Phase III - Phase IV WORKING FOR REAL

noel32

Hi All,
Just looking for some feedback on how members found phase four ??
Was it much of a step up as everyone says?
Did ye get much help from those around you?
Did you feel a lot of pressure?

Feedback from phase 4's and full members much appreciated

Thanks

daithip

Best of luck Noel if you are about to head out on Phase IV, but be ready for a rude awakening. IMO the Garda College has totally forgotten about teaching the basics to students, that is, ordinary everyday practical stuff that you're going to come across. Simple things like completing a passport, tax forms, custody records etc when you're in the station, taking details at traffic accidents, incidents etc and the procedure to follow, when you're out and about.

Then again if you're lucky enough to have someone experienced working with you, whom you feel comfortable enough to approach and ask questions, then I'll advise you to utilise their knowledge as often as possible. They may not have all the answers, none of us do, but hopefully they'll steer you in the right direction. Never be afraid to ask questions!!

Remember, we've all got through it so don't worry too much.

Whitewater-AGS

noel32 wrote: »

Hi All,
Just looking for some feedback on how members found phase four ??
Was it much of a step up as everyone says?
Did ye get much help from those around you?
Did you feel a lot of pressure?

Feedback from phase 4's and full members much appreciated

Thanks

I'll try answer some of these for ya,
I personally didn't find it too much of a step up really, it was a step up in the sense that if you make a balls of something it's on your head and your head only. So dont go doing something unless your 110% of your powers to do it.

That being said i've found there to be no shortage of help just dont the afraid to ask for it! Again if your not sure on how to do something be it paper wise, court ect ect ask dont just try wing it cause its only going to lead to more paper for you and you'll end up looking a fool too.

I'm not under to much pressure but that all depends on who your super and sgt are, and how much return of work in expected. You will feel it some days when trying to get a file done or heading to court the monday after nights oh and then ya got the dairy and dissertation to get done too. Like i said some days you'll feel the pressure but alot depends on where your stationed and your unit i'm very lucky in this regard. TBH if you can show yourself to be a worker with a bit of common sense and trust worthy you'll sail through phase 4 and as my skipper said to me on day one just try do the small stuff right at the start the bigger stuff will follow.



Hope this answers it for ya, if not just let me know.

djtechnics1210

I think a more fitting title would have been.........

Phase ΙΙΙ - Phase ΙV WORKING FOR FREE

I think its a disgrace the way that new probationers have to pay pension levy, their on rubbish enough money as it is.

as said earlier, don't be afraid to ask questions, i would say ask your senior man questions (but nowadays a senior man probably only has 2 years service)
If you are lucky enough to have a seasoned senior man ask them for help...

** Golden Rule**..... (i used to say this when i was on unit)

If In Doubt Ask Someone..... We've all been there and you won't learn if you don't ask.
Any probs or queries PM me

djtechnics1210

Please don't take this the wrong way noel32 or other phase 3 or 4's that read this.

When ya get your new unit/station, keep the eyes/ears open for the first few days/weeks until you find your feet and settle in with your unit/station
No unit likes a new probationer arriving thats fresh out of the college thats doing every tom,dick and harry they come across when they get out with powers for the first time.
They also don't like new probationers that go around spouting legislation/code/HQ directives etc and thinking they know it all

Oh and the one thing to never ever forget...... don't let AGS make ya stressed and let the job take you over...... at the end of the day it's only a job.

Again this is just advice and not aimed at you noel

Eru

As everyone has said, ask. If a senior member is ignorant or wont help you, hes the asshole not you.

Same with calls, do not be afraid to ask a senior lad to accompany you, assist you or simiple give advice. I talked the ears of my skippers and senior lads. they didnt complain and I dont now.

Be also aware that Templemore is failing in a lot of areas when it comes to training. Court was a joke when I was there, didnt have a bloody clue when I had my first case in court but thankfully the court Skipper and anyone thats there will and should help if you look for it. In my first hearing the court Guard whispered the questions to me and I just repeated them, got the conviction too!

Dont fall down on paperwork, if its stacking up, say its stacking up and you need time simple as.

TheNog

The first few weeks are brilliant cos you have little or no paper and you think you are saving the world by seizing cars for no tax.

unfortunately very quickly the realities hit you with paperwork (I still cant manage it properly), diary, dissertation, calls etc

Eru says it can mount up very quickly and paperwork is one of the worst things to get you into trouble.

