep down they have absolutely no interest in the job.

At the end of the day I had a grievance I am over it, life moves on. It's AGS loss that many Reserves full suited to the role have been overlooked. I will continue with the Reserves as I still think it's good to contribute something, good skills are learned and it's great for apply some stuff to current/future jobs.

What I will say is full time members need to have a more positive outlook on the work they are doing, I can see it as a Reserve the respect for most members of the public or the look of thanks/relief in people eyes when they see the Garda showing up too some lunatic off there face to deal with it. Maybe someone get's a light sentence for thief and your dealing with them day after day but if you didn't that person would be at it tenfold. Just have even a small bit more faith in us Reserves.

Scouser · 12-03-2014 7:21pm

Bloodwing wrote: »

Well for a start a reserve works the hours that suit them, if they have a family function on they can arrange their hours around it. They don't take statements from victims or wittiness who have been involved in some horrendous incident. They aren't under pressure to get files done while being sent all over the place to cover short units. They don't get phone calls to come in at all hours because some lad you've been looking for has just been arrested. They don't arrive in to be told their going on an escort to Kerry and probably won't finish on time. They don't interview prisoners. I could go on but I've gone way off topic.

of course we dont - thats your job!

now shurrup and get on with it :cool:

Hill St Blue · 12-03-2014 8:15pm

Bloodwing wrote: »

Well for a start a reserve works the hours that suit them, if they have a family function on they can arrange their hours around it. They don't take statements from victims or wittiness who have been involved in some horrendous incident. They aren't under pressure to get files done while being sent all over the place to cover short units. They don't get phone calls to come in at all hours because some lad you've been looking for has just been arrested. They don't arrive in to be told their going on an escort to Kerry and probably won't finish on time. They don't interview prisoners. I could go on but I've gone way off topic.

With all due respect, that is what the job entails, and that is what they are paid to do (and they're not paid half enough in my opinion!)
There are naturally going to be differences (as outlined in some of the above examples) in what a full timer and a Reserve are expected to do. In fairness, most (but not always all) of the follow up work relating to incidents that are dealt with, lands squarely on the full timer's shoulders, but that is why they are being paid a full time wage.
It is also worth noting that most Reserves have full time jobs themselves, and are often subject to stresses and job related hassles, that although being circumstantially different to that of a Garda, does not make them any less bothersome or inconvenient...sometimes, negative things just come with the territory. (*It's not as if Reserves just sit around, doing absolutely nothing, in their stress free, hassle free lives, waiting patiently to go in every week, and volunteer their free time to An Garda Siochana for the craic, after all!)

*Last part written with tongue firmly in cheek, but it is possibly something that some full timers don't seem willing to acknowledge!

Scouser · 12-03-2014 8:27pm

Hill St Blue wrote: »

It is also worth noting that most Reserves have full time jobs themselves, and are often subject to stresses and job related hassles, that although being circumstantially different to that of a Garda, does not make them any less bothersome or inconvenient...sometimes, negative things just come with the territory. (*It's not as if Reserves just sit around, doing absolutely nothing, in their stress free, hassle free lives, waiting patiently to go in every week, and volunteer their free time to An Garda Siochana for the craic, after all!)

*Last part written with tongue firmly in cheek, but it is possibly something that some full timers don't seem willing to acknowledge!

yes some would go on as if we are in Reserve in every aspect of life!

Santa Cruz · 12-03-2014 8:32pm

Hill St Blue wrote: »

With all due respect, that is what the job entails, and that is what they are paid to do (and they're not paid half enough in my opinion!)
There are naturally going to be differences (as outlined in some of the above examples) in what a full timer and a Reserve are expected to do. In fairness, most (but not always all) of the follow up work relating to incidents that are dealt with, lands squarely on the full timer's shoulders, but that is why they are being paid a full time wage.
It is also worth noting that most Reserves have full time jobs themselves, and are often subject to stresses and job related hassles, that although being circumstantially different to that of a Garda, does not make them any less bothersome or inconvenient...sometimes, negative things just come with the territory. (*It's not as if Reserves just sit around, doing absolutely nothing, in their stress free, hassle free lives, waiting patiently to go in every week, and volunteer their free time to An Garda Siochana for the craic, after all!)

