Should the Garda uniform be updated

Maybe this is a stupid question, but do you get disciplined you don't wear the hat, or the tie or the regulation stuff?

I know if I was out on the street I wouldn't feel too happy chasing after some guy wearing a shirt, tie and slacks!

Boyeen30 wrote: »

I agree . They had a trial in the Uk, anyone over 30 hated them, would a 40 YO copper look professional wearing a BBall hat . Nope

How many Gardai over 40 are there on regular units these days that are operational? For court, public office, posts, summonses etc the current uniform is fine

mmcn90 wrote: »

Imho Baseball caps look stupid and unprofessional, no matter how bad the current hat is, a baseball cap looks worse (obviously there are exceptions, rsu etc. But as part of a general unfiorm I don't think it works). And practicality wise, if it isn't properly fitted or of good quality & fit, its as likely to fall off as the current hat.

A baseball cap would look stupid with the current uniform but if we got better magnum boots, combat pants etc and changed the whole operational uniform then in my opinion a baseball cap would look more modern, professional and be better suited in an operational capacity.

Holsten wrote: »

Maybe this is a stupid question, but do you get disciplined you don't wear the hat, or the tie or the regulation stuff?

I know if I was out on the street I wouldn't feel too happy chasing after some guy wearing a shirt, tie and slacks!

Not stupid at all. The regulations are there that you are supposed to wear the uniform properly with all dealings with the public. Tie is supposed to be up, shirt closes, vest and utility belt on, and cap on when not in a car. But, especially in the case of the cap if you are driver or observer in the car, there is leeway in wearing it. If you're driver/observer, you're not expected to wear the cap everytime you get out of the car, unless it's for a road traffic related matter (usually collisions).

But, on post duty, on the beat, preserving a scene, etc, you are expected to wear the cap at all times outside the station.

And, as those regulations are there you are expected to abide by them, and can be reprimanded for them, usually if there is media/someone important around.

Hi vis is super-ghey makes you look more like a traffic warden or site manager. That'd why I wear the vest over it. Its more comfortable too.

A high vis vest cover would be ideal.

Closest thing I can explain the taser is it's like hitting an electric cattle fence....complete paralysis, you fall to the ground (in trainign they have two others support you for the fall). However, compared to the pepper, it does end after 15 seconds. Pepper blinds you but you can still fight, move, run....no so much with the taser....you go down and are completely incapicated. Best piece of LE kit ever.

As regards the uniforms, I am not a fan of the external vests. Too paramilitary and they look sloppy unless you are in a utility/combat uniform. I believe the police should look professional and have a reasonably practical uniform (pockets, warm, etc). We wear our vests under the shirt and it's fine. With only having a belt, you are limited to what you can carry, thus you only carry whats important. The high vis needs to be only for road events....the blue jacket & shirt look smart & professional although I'd dump the tie.

bk wrote: »

I don't know I think the Regional Support Unit uniform conveys bucketloads of authority:



http://www.flickr.com/photos/60497801@N06/5532938267/




To be honest and no offence but I don't think the current uniform conveys any authority. More like little boys in their too big confirmation suit!!

The RSU uniform conveys well equipped, well trained, don't mess with me authority. More of this please.

There is a big difference between authority and having weapons. looking like these guys is a move away from the community and going for military type policing. That not the way to go and far too dangerous to have. That is fine for dangerous situations and kept away from the public when there is no actual threat. Military type policing is for another discussion and it send Society down a violence or defiance path against officers which will endanger officers lives in the end.

I not in favour of that type of uniform as displayed in your post.

I am also not in favour of the old type uniforms that weight down members of the Gardai in degrading their performance of their duties whenever it windy, cold, hot or wet. I am not against the colour or style of the current uniforms. Strangely enough I like them in compare to other uniforms of other policing jurisdiction. It showed authority of a civil nature. I hate their quality and how they effect the performance of the officer. There needs to be better quality to deal with all weather conditions and most of all good comfortable footwear. I believe that any clothing not suited for the weather degrade and effect the health and safety of the officers through sickness or poor foot wear causing injuries.

I am also in favour better belts to hold things, but not too much, as too much can weight down an officer running after a fit thug in tracksuits, who have an advantage.

There was an Photo of PSNI and a member of the gardai shaking hands over a border on a bridge on a joint Check point, which was published by one of the news media. It shows the stark difference between the uniforms and how little Garda officer had. I felt that the Garda looked naked in comparison to the heavily dress PSNI officer with that heavy belt and it showed the different styles of policing. I am more likely shake the hand of the Garda rather than the PSNI officer because the Garda show he is part of the common community while the PSNI officer show he is getting ready for battle and Keep you distance from me, I am better than you attitude and I am a threat to you.

I ask myself one question, despite the politics, which one I would support in a crises. The answer is the Garda. The Garda more likely ask me questions or annoy me that way, while the PSNI officer looks like he is going to beat or injure me first before deciding to ask questions even though I have not done anything wrong. It the impression that counts. A Peace officer is not meant to threaten the community it serves.

To have a militarist uniform while policing the community shows contempt for the community that you are ready for battle against them, when it is their duty to protect the community and keep the peace. The uniform must reflect that a Civic guard is there for the people it serves, not to be a military one ready for war, especially when there is no war. A peace officer in which a Garda is have the Authority as long as the community gives it to the officer. For a peace officer to show contempt for the community is to commit a treason act towards the community they are meant to serve.

Yes. and while were at it make the badges out of solid gold

irishrgr wrote: »

Closest thing I can explain the taser is it's like hitting an electric cattle fence....complete paralysis, you fall to the ground (in trainign they have two others support you for the fall). However, compared to the pepper, it does end after 15 seconds. Pepper blinds you but you can still fight, move, run....no so much with the taser....you go down and are completely incapicated. Best piece of LE kit ever.

As regards the uniforms, I am not a fan of the external vests. Too paramilitary and they look sloppy unless you are in a utility/combat uniform. I believe the police should look professional and have a reasonably practical uniform (pockets, warm, etc). We wear our vests under the shirt and it's fine. With only having a belt, you are limited to what you can carry, thus you only carry whats important. The high vis needs to be only for road events....the blue jacket & shirt look smart & professional although I'd dump the tie.

I keep the Tie, Tie shows that your are a professional. The current Cap is a symbol that you are a garda which is very obvious from a distance. There is not many of those caps around especially today to be copied so criminals cannot pretend as easily that they are a guard. It the originally reason why they want all gardai to be in uniform so the public can easily verify that they have authority of the Gardai. It is relevant today as it was then.

I have dealth with many electric cattle fences over my childhood and teenage year on many farms including high voltage fences and never have I fell to the ground, I usually jump high and away.

Now that is a uniform that looks the part. It looks comfortable which should be the number 1 priority, it also looks professional and gives an air of authority to the officers wearing it.

Really makes the AGS uniform look outdated.