Benefits of being a Garda

Zux

Zux wrote: »

Thanks for sharing your experience, its appreciated.


Interesting to hear that about the college, what was it about the college you or others found challenging?

If you are an adult joining then you will find it difficult.
The college treats everyone like they are secondary school children, and I include the whole 'no-one leaves this room until the person responsible owns up' type of rubbish.
If you have been used to looking after yourself and being in charge of your own life, then the college comes as a big shock. It is nothing like a third level institution.
there are many rules as to when you can and cannot leave the grounds, or when you have to go to bed!
It is a very challenging time to get through.
It doesn't last forever though.....

bubblypop

bubblypop wrote: »

If you are an adult joining then you will find it difficult.
The college treats everyone like they are secondary school children, and I include the whole 'no-one leaves this room until the person responsible owns up' type of rubbish.
If you have been used to looking after yourself and being in charge of your own life, then the college comes as a big shock. It is nothing like a third level institution.
there are many rules as to when you can and cannot leave the grounds, or when you have to go to bed!
It is a very challenging time to get through.
It doesn't last forever though.....

Gotcha, I figured thats what you were referring to.



Surely people dont arrive to training so naive as to think its going to be like their experiences in College though?



Its Law Enforcement training after all.

Zux

Zux wrote: »

Gotcha, I figured thats what you were referring to.



Surely people dont arrive to training so naive as to think its going to be like their experiences in College though?



Its Law Enforcement training after all.

law enforcement training doesn't need to treat grown adults like teenage children however.
Just something to be aware of.

bubblypop

bubblypop wrote: »

law enforcement training doesn't need to treat grown adults like teenage children however.
Just something to be aware of.

Thats fair enough, appreciate the answer !

Wanderer78

bubblypop wrote: »

If you are an adult joining then you will find it difficult.
The college treats everyone like they are secondary school children, and I include the whole 'no-one leaves this room until the person responsible owns up' type of rubbish.
If you have been used to looking after yourself and being in charge of your own life, then the college comes as a big shock. It is nothing like a third level institution.
there are many rules as to when you can and cannot leave the grounds, or when you have to go to bed!
It is a very challenging time to get through.
It doesn't last forever though.....

sounds fcuking ridiculous, if you want new recruits to be adults leaving, treat them as adults during

Witcher

The problem is that too many trainees act like children while they're in the college.

Wanderer78

Witcher wrote: »

The problem is that too many trainees act like children while they're in the college.

they effectively are, we all were at that age, so you should try treat them like adults, so they know what its like to be one, not try figure it out in the middle of the night while dealing with lunatics tanked on drink and drugs

Wanderer78

Wanderer78 wrote: »

they effectively are, we all were at that age, so you should try treat them like adults, so they know what its like to be one, not try figure it out in the middle of the night while dealing with lunatics tanked on drink and drugs

I was 23 when I joined, had been living out of home since 18. There were people aged up to 28 years old training with me, many with families.
these days people in their late 30s can and do join.

Wanderer78

bubblypop wrote: »

I was 23 when I joined, had been living out of home since 18. There were people aged up to 28 years old training with me, many with families.
these days people in their late 30s can and do join.

know a chap that went in his 20/30's, ran out of it, too much bullsh1t

Yyhhuuu

Witcher wrote: »

The problem is that too many trainees act like children while they're in the college.

I have great respect for the Gardaí but it takes one bad experience to change this. Many are very professional some are not. Some I experienced had a tendency to blame the victim. The other day I pointed out to gardai on the beat a clear breach of the Covid Regulations by a business operating when it should not, I mentioned quite politely the Health Act, 1947 the Garda's response was to repeat the Act with a confused expression on his face as if he had never heard of it and I was mad to cite an archaic piece of Legislation.. He then adopted an interrogative demeanor and asked me where I was from, as if that was relevant. Some gardai have an attitude problem towards law abiding members of the public.

This forum was very insightful into the day to day operations of the gardai. Lay people sometimes dehumanise gardai. I dont think it's an easy job and some of the things they deal with must be very traumatic.

I was watching a few old police dramas lately on tv such as Prime Suspect. What struck me was the police brutality. At least this has ended in the British Isles as far as I know.

One of the key benefits of a garda is it being permanent and pensionable

Itainire

Guys this might be a stupid question.. I was reading that people have to stay in the Garda college Monday to Friday. What about those l who don't have a place to go at the weekend? Like people who literally don't have family in Ireland or friends.. are they allowed to stay 24h 7days a week?

