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Garda Reserve Experiences

Bradidup

Dose anyone know that if you get in as a reserve are you posted to another part of the city?
I got an e mail from them wondering if i was still interested in an interview. I sent it off two weeks ago. I was told by a cop that the turn over rate is high.

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lehanemore

wetgarden wrote: »

Hi all.
I need some guidance here please.
I have done all that is required for the Garda Reserve, passed all interviews and medicals and spoken to Garda Reserves who are out and fully qualified. I am scheduled to go in to Templemore in June. However with all the negative comments e.g.

1. GRA calling for it to be scrapped

2. Their Duties seem to be very limited from carrying out my own research and from reading the forum,

I'm having doubts. I'm all for the the GR but I'm beginning to wonder is it worthwhile! due to all the neagtive publicity. For those who intend to go into the Garda fulltime, it is a brilliant idea and gives a huge insight inton the organisation and how it is run. Myself, I work as a Manufacturing Engineer and will probably never join the fulltime force. I'm all for the GR and was looking forward to qualifying and working weekends which appears to be the done thing.

However there is still alot of negative comments out there whether it is about the system and the way it is run or with the GR themselves.
Also I'm not sure of how work colleagues and friends would react and what would their thoughts be. Anyone in this situation??

Not sure what to do. I had my heart set on it but now I'm not so sure! Any advice would be greatfully appreciated
From a disgruntled reserve candidate

snap!

but I'm going to go ahead with it anyway, rather than never knowing and regretting it when it's too late.

also, it would be of great benefit if some of the experienced reserves would come on and give us the low down on what it's really like, most of the posts are from candidates like us who are going through the application process but when trained and attested the people that get through seem to dissapear into the ether and we don't hear from them anymore.:(

lehanemore

oldirtywyer wrote: »

I, see.

sorry I couldn't answer your question in more detail, I was up the walls at work and only had a minute at my pc, also I'm no legal eagle so i couldn't comment any further anyway without speculating.:)

Eru

wetgarden wrote: »

Hi all.
I need some guidance here please.
I have done all that is required for the Garda Reserve, passed all interviews and medicals and spoken to Garda Reserves who are out and fully qualified. I am scheduled to go in to Templemore in June. However with all the negative comments e.g.

1. GRA calling for it to be scrapped

2. Their Duties seem to be very limited from carrying out my own research and from reading the forum,

I'm having doubts. I'm all for the the GR but I'm beginning to wonder is it worthwhile! due to all the neagtive publicity. For those who intend to go into the Garda fulltime, it is a brilliant idea and gives a huge insight inton the organisation and how it is run. Myself, I work as a Manufacturing Engineer and will probably never join the fulltime force. I'm all for the GR and was looking forward to qualifying and working weekends which appears to be the done thing.

However there is still alot of negative comments out there whether it is about the system and the way it is run or with the GR themselves.
Also I'm not sure of how work colleagues and friends would react and what would their thoughts be. Anyone in this situation??

Not sure what to do. I had my heart set on it but now I'm not so sure! Any advice would be greatfully appreciated
From a disgruntled reserve candidate

Sure join and see for yourself. Its not a career change so if its not for you then walk away.

wetgarden

Hi all.
I need some guidance here please.
I have done all that is required for the Garda Reserve, passed all interviews and medicals and spoken to Garda Reserves who are out and fully qualified. I am scheduled to go in to Templemore in June. However with all the negative comments e.g.

1. GRA calling for it to be scrapped

2. Their Duties seem to be very limited from carrying out my own research and from reading the forum,

I'm having doubts. I'm all for the the GR but I'm beginning to wonder is it worthwhile! due to all the neagtive publicity. For those who intend to go into the Garda fulltime, it is a brilliant idea and gives a huge insight inton the organisation and how it is run. Myself, I work as a Manufacturing Engineer and will probably never join the fulltime force. I'm all for the GR and was looking forward to qualifying and working weekends which appears to be the done thing.

However there is still alot of negative comments out there whether it is about the system and the way it is run or with the GR themselves.
Also I'm not sure of how work colleagues and friends would react and what would their thoughts be. Anyone in this situation??

Not sure what to do. I had my heart set on it but now I'm not so sure! Any advice would be greatfully appreciated
From a disgruntled reserve candidate

Stay_in_Kampuchea

lehanemore wrote: »

no, it's not.

I, see.

lehanemore

oldirtywyer wrote: »

so it's law?

no, it's not.

Stay_in_Kampuchea

lehanemore wrote: »

doubt it, it's written into the 2005 act.

so it's law?

lehanemore

oldirtywyer wrote: »

Would the Government actually do a U Turn on the Reserves?!

doubt it, it's written into the 2005 act.