*Last part written with tongue firmly in cheek, but it is possibly something that some full timers don't seem willing to acknowledge!

Maybe it's because they are not too concerned about you

Bloodwing · 12-03-2014 9:52pm

Hill St Blue wrote: »

With all due respect, that is what the job entails, and that is what they are paid to do (and they're not paid half enough in my opinion!)
There are naturally going to be differences (as outlined in some of the above examples) in what a full timer and a Reserve are expected to do. In fairness, most (but not always all) of the follow up work relating to incidents that are dealt with, lands squarely on the full timer's shoulders, but that is why they are being paid a full time wage.
It is also worth noting that most Reserves have full time jobs themselves, and are often subject to stresses and job related hassles, that although being circumstantially different to that of a Garda, does not make them any less bothersome or inconvenient...sometimes, negative things just come with the territory. (*It's not as if Reserves just sit around, doing absolutely nothing, in their stress free, hassle free lives, waiting patiently to go in every week, and volunteer their free time to An Garda Siochana for the craic, after all!)

*Last part written with tongue firmly in cheek, but it is possibly something that some full timers don't seem willing to acknowledge!

A lot of people seem to have missed my point. The initial point I responded to was someone saying the reserve shouldn't have to do an aptitude test for the full time. I then pointed out that the two roles and duties are massively different. I was then asked to point out how they are different which I did. I never claimed that the reserve should be doing any of those things I pointed out.

I have no issue with the reserve or people who join it. I was in the RDF myself. I think the reserve could be used more effectively in a community role such as attending schools and other meetings with community bodies, but that is just my opinion.

Santa Cruz · 12-03-2014 10:50pm

"I think the reserve could be used more effectively in a community role such as attending schools and other meetings with community bodies, but that is just my opinion"

How could that be more effective or is it a case of wanting the uniform but not the work that goes with it ?

bluetop · 12-03-2014 11:10pm

Bloodwing wrote: »

I have no issue with the reserve or people who join it. I was in the RDF myself. I think the reserve could be used more effectively in a community role such as attending schools and other meetings with community bodies, but that is just my opinion.

I am sorry to be reading this more effectively in a community role, you are not living in the real world or are blindfolded, you have many units that have maybe 3 to 5 members on it that need help and you want to now send the reserves that do come in to help on a community role, are you also forgetting that people have work to attend so that rules out the schools aspect, you are also forgetting that if they did go to a community group you have to also send a full time member along as well thanks to the deal the GRA done in order to allow the reserves come in.

So where you have one mule going to a community meeting you now have two, totally makes sense all right, thanks be to god that we dont have sgt that think the way you do, if you had your way from the way i am reading it you would have them in the closet out of the way, sorry if this offends you but that is the way i am reading into this.

As was said above a few posts back the Sgt exams are on at the present time, you apply for it along with lots of others and you have to do an aptitude test and you lose out, you would be thinking exactly the same way the reserves are now, sure we are all ready in the job why did we have to do this, same goes for the reserves that have given up 7 yrs to be a reserve member and are far more advanced then any person coming blind in to AGS, and you been in the RDF know what way you were treated so you should be leaning on the side of the reserve

Bloodwing · 13-03-2014 12:28am

bluetop wrote: »

I am sorry to be reading this more effectively in a community role, you are not living in the real world or are blindfolded, you have many units that have maybe 3 to 5 members on it that need help and you want to now send the reserves that do come in to help on a community role, are you also forgetting that people have work to attend so that rules out the schools aspect, you are also forgetting that if they did go to a community group you have to also send a full time member along as well thanks to the deal the GRA done in order to allow the reserves come in.

So where you have one mule going to a community meeting you now have two, totally makes sense all right, thanks be to god that we dont have sgt that think the way you do, if you had your way from the way i am reading it you would have them in the closet out of the way, sorry if this offends you but that is the way i am reading into this.

As was said above a few posts back the Sgt exams are on at the present time, you apply for it along with lots of others and you have to do an aptitude test and you lose out, you would be thinking exactly the same way the reserves are now, sure we are all ready in the job why did we have to do this, same goes for the reserves that have given up 7 yrs to be a reserve member and are far more advanced then any person coming blind in to AGS, and you been in the RDF know what way you were treated so you should be leaning on the side of the reserve

I am living in the real world and I'm not blindfolded I know exactly what its like to work a short unit, the reserve are not there to fill that gap and if it wasn't for the GRA they would be which is not the solution. You haven't offended me at all, but its not necessary to jump down my throat for giving my opinion.

