Garda To Specialist Unit Selection Time Frame

lynch1990

Hi Guys,

As the title suggests, I was looking for any additional info in regards to Garda applying for specialist units and seeking clarity on the time frame. There has been some information that suggest this process can be accelerated based on individual circumstances. I think personally that 3 years is a very reasonable and necessary rule for a Garda to learn the job and basic skill set needed before entering such units.

What I know: A Garda will usually need to obtain 3 years operational experience as a uniform Garda before joining such specialist units.

My Question: When does the 3 years uniform experience start? 1) After phase 1 when a Garda is fully attested with the power of arrest? or 2) after Phase 2&3 the operational service begins? why is there sometimes exemptions to this rule as it emphasises "usually" in most descriptions of criteria for selection/Entry.

Any additional info would be great! Thanks.

Dohvolle

3 years experience begins after attestation. There used to be a 2 year probationary period, you couldn't apply for anything until that had ended. Not sure of the current duration.

Keep in mind at this point is also when a member will be applying for driving courses etc, something vital if considering a role in a specialist unit. And there is a long waiting list.

It's never a good idea to join AGS because you want to join a specialist unit. The cards don't always land that way.

Lets say you want to join GASU.

You join AGS and get posted to Goath Dobhair. Can you see the chief in Donegal approving your application to go join a Dublin Based unit while he is crying out for staff and unlikely to see you replaced?

If you want to be in GASU, ERU, Sub-Aqua, Mounted unit, rowing club etc, then you need to be stationed in Dublin. Thats not your decision to make. You can apply to transfer of course. But its dublin, and no district will take you knowing you are using it as a stepping stone to go elsewhere within 12 months.

Plus living in Dublin is costly if you are in AGS. You can't rent a room just anywhere.

If you want to be in the Garda water unit, then being stationed somewhere on the upper Shannon is a huge advantage..

If you want to ride a Garda motorbike, you need to be somewhere that uses them.

You get me?

Witcher

Nevermind specialist units, see can ya get in and hack the job at all first.

lynch1990

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121388705#Comment_121388705

Thanks Dohvolle for the helpful info and clarity on the experience needed for the specialist units. The following attestation or after probation was a bit confusing. Its quite interesting in regards to location being a huge variable to consider to joining a desired unit. In terms of opportunities, would Dublin divisional stations have more potential for postings and opportunities as opposed to smaller Dublin stations?

Thanks again for the above, most of the info in regards to experience level and selection to specialist units is quite vague and for good reason. It seems to be a matter of need to know basis once in AGS. I appreciate it, cheers.

Dohvolle

Makes no odds, if you are in the DMR you are in the DMR. far easier for you to move to working out of Dublin Castle or Garda HQ or wherever, than someone stationed in Blacklion.

Hally_89

Lots of good points mentioned above so I'm just adding to those.

Each specialist unit has its own requirements also. This could be length of service or to have a particular course.

For example if you are applying for Roads Policing you have to have 1 years experience following completion of your probationary period so 3 years total. They would like for you to have the standard driving course/CBD2 but it's not essential.

However if you're applying for the Driving School the standard driving course/CBD2 is an essential requirement. That means you could have 15 years service but would not be eligible because you haven't got a driving course yet.

Another example is ERU. Originally you needed 5 years service following completion of your probationary period so 7 years total. This has changed to 5 total now the same as ASU. You don't have to have firearms experience or driving courses however they are desired.

Then for something like the Ministerial Pool (Presidents and Minsters Drivers) requires 7 years total service, the advanced driving course/CBD3 and the standard firearms course which basically limits it to members who are serving or have served in ASU/ERU.

Basically don't base your entry in the guards on being in a role within 3 years. There are people serve 30 years in the job and don't get even as much as a driving course. They apply for units but aren't successful and finish out their career as a guard on the regular.

Dohvolle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121398250#Comment_121398250

Exactly this, my mate retired last month after 30, having spent half his service on the regular in a busy city unit, and the 2nd half on the regular in a country station. Had driving course done, had firearms training until local management decided it wasn't needed any more. Another just retired having done the 1st 5 on the border, the rest split between motorbike and car in roads policing at the other end of the country.

I have classmates approaching retirement who have served in just 2 stations since passing out, both on regular, never got driving course. Others made Sergeant early on and never got off the regular since.