Stay_in_Kampuchea

Would the Government actually do a U Turn on the Reserves?!

Eru

civdef wrote: »

Are there any hints that the GR will get wider roles in future?

The allowance in law is there but the big man decides what powers they are authorised to use and while there was logic in restricting them during the trial stages I think at this stage its time for the concept to sink or swim on its own merits
plus a lot of questions converning them will only be answered when they do start arresting people or when they are assaulted, etc.

civdef

Once upon a time, I was a Special, Ooop North, around the time the PSCO concept was started. I never spoke to any constable with much to say for the concept. Never much saw the point either in having people in police-like uniform walking around chatting with the junkies all day.

It seems to me that in an effort to assuage regular Garda concerns about the impact of the GR, they seriously limited their effectiveness by restricting their powers to PCSO levels (how can you work a foot beat without using Public Order Act?), which has now resulted in them being seen as less useful than they could be by the regular Gardai.

Are there any hints that the GR will get wider roles in future?

metman

Well CD you hit the nail on the head there. However as you probably know PCSOs are not Police and are employed in a non-confrontational role. Its all a big con for the public but I'd suggest that the Garda Reserve are closer to our PCSOs than they are to Gardai! Which is all well and good so long as you don't put em out in public in uniforms identical to police officers.......wait a minute.......d'oh!

civdef

Sounds a bit like what it must be like to be a PCSO!

metman

I agree with Karl. If the powers that be were serious about a reserve they should have done it properly. Here reserve officers (Special Constables) have the same powers as I have. Nope they won't have the same experience or training as I have but when it comes down to it they can nick someone regardless of the circumstances and can perform all the tasks that you expect a sworn officer to perform, albeit with guidance from a regular officer.

Reserves here patrol with Regular Officers and work quite well so long as they're spoon fed. And this is how it should be. Police work is not something you can teach from a book or just pick up overnight. Policing is all about experience; operational experience. So the Irish experience seems like a bizarre setup to me; give these people police uniforms but don't give them full police powers.

I'd be a bit miffed were I working Temple Bar on a Sunday morning at 4am when, wearing a Garda uniform, someone calls me a 'Pig C*nt' and I have to ask a regular member to assist when I'm stood there wearing cuffs and a baton. Hmmm. No thanks. I'd have trouble not getting involved in any kind of kickoff. But that's my Met training

Eru

wetgarden wrote: »

If your gripes are with the system, what would you do differently then if you had the chance to change it from the current set up?

Well for starters they would have their own powers and would not be limited. They would prosecute their own cases and be responsible solely for their own actions.

Theres still questions over who will cover them if and when they get injured.

Fyr.Fytr

Hmm bit concerned now as I was thinking of join it after the leaving (gotta wait till august need proof of results) but will have to wait and see now

wetgarden

Karlitosway1978 wrote: »

I dont think they are being utilised properly nor do I think the way the were established was the best way but I can see the (Limited) merits in the scheme.

As I said before, my gripes are with the system and the motives behind the scheme not the personel themselves. Ones I have worked with have been nice guys and good company.

As for hoours, Garda work 3 tier system. Unit a b c or d and just like fulltimers the reserves are attached to a certain unit which means they have to nominate their working hours within their assigned units shift however Im sure theres flexibility there if something comes up.

If your gripes are with the system, what would you do differently then if you had the chance to change it from the current set up?

kerry4sam

karlokarl wrote: »

When a GR is on patrol duty, is it just foot patrol or do they go around in Garda cars aswell?

hey i found this very useful info. on the Emergency Services General forum when the OP asked 'Reserves:the internals of it and how it works for you when on duty' ... http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=55905250&postcount=7

good insight there by karlitosway1978

karlokarl

When a GR is on patrol duty, is it just foot patrol or do they go around in Garda cars aswell?

Eru

shakin wrote: »

you for or against them, karlitos?

I dont think they are being utilised properly nor do I think the way the were established was the best way but I can see the (Limited) merits in the scheme.

As I said before, my gripes are with the system and the motives behind the scheme not the personel themselves. Ones I have worked with have been nice guys and good company.

As for hoours, Garda work 3 tier system. Unit a b c or d and just like fulltimers the reserves are attached to a certain unit which means they have to nominate their working hours within their assigned units shift however Im sure theres flexibility there if something comes up.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for all the answers lads.

I watched a recruitment video and of course there was some ould fella who ran some food company on duty outside Croke Park or something .. checking bag packs, keeping the piece and what not. Nice sunny day with no scumbags in sight .. is this just an ideal scenario type thing?