If everyone had to do the aptitude test for the skippers and I failed I'd be disappointed but I wouldn't be feeling that I was hard done by.

Reserves regularly work on their own without a member standing beside them. PCSOs take part in community meetings and offer an insight from the point of view of someone who has experience and skills from other professions so why not extend the role of the reserve to this, I'm sure there are plenty of reserve who would enjoy that aspect of the job. Nowhere did I suggest that this is the only thing the reserve should be doing and neither did I suggest that they should stop what they're doing now.

You make reference to reserves already being in the job, and whilst they are members of AGS their roles and duties differ massively from that of the full time (as I pointed out already) so you cannot compare the two directly.

msg11 · 13-03-2014 12:31am

I think people are going a bit hard on Bloodwing, but I strongly disagree with what he is saying about the Reserves and migrating into the fulltime service. It's disgraceful to have so many people ready to go and want to do the job then give them the two fingers.

Firstly it's a waste of money running this big operation when there are people ready to attend training at a moments notice. As I have said before, provided you get approval from your unit sergeant, chief super and have a minimum of two years service you should be accepted.

I mean look at it from this perspective, what if the first batch of students are all Reserves, this big operation and associated costs could have been avoided and a delay in starting training avoided.

AGS allowing no sort of progression from the Reserves is in my option a course of action which may allow them to use for other posts within AGS. Sergeants, Inspectors, Chiefs from the general population that are not currently in contract with AGS could now be employed by AGS on different cheaper terms and with more experience from other employment maybe as CEO of a company.

As regards the path and future of the Reserve, who knows it vary's so much from station to station I don't even think anyone knows what we should be doing. In fact I would go as far as saying some people in AGS don't even know we even have some powers. I was told before that the Reserve is similar to a ride along like a school child. Now, I am fairly thick skinned so I let that one slide. If I ever told anyone in my full time job that was in on work experience that your like a child along to watch daddy at work day, I would be fairly up **** creek.

Someone in AGS needs to take the Reserve and show how cost effective it can be if used correctly and given the correct powers, anyone who can save a few million off a budget will find themselves moving up the ranks quicker than anything else.

Hill St Blue · 13-03-2014 12:50am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

Maybe it's because they are not too concerned about you

Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, but sure don't let that stop you having a little personal dig there anyway, eh?! I was making a general point, which alludes to the bigger picture, and not specifically to any personal context.
Anyway, I'll leave it there. Peace out.

Bloodwing · 13-03-2014 12:53am

msg11 wrote: »

Someone in AGS needs to take the Reserve and show how cost effective it can be if used correctly and given the correct powers, anyone who can save a few million off a budget will find themselves moving up the ranks quicker than anything else.

I fully agree with you here. The reserve is not being used as effectively as it could be. We'll just have to agree to disagree on the whole aptitude test thing! I don't think anyone should get to skip a stage because that would make it too easy to get the sons or daughters of certain people through. The independently run aptitude helps keep a lot of the completely unsuitable ones out.

What I think should have happened is a certain percentage of the places available should have been held for reserve members who went through a separate stream with all the same stages. This would help keep the completely unsuitable ones out and give the decent ones a bit more of a chance.

Raider190 · 13-03-2014 1:00am

Scouser wrote: »

of course we dont - thats your job!

now shurrup and get on with it :cool:

The poster gives an intelligent reply and this is your response
Shame on you please show some respect

Raider190 · 13-03-2014 2:49am

Scouser wrote: »

yes some would go on as if we are in Reserve in every aspect of life!

Anyone else trying to figure thus comment out

Raider190 · 13-03-2014 2:51am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

Maybe it's because they are not too concerned about you

More negative comments change the record please

Raider190 · 13-03-2014 3:00am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

"I think the reserve could be used more effectively in a community role such as attending schools and other meetings with community bodies, but that is just my opinion"

How could that be more effective or is it a case of wanting the uniform but not the work that goes with it ?