Masala

Is getting into the Guards still as hard as ever.... in my day it was ‘pull’. We all wanted ‘the Bank’ or the Guards. I’m talking the 80’s here - I remember filing up the application and getting measured for height at the Station and being 1/2 inch too short!!

Or... have 5 All Ireland medals.

baldshin

Itainire wrote: »

Guys this might be a stupid question.. I was reading that people have to stay in the Garda college Monday to Friday. What about those l who don't have a place to go at the weekend? Like people who literally don't have family in Ireland or friends.. are they allowed to stay 24h 7days a week?

You can stay there 24/7, but there's no heating or facilities open in the college over the weekend, other than your room and showers. I'm not sure if, once you're moved to external accomodation you can stay there over weekends too. Probably depends on if it's owner occupied too.

Masala

Masala wrote: »

Is getting into the Guards still as hard as ever.... in my day it was ‘pull’. We all wanted ‘the Bank’ or the Guards. I’m talking the 80’s here - I remember filing up the application and getting measured for height at the Station and being 1/2 inch too short!!

Or... have 5 All Ireland medals.

Its still a lengthy and challening process, (12-18 months +) but the height requirement was abolished.

Yyhhuuu

Dohvolle wrote: »

Nothing the police like more than some randomer quoting obscure legislation to them.
Did you tell him you pay his wages?

"Obscure Legislation". Hardly so when many of the Covid Statutory Instruments are from the aforementioned Health Act, 1947 derived thereunder.

" randomer" was informing an uninformed Garda. And yes I do pay their wages as it happens as do many others but that's neither here nor there and I certainly wouldnt say that to a Garda.

Why should a Garda ignore a quite legitimate complaint of wrongdoing when that's exactly what happened in this instance.

I happen to know first hand the effects of floating if Covid Laws have on the health service and the resultant deaths.
I expect you are biased in favour of Gardai.

byhookorbycrook

Dohvolle wrote: »

A classmate had the job of searching a field for the head of a motorcyclist who had been involved in a head on collision. It was still in its helmet. The car driver was jailed (overtaking on a continuous white line).
Being spat at, scratched, kicked and bitten is not the preserve of Gardai who are female. Those engaged in violence will always pick on those they consider weaker. Nothing to do with gender, it's just primal instinct taking over. They will attack those they feel they will succeed against. The female of the species, by nature, is not as good at being as physically intimidating as the male. Otherwise physically they are just as good at the job and during self defence training I frequently sparred with females. Most I worked with were as good, if not better than males in the same role.
There is no such thing as a "banner" any more. The term was phased out in the late 1980s/early 90s. All "banners" are by now either retired, or at A/Comm level.

She uses it herself as that’s what she was when she started out ! I certainly wouldn’t use it to any other female member . She often told of a case in a local court where “ Garda X” was called in court and that the judge presumed that The Garda in question wasn’t in court, because the judge knew a male Garda of the same name .

Did I hear somewhere that some Garda spokesperson corrected an interviewer saying “ We no longer have Ban-ghardaí, we have members capable of giving birth ?” Ironic when you think about the case of pregnancy that nearly saw a female Garda lose her place that came out relatively recently .

All off topic , so I won’t digress anymore , I promise .

Shield

Mod:

Back on topic please and thanks.

a chuisle

If you are musical, the Garda Band is an option. Saw them play at a children’s ceremony. They were terrific with the children. Lots of audience participation. They made it a day to remember.

Gorteen

Zux wrote: »

That is an emergency pattern for the Covid situation.


I believe the standard, to which they are likely to return, is 6 (10 hour shifts) on, 4 days off.

6 x 10 hour shifts in two weeks? Only 30 hours per week? Where do I sign up?

a chuisle

a chuisle wrote: »

If you are musical, the Garda Band is an option. Saw them play at a children’s ceremony. They were terrific with the children. Lots of audience participation. They made it a day to remember.

They are not recruited the same way.

Gorteen

Gorteen wrote: »

6 x 10 hour shifts in two weeks? Only 30 hours per week? Where do I sign up?

