Law degree in Garda Síochána

Certiorari

I was just wondering would anyone be aware of any definite advantages (preferably promotionally speaking) in terms of joining the guards while having a law degree.

For all I'm aware such a degree may be a dime a dozen in the guards and therefore warrant no overall distinction. However, I am curious due to the fact that no third level education is required at all.

Any input would be appreciated.

Sierra Oscar

The vast majority of new entrants would have third level degrees of some sort or another these days. It may stand to you in terms of sitting the prerequisite law and procedures exams for promotion to Sergeant, or exempt you from needing to sit them in some cases, but to be honest a lot of what is looked at when it comes to promotion is operational experience. It certainly won't harm your chances all the same.

Unlike police forces in the UK, there is no direct entry to management or supervisory ranks based on educational qualifications or managerial experience. It's still somewhat old fashioned in so far as the the organisation is very much orientated towards operational experience.

Sierra Oscar

it will result in a jump in the payscale and may, should you desire, an advantage in applying for the Legal section or perhaps a more complicated area but outside of that not really as they are common enough.

Gardai can obtain financial assistance in obtaining a degree and didnt need to complete the full time period when it comes to a law degree (certain colleges, I cant speak for them all) as a result og the Garda training. This may have changed with the new training system that is, frankly, ****.

Bottom line is that the basic education standard to APPLY and the average level arent the same so the end result is the majority will have third level education now.

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

or exempt you from needing to sit them in some cases

Im not aware of any exemptions. The Sergeants exam must be sat by all regardless of prior education too my knowledge unless its changed since I sat.

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

when it comes to promotion is operational experience.

I'll assume thats tongue in cheek

Victor

Certiorari wrote: »

However, I am curious due to the fact that no third level education is required at all.

Two years training is mandatory. In some police forces, being bright is considered a negative, as you are likely to be bored by the repetitive work and leave.

Sierra Oscar

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

Im not aware of any exemptions. The Sergeants exam must be sat by all regardless of prior education too my knowledge unless its changed since I sat.

The exemptions are there for sure, its written into the code. If you hold certain law degrees or are a qualified solicitor you are entitled to request an exemption from sitting one of the papers. In reality I'm not sure if many would bother looking for it. If you have a law degree the law and procedures element of the exam won't be too difficult.

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

I'll assume thats tongue in cheek

Not really. Big changes coming down the line for the Gardaí with direct entry to Inspector on the cards and the ground work being quietly prepared on that front. It'll cause a lot of angst internally and I personally wouldn't feel too comfortable with it, but it's how things are done in the UK for certain sections of their policing organisations.

Operational experience ain't a factor for direct entry considering you literally can't have any operational experience in policing.

Quote form the Future of Policing in Ireland report.

A number of submissions to this Commission called for a direct entry route above Garda rank.

We agree with the recommendation of the Inspectorate that a Direct Entry Inspector programme should be developed to attract candidates with appropriate leadership and management experience from organisations outside policing. Furthermore, as recommended by the Inspectorate, eligibility for appointment to superintendent, chief superintendent and Assistant Commissioner should be extended to include police officers in other jurisdictions.

Marcusm

Given that the Commissioner could be recruited from another jurisdiction it seems odd that other senior/managerial ranks do not permit that. I would have thought it might be useful in areas such as cybercrime, economic crime etc.

Sierra Oscar

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

The exemptions are there for sure, its written into the code. If you hold certain law degrees or are a qualified solicitor you are entitled to request an exemption from sitting one of the papers. In reality I'm not sure if many would bother looking for it. If you have a law degree the law and procedures element of the exam won't be too difficult.



Not really. Big changes coming down the line for the Gardaí with direct entry to Inspector on the cards and the ground work being quietly prepared on that front. It'll cause a lot of angst internally and I personally wouldn't feel too comfortable with it, but it's how things are done in the UK for certain sections of their policing organisations.

Operational experience ain't a factor for direct entry considering you literally can't have any operational experience in policing.

Quote form the Future of Policing in Ireland report.

I don't really see how that relates to your comment about operational experience being the primary concern for promotion.

Marcusm

Marcusm wrote: »

Given that the Commissioner could be recruited from another jurisdiction it seems odd that other senior/managerial ranks do not permit that. I would have thought it might be useful in areas such as cybercrime, economic crime etc.

They do. There's a few from the psni in recent years. Super and chief I believe.

To can also be a civilian position but be equal in rank to a superintendent for example. Again I think that's the case in hrm.

Sierra Oscar

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

I don't really see how that relates to your comment about operational experience being the primary concern for promotion.

Ah I think I get you, are you saying operational experience and overall suitability for the role isn’t the primary deciding factor for promotion?

Apparently the Public Appointments Service are taking over the promotion process for Sergeant, it’ll be interesting to see what impact that has if any.

Sierra Oscar

Sierra Oscar wrote: »

Ah I think I get you, are you saying operational experience and overall suitability for the role isn’t the primary deciding factor for promotion?

Apparently the Public Appointments Service are taking over the promotion process for Sergeant, it’ll be interesting to see what impact that has if any.

perish the thought, thats some cynical mind you have

Claw Hammer

Their law degrees and law degrees. It is one thing scraping a pass in a low ranking institution, it is quite another to have a high grade honours degree from a prestigious institution. Having a low-grade law degree does not amount to much. Law degrees do not teach practice and procedure or tactics and often do not include evidence or advocacy either. As such a law degree is of limited value without a professional qualification or experience. Anybody going into any job, thinking that their academic record is going to mean anything will be in for a rude awakening. A wet behind the ears know-all is going to piss off the established personnel.