More silly comments how much more.!all GRs work hard and would welcome any police work that comes their way

And am still awaiting the answer to my previous posted question. The fact that you have not answered speaks volumes. come on Cruz lets hear what you do for the community. Justify why it's always snide remarks and no support for the reserve

Santa Cruz · 13-03-2014 10:49am

Raider190 wrote: »

More silly comments how much more.!all GRs work hard and would welcome any police work that comes their way

And am still awaiting the answer to my previous posted question. The fact that you have not answered speaks volumes. come on Cruz lets hear what you do for the community. Justify why it's always snide remarks and no support for the reserve

What I do or do not do for the community is none of your concern. But please spare me the "the Reserves are community spirited individuals" line. The chickens ( or in Callinan speak, the pigeons) have come home to roost in the last few weeks as can be seen on this site. Reserves who didn't make it through the aptitude tests realise now that they were taken for a ride. They had developed a sense of entitlement and thought that Reserve membership was a handy backdoor entry to the Garda Siochana. Now that this has not worked out for them they are building up a big grievance about their rejection. I can't wait to see their faces when they are being introduced to the new student Gardaí in a few months time, that's if they are still around.

Raider190 · 13-03-2014 11:14am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

What I do or do not do for the community is none of your concern. But please spare me the "the Reserves are community spirited individuals" line. The chickens ( or in Callinan speak, the pigeons) have come home to roost in the last few weeks as can be seen on this site. Reserves who didn't make it through the aptitude tests realise now that they were taken for a ride. They had developed a sense of entitlement and thought that Reserve membership was a handy backdoor entry to the Garda Siochana. Now that this has not worked out for them they are building up a big grievance about their rejection. I can't wait to see their faces when they are being introduced to the new student Gardaí in a few months time, that's if they are still around.

Thank you for the reply. It is clear that your comments are unqualified and most are reserve negative and you have no more to contribute. Just sounds like sour grapes to me.
a number of the new recruits will be former reserves and those that are not will be gaining valuable experience from all their colleagues both full time and reserve. As for seeing their faces not much chance of that now is there because you do not serve.

WilcoOut · 13-03-2014 7:57pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Anyone else trying to figure thus comment out

Self explanatory really.......

no?

Canyon86 · 13-03-2014 9:25pm

Can we ditch the current bitching that is on going and stay on topic!

Raider190 · 14-03-2014 2:08pm

Canyon86 wrote: »

Can we ditch the current bitching that is on going and stay on topic!

In order to move on has anyone start ed to get to grips with the paperwork element which will be required when the new powers are devolved. Have started myself with the help of full time colleagues and it's going well. no doubt there will be some courses put in place to help us. The court appearances dont phase me as I have attended in a number of cases. First time in court was a bit of a sweater but managed to get through it without any mistakes despite a good grilling from the defence solicitor. Thank god for pro Gardai judges

Raider190 · 14-03-2014 3:37pm

Bloodwing wrote: »

I am living in the real world and I'm not blindfolded I know exactly what its like to work a short unit, the reserve are not there to fill that gap and if it wasn't for the GRA they would be which is not the solution. You haven't offended me at all, but its not necessary to jump down my throat for giving my opinion.

If everyone had to do the aptitude test for the skippers and I failed I'd be disappointed but I wouldn't be feeling that I was hard done by.

Reserves regularly work on their own without a member standing beside them. PCSOs take part in community meetings and offer an insight from the point of view of someone who has experience and skills from other professions so why not extend the role of the reserve to this, I'm sure there are plenty of reserve who would enjoy that aspect of the job. Nowhere did I suggest that this is the only thing the reserve should be doing and neither did I suggest that they should stop what they're doing now.

You make reference to reserves already being in the job, and whilst they are members of AGS their roles and duties differ massively from that of the full time (as I pointed out already) so you cannot compare the two directly.

Would agree with blood wing. Have conducted many duties on my own and that has been encouraged by my sgt. A lot of time it's just putting yourself forward and showing the interest.

Raider190 · 14-03-2014 3:41pm

Someone in AGS needs to take the Reserve and show how cost effective it can be if used correctly and given the correct powers, anyone who can save a few million off a budget will find themselves moving up the ranks quicker than anything else.[/QUOTE]

There is a lot of validity in this comment . No doubt there would be some cost plus benefits but also a number of operational benefits

bluetop · 14-03-2014 4:47pm

Raider190 wrote: »

Someone in AGS needs to take the Reserve and show how cost effective it can be if used correctly and given the correct powers, anyone who can save a few million off a budget will find themselves moving up the ranks quicker than anything else.