Its been said many times, if in need or have a question, ask and ye shall receive

djtechnics1210

Things that will get you in trouble.......
1. files (don't let it stack up)
2. court (have all your necessary proofs etc ready for court, it makes you look professional and this doesn't go unnoticed by judge and defence - when solicitors realise you know what your about you'll see a lot more of your defendants pleading guilty

Things that will get you fired if they go wrong..............
1. money
2. prisoners
3. property

(make sure all claims are spot on, make sure everything is checked and double checked when it comes to property, never take a chance with a prisoner in custody - if you have to check on them every 15 minutes, make sure you check on them ever 15 minutes and not at 21 minutes)

noel32

excellent lads thanks for the info, clears it up, totally agree regards the college seem to be lacking big time with training for the real world, agree with the station statement as well i wwas in a country station for phase 2 and saw shortcuts taken big time, also the ignorence was there as well, some lads barely say hello to you if even they say it, now granted i know i was only a student but at 27years of age and having worked since i was 18 expected a bit more, takes nothing to be nice to a new lad to a whole new career,that worries me for phase 4 !!
thanks again for the info

djtechnics1210

No problem at all Noel, Best of luck in the new station.

kerry4sam

If I may: How likely is it that you would be stationed in the same station for Phase2 and for Phase4. One of my mates was sent to Blanch for both but then another was in Roxboro(limerick) for Phase2 but down in Fermoy then for Phase4...how many/what factors , if any, are taken into consideration aside from living arrangements of relatives

edit: thanks Noel32 for starting this thread. It's making good reading and I wish you well also on Phase4

TheNog

kerry4sam wrote: »

If I may: How likely is it that you would be stationed in the same station for Phase2 and for Phase4. One of my mates was sent to Blanch for both but then another was in Roxboro(limerick) for Phase2 but down in Fermoy then for Phase4...how many/what factors , if any, are taken into consideration aside from living arrangements of relatives

edit: thanks Noel32 for starting this thread. It's making good reading and I wish you well also on Phase4

It is very much dependant on crime and staffing levels. For anyone to get the same station in Phase 4 would appear they were thought highly enough in Phase 2. I doubt very much it would be a coincidence in all cases.

djtechnics1210

Or they have a lot of pull!!!!!!!!!

kerry4sam

If you are asked to return to the same station for Phase4 but you would prefer to be sent elsewhere: is that even possible? that you would have a say ie. especially when considering what TheNog said regarding staffing levels (I mean you wouldn't be returning unless you were needed there, and you would already know the setup etc).

djtechnics1210

your not asked... your name is just called out and your told where your going

noel32

in relation to stations, where i was i know there was two lads who were there on phase 2 and then again on phase 4,

another thing just speaking bout prisoners etc, when you have one in for public order, say s4 or 6 or whatever, is there a power of detention???? i'm thinking no as i have never seen it in the law, yet what happens every sat night they are kept in the cells, well where i was anyways , but no power too????

Jay112

noel32 wrote: »

in relation to stations, where i was i know there was two lads who were there on phase 2 and then again on phase 4,

another thing just speaking bout prisoners etc, when you have one in for public order, say s4 or 6 or whatever, is there a power of detention???? i'm thinking no as i have never seen it in the law, yet what happens every sat night they are kept in the cells, well where i was anyways , but no power too????

**

FGR

Jay112 wrote: »

not sure the relevant sections but one of the more experienced lads will fill you in

It's the age old 'duty of care' that is bestowed upon AGS that requires this.

deadwood

Some of these questions should be discussed in work or college, not on an internet forum.

djtechnics1210

They are being held for a number of reasons
1) Duty of care to prisoner, walks out door of station still drunk gets slap of car and dies = member in charges FAULT
2) s4 - the person is a danger to themselves or others = they are not fit to be left out.
3) The person is also being held so that they can be charged when they sober up.

Time to brush up on the Law, HQ directives and Garda Practices and Procedures

brayblue24

As previous posters say, ask the senior members. Most won't mind. By way of a tip you will spot the most approachable ones quickly enough as they will be knocking around the public office with the units whether they are on a unit or specially employed and will most probably be having the banter with members of all ages. These are the guys that will usually give you a dig out. It's not set in stone but it worked for me!

Another thing. When I came out on phase 4 as a Dub stationed in the city centre I got caught out on simple things like "Where's XXXX street, Guard?". Simple stuff really and I actually knew where the street was just not what it was called!

I say this because the above was 20 years ago so some things just don't change. Don't be afraid to say to a member of the public that you just don't know. Ask them to wait a minute, radio the station and let them hear the answer for themselves. Also, if you're wrong say so, apologise and move on-don't lie. It only makes it worse.