Saw another girl on patrol with a full timer giving some people directions down Grafton St..

In your experience is it more likely the reserves are in doors at the station or out and about on the beat?

And if anyone in the reserves can offer an insight into what you find the most challenging and the most interesting / exciting part of the job.

How do the reserves work for holidays? You gotta give lots of notice etc or as you're just a part timer providing extra cover you get away with short notice?

"How does the roster work? you select and advise your hours month by month but limited to a specific unit unless you request alternative with valid reason"
What do you mean speicifc unit? Valid reasons?

Thanks !

++ edit - This is the video I'm referring to

shakin

you for or against them, karlitos?

Eru

Anyone here actually in the Garda Reserve? No, fulltime

You cover football matches? Can but rare

Concerts? Again, can but rare

You work on the front counter in the station? Yes

Are you alone or with someone? With someone

Can you sign and stamp forms just like a full time member would? Yes in law but not authorised to do so by management

When out and about I know you're always escorted by a full time member. Yes

What is your involvement here? assist whenever required

Do you cuff suspects? Can and if required

Restrain them? as above

Question them? Interview no, on arrest in law yes but not authorised

do you get things like a locker? yes

Who do you report to? Sergeant like everyone else

How does the roster work? you select and advise your hours month by month but limited to a specific unit unless you request alternative with valid reason

Do you ever get to do patrols in Garda vehicles? can be carried but not assigned patrol car duty unless no alternative
Do you ever get to drive them? absolutely not

Do you operate checkpoints and things at all? assisting yes
Are you authoised to use a breathaliser at checkpoints? no

Allowed to use speed check guns? no

shakin

is it really likely the reserves will be disbanded? i dont think so!

What exactly do you do? You cover football matches? Concerts? think so

You work on the front counter in the station? Are you alone or with someone? Can you sign and stamp forms just like a full time member would?
think they can work full station not sure abt stamps

When out and about I know you're always escorted by a full time member. What is your involvement here? Do you cuff suspects? Restrain them? Question them?they carry cuffs and are trained to restrain and can arrest in certain sits

Down the station - do you get things like a locker? Who do you report to? How does the roster work?work when you can i think

Do you ever get to do patrols in Garda vehicles? Do you ever get to drive them?passenger yes drive no, uk specials can drive though

Do you operate checkpoints and things at all? Are you authoised to use a breathaliser at checkpoints? Allowed to use speed check guns?

jd83

Oilrig wrote: »

Soon to be no more...

Dont suppose you have anything to back up that statement??

pa990

i'm not a reserve but, from my understanding:

Anyone here actually in the Garda Reserve? I'm very interested to hear about the internals of it and how it works for you when on duty.

What exactly do you do? You cover football matches? Concerts?

You work on the front counter in the station? Are you alone or with someone? Can you sign and stamp forms just like a full time member would?

When out and about I know you're always escorted by a full time member. What is your involvement here? Do you cuff suspects? Restrain them? Question them?

Do you ever get to do patrols in Garda vehicles? Occasionaly
Do you ever get to drive them? NO.. NEVER EVER

Do you operate checkpoints and things at all? Not sure
Are you authoised to use a breathaliser at checkpoints? NO

Allowed to use speed check guns? NO

[Deleted User]

Oilrig wrote: »

Soon to be no more...

Is this official?

Oilrig

Soon to be no more...

[Deleted User]

Anyone here actually in the Garda Reserve? I'm very interested to hear about the internals of it and how it works for you when on duty.

What exactly do you do? You cover football matches? Concerts?

You work on the front counter in the station? Are you alone or with someone? Can you sign and stamp forms just like a full time member would?

When out and about I know you're always escorted by a full time member. What is your involvement here? Do you cuff suspects? Restrain them? Question them?

Down the station - do you get things like a locker? Who do you report to? How does the roster work?

Do you ever get to do patrols in Garda vehicles? Do you ever get to drive them?

Do you operate checkpoints and things at all? Are you authoised to use a breathaliser at checkpoints? Allowed to use speed check guns?

Thanks very much !

Persol

“The methods by which a trade union (GRA) can alone act, are necessarily destructive; its organization is necessarily tyrannical.”

I believe the Reserve Force is mostly made up of intellectuals and people with experience in life and that's why I think that they have every right to defend themselves and the community they 've chosen to help from the GRA's "destructive methods". Please. someone stand up and talk for them! Tell the GRA that that 3 gardai are better than 2 !! Tell the GRA that if they can't see how beneficial the Reserve Gardai are to the full time members, then they shouldn' t be where they are as they don't have any sense of management, neither any interest for community commitment - which is the core of being a Garda in the first place!