There is a lot of validity in this comment . No doubt there would be some cost plus benefits but also a number of operational benefits[/QUOTE]

Nobody is going to stick their head for the reserves even if it means saving money, head in the sand syndrome.

Raider190 · 14-03-2014 9:06pm

bluetop wrote: »

There is a lot of validity in this comment . No doubt there would be some cost plus benefits but also a number of operational benefits

Nobody is going to stick their head for the reserves even if it means saving money, head in the sand syndrome.[/QUOTE]

You just can't say that. You never know what will happen in the next six months

bluetop · 15-03-2014 1:06am

Raider190 wrote: »

You just can't say that. You never know what will happen in the next six months

Raider i know you mean well but i think its time for everyone to wake up from the dream, its been 5mts since the up-skilling and what has come about from that nothing, we dont even have any type of representation should something go wrong who do we turn too, the full timers have the GRA so basically if you mess up your on your own, most haven't a clue what we do, what powers we have we come in walk about or get dumped in the car out of the way as they dont know what to be doing with us, there is no direction or leadership come in get your r85 signed off and away home till the next time you are in.

Unless someone takes ownership of the reserve force it is going to go nowhere and will be left in disarray as it is every force needs leadership without it things fall apart, you only have to look at the different Stations and the different things that reserves do there is no across the board rules its a do as you like until something happens and the sh1t hits the fan and then the reserve is up the creek and no paddle.

Raider190 · 15-03-2014 1:13am

bluetop wrote: »

Raider i know you mean well but i think its time for everyone to wake up from the dream, its been 5mts since the up-skilling and what has come about from that nothing, we dont even have any type of representation should something go wrong who do we turn too, the full timers have the GRA so basically if you mess up your on your own, most haven't a clue what we do, what powers we have we come in walk about or get dumped in the car out of the way as they dont know what to be doing with us, there is no direction or leadership come in get your r85 signed off and away home till the next time you are in.

Unless someone takes ownership of the reserve force it is going to go nowhere and will be left in disarray as it is every force needs leadership without it things fall apart, you only have to look at the different Stations and the different things that reserves do there is no across the board rules its a do as you like until something happens and the sh1t hits the fan and then the reserve is up the creek and no paddle.

Do hear what your saying and have heard the same from some others . Have you made your liaison inspector aware of your feelings . We are encouraged to speak to ours . I myself have spoken to my supt who is genuinely interested .

Yogi Bear · 11-06-2014 6:07pm

Anyone any news on New Powers???

bluetop · 12-06-2014 9:05pm

Yogi Bear wrote: »

Anyone any news on New Powers???

Ya they are M.I.A hahahahah

kerry4sam · 21-06-2014 1:22am

Seems like a life-time since someone spoke with me personally about these alleged new powers.

Hope that Volunteer Garda Reserves won't be hung out like Junior Garda were according to that article.

Will their be provisions in place, by anyone, to assist Volunteer Garda Reserves in event legal action is taken against a member due to the use of these new powers?
Will their be actual support from any senior staff, anywhere in the organisation for a volunteer Garda Reserve, in event it is needed?

Just hope when this kicks into gear, that precautions will be taken to assist ALL serving members, in event it is needed.

Just me being curious,
kerry4sam

Santa Cruz · 22-06-2014 9:30am

kerry4sam wrote: »

Seems like a life-time since someone spoke with me personally about these alleged new powers.

Hope that Volunteer Garda Reserves won't be hung out like Junior Garda were according to that article.

Will their be provisions in place, by anyone, to assist Volunteer Garda Reserves in event legal action is taken against a member due to the use of these new powers?
Will their be actual support from any senior staff, anywhere in the organisation for a volunteer Garda Reserve, in event it is needed?

Just hope when this kicks into gear, that precautions will be taken to assist ALL serving members, in event it is needed.

Just me being curious,
kerry4sam

That article just shows how things are and they won't change without a significant input of new Gardai. It's every man for himself now so it's hard to expect people to be available to babysit Reserves

bluetop · 23-06-2014 12:18am

kerry4sam wrote: »

Seems like a life-time since someone spoke with me personally about these alleged new powers.

Hope that Volunteer Garda Reserves won't be hung out like Junior Garda were according to that article.

Will their be provisions in place, by anyone, to assist Volunteer Garda Reserves in event legal action is taken against a member due to the use of these new powers?
Will their be actual support from any senior staff, anywhere in the organisation for a volunteer Garda Reserve, in event it is needed?

Just hope when this kicks into gear, that precautions will be taken to assist ALL serving members, in event it is needed.

Just me being curious,
kerry4sam

why not try asking your liaison inspector, or you will have a chance real soon at new appreciation nights coming to a town near you, or be like everyone else stick your head in the sand and pretend everything is hunky dory when at these or the meeting with your sgt or inspectors, 99% of people remain shut lipped at these yet moan and groan about the situation.

the only way to resolve issues is to put them on the table regardless of the consequences of your actions.

bluetop · 23-06-2014 12:20am

Santa Cruz wrote: »

That article just shows how things are and they won't change without a significant input of new Gardai. It's every man for himself now so it's hard to expect people to be available to babysit Reserves

its always been like that and wont change regardless of the manpower.

Mc Jakester · 23-06-2014 8:04am

Anybody going to Westmanstown this Saturday 10-1pm meeting for GR's..
I wonder what's going to happen....!

Santa Cruz · 23-06-2014 1:06pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

Anybody going to Westmanstown this Saturday 10-1pm meeting for GR's..
I wonder what's going to happen....!

Well people can go, make their voice heard and demand changes or alternatively just come on to this site and bitch away.

Yogi Bear · 23-06-2014 3:45pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

Well people can go, make their voice heard and demand changes or alternatively just come on to this site and bitch away.

Let us know how you get on. We have a meeting in the next few weeks with our inspector also. Hopefully good news.
I will be asking the questions whether they like it or not. Sick of waiting at this stage.
There will be new Trainees going in to Templemore next month and will be out in 8 months with full powers. Most will have never walked the beat before in their lives as it looks like very few reserves have got through.
We are walking the beat for years with nothing.

Oh! before any one has a go at me, im not trying to stir anything up.
Congrats to those who have got through. well done.
I know the lad will have a full 8 months training, more than we will ever get, and im not having a go at them.

bluetop · 23-06-2014 4:38pm

Mc Jakester wrote: »

Anybody going to Westmanstown this Saturday 10-1pm meeting for GR's..
I wonder what's going to happen....!

the first thing that will happen is one of the Inspectors will stand up and make an announcement, dont ask questions about the following radios, powers, we know as much as you do and its been asked before many times, try and come up with new questions. yet that are really the only questions we need answered why have we done the training and still not got them, why have we not been issued with radios as part of our equipment despite there been an abundance of them, at the end of the day regardless of what any person on here or in any station think, we are a rank under the Garda Siochana act 2005 and as such should be given personal issue radios, and not pool ones that you spend half the night looking for a working one, under health & Safety it should come as part of your PPE.

i would suggest to people attending if they do say the above make a point of bringing it up at each table, if every table brings it up and nothing else then they will have to do something, if people sit back and say nothing well then put up with the problems.

mfergus · 23-06-2014 4:51pm

bluetop wrote: »

the first thing that will happen is one of the Inspectors will stand up and make an announcement, dont ask questions about the following radios, powers, we know as much as you do and its been asked before many times, try and come up with new questions. yet that are really the only questions we need answered why have we done the training and still not got them, why have we not been issued with radios as part of our equipment despite there been an abundance of them, at the end of the day regardless of what any person on here or in any station think, we are a rank under the Garda Siochana act 2005 and as such should be given personal issue radios, and not pool ones that you spend half the night looking for a working one, under health & Safety it should come as part of your PPE.

i would suggest to people attending if they do say the above make a point of bringing it up at each table, if every table brings it up and nothing else then they will have to do something, if people sit back and say nothing well then put up with the problems.

I can understand the fact people want / need the powers but why do people want a personal issue radio so badly? What's wrong with getting one at the start of your shift and returning it at the end?

For reserves it makes more sense to have a pool system. Otherwise there be 1000 radios used for a couple of hours a month and left in a locker for the remaining time?

snams · 23-06-2014 5:49pm

mfergus wrote: »

I can understand the fact people want / need the powers but why do people want a personal issue radio so badly? What's wrong with getting one at the start of your shift and returning it at the end?

For reserves it makes more sense to have a pool system. Otherwise there be 1000 radios used for a couple of hours a month and left in a locker for the remaining time?

In some cases, a certain number of radios are distributed to each unit to be given to reserves (1 radio per unit is the norm in majority of the stations that are using this system).
But what happens on a Saturday night when more than one reserve turns up?
There are not enough radios to go around and let me tell you that those radios are needed indeed when you're out on the beat.

Kaizersoze81 · 23-06-2014 5:52pm

Borrow one from a member on station duty. No reason why every reserve should have a personal radio for a couple of hours a week max.

bluetop · 23-06-2014 6:30pm

mfergus wrote: »

I can understand the fact people want / need the powers but why do people want a personal issue radio so badly? What's wrong with getting one at the start of your shift and returning it at the end?

For reserves it makes more sense to have a pool system. Otherwise there be 1000 radios used for a couple of hours a month and left in a locker for the remaining time?

first off there are roughly 3000 radios left in boxes doing nothing so why not issue them same way as your other PPE is issued, they they prefer to leave them doing diddly squat then issue them, same could be said about your uniform, cuffs, pepper spray, batton, so whats the difference, and as one person has said trying to get a raidio if there is a few GR on at the same time is like trying to find a needle, and as i have been told by the skipper on many occasions the person you get a loan of a radio is responsible for it hence the reluctance to share

Santa Cruz · 23-06-2014 7:16pm

bluetop wrote: »

first off there are roughly 3000 radios left in boxes doing nothing so why not issue them same way as your other PPE is issued, they they prefer to leave them doing diddly squat then issue them, same could be said about your uniform, cuffs, pepper spray, batton, so whats the difference, and as one person has said trying to get a raidio if there is a few GR on at the same time is like trying to find a needle, and as i have been told by the skipper on many occasions the person you get a loan of a radio is responsible for it hence the reluctance to share

This just highlights the whole haphazard approach to the Reserves. It's not going to change unless Reserve members make it change.

bluetop · 23-06-2014 8:11pm

Santa Cruz wrote: »

This just highlights the whole haphazard approach to the Reserves. It's not going to change unless Reserve members make it change.

Its all very well going to these meetings, the whole idea of them is to air your view or the views they want you to air, but we can all change this we have a chance now, but we must all work together to achieve this, there is 1400 approx now attested reserves, lets not stick our heads in the sand anymore lets tell them what they dont want to hear.

we need a fit for purpose reserve force that can actually make a difference and not be led by the hand, although the Uk community police have no powers they have got independent patrol, we have an extra bit more than they have, we have done our PO training which they dont.

so what we need is

Radios

Our PO Powers

independent patrol would be great and would free up us having to be (Babysat) as the GRA would call it.

if everyone stick together and says that who knows what we would get, maybe nothing but its worth a try is it not.

bluetop · 26-06-2014 12:16am

well guys and gals the first of the meetings is on Saturday between 10am & 1pm in westmanstown. now its time to either put up or shut up, this is your time to have your say, as i have said 90% of people will sit there and act if everything is great and say nothing, if this is what you intend doing pointless going as if you have gone to the previous ones this is going to be no different, same crap different date you and only you can make changes but in order to do that you have to voice your opinion on the day. i wish you all luck with whatever you do remember if you sit there and say nothing then nothing is likely to change, it still might not change if you do say something that is the chance we all take, we take a risk every time we put our gear on going out on beat or what ever, be strong say your piece or elect someone at your table that is willing to speak for your table.

Yogi Bear · 30-06-2014 12:17am

Any news how meeting on Saturday went??

Copaholic · 02-07-2014 4:18pm

To all,

There is a poll taking place on the Garda Recruitment side called "the recruitment process.

Cast your vote if you wish

Scouser · 04-07-2014 4:01pm

Yogi Bear wrote: »

Any news how meeting on Saturday went??

they have all been full of fire and brimstone from what I have heard

first step to change

new powers

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