The following 2 weeks you do 100

That's how it equates to 40 hour week over the entire roster

Gorteen

Niner leprauchan wrote: »

The following 2 weeks you do 100

That's how it equates to 40 hour week over the entire roster

Ok. That sounds more "normal"

Bassfish

I'm in a job where we collaborate with the Gardaí frequently. I've met the good, the bad and the brilliant of them and have to say I have huge respect for them. Something that has struck me is the supportive 'community' aspect of being a Garda.
A few years ago the Gardaí in the big town I was working in were doing a cake sale/coffee morning to raise funds for a Garda whose son was terminally ill and had to be treated in Dublin for months at a time. This involved enormous expense for the family. All of the public services who have anything to do with the Gardaí were invited along, the court services, judges, social work department, probation services etc.
The place was mobbed. Every Garda in the station was there, on duty or not. A lot of spouses and partners were there to help and the guards were all mucking in giving out tea and cleaning up. There was a donation box at the door and I could see into it as I was putting in some money there was hardly a note in it less than a €50. They raised about €4k in the space of two hours which went straight to the family.
There was a real sense of a team of people looking after one of their own who was in trouble. Best of luck finding that in the vast majority of other work places.

Jackben75

HalfBlues wrote: »

Retirement age is 60 now for garda rank.
Lots of perks but my favourite is watching everyone file into offices for a dull 9 to 5 while you are having the crack with your colleagues.
Overtime is mostly in the city centres.
You will see things most people won't.
Also the autonomy is fab.

Really hope a return to 6 and 4 is not on the cards.

Terrible job, the Fire brigade would be a far better move. i'd take the dull office any day which pays far more and doesn't have to deal with vermin, i also find Gardai developing a skeptical or even bad attitude outside of work probably due to dealing with the crap they put up with. no thanks but all the best

nj27

Dohvolle wrote: »

The other one is the reality of life and death. It's not like the movies, and the general public are better off not knowing about what really happens.

What did you see?

Feisar

Dohvolle wrote: »

Domestics on christmas day.
Sorry kids, we have to arrest your daddy cos he had a few too many and gave your mum a nice black eye, and a broken wrist but hey, It's a christmas memory you'll tell your marriage counsellor in 30 years time, when you end up doing the same thing. Season of goodwill my arse.
The other one is the reality of life and death. It's not like the movies, and the general public are better off not knowing about what really happens.

My Dad was in the job and that's the stuff he hated.

thefisherbuy

can anyone shed light on what promotions and that are like in the Garda Síochána? I know after three years of regular service you can put into be in a unit would this be annual for certain units that are limited or?

cheers

Marty1476

Dohvolle wrote: »

Very ad-hoc. You can apply, but if your skipper is short staffed and you getting it means he will lose you, that's that. You goin nowhere.
Opportunities are better in stations that get new blood regularly.
That said, depending on how training goes, I know some specialist units have their eye on new staff from when they are undergoing training. One of my class was a very high proficiency swimmer in the college, once he was out of probation, the sub aqua unit snapped him up.

when you say after probation he was snapped up to the sub aqua unit do you mean after 3 years on the beat or college probation

also wondering roughly how many years as a guard would you need before you (can you apply after 3 years service) apply for detective unit and is it stiff competition ? thank your advice

Marty1476

Marty1476 wrote: »

when you say after probation he was snapped up to the sub aqua unit do you mean after 3 years on the beat or college probation

I cant speak for Dohvolle, but I imagine this was after serving out the probation period after attesting, probationer Gardaí are not permitted to formally join specialist units during that time I believe.

Marty1476

Marty1476 wrote: »

also wondering roughly how many years as a guard would you need before you (can you apply after 3 years service) apply for detective unit and is it stiff competition ? thank your advice

Imo, this is the wrong way to join up.
It's like learning a trade, people should be willing to join and work as an actual guard. That's what you are applying for, after all! A uniform, on the beat garda. Learn your trade. Gain your local knowledge.
Find out what actually interests you within the organisation. find out what type of job suits you. There are many different jobs available. It's not all about detective unit. You could find you enjoy something else way more.
Join up with the plan to spend at least 5/6 years in uniform, in my opinion.

Marty1476

bubblypop wrote: »

Imo, this is the wrong way to join up.
It's like learning a trade, people should be willing to join and work as an actual guard. That's what you are applying for, after all! A uniform, on the beat garda. Learn your trade. Gain your local knowledge.
Find out what actually interests you within the organisation. find out what type of job suits you. There are many different jobs available. It's not all about detective unit. You could find you enjoy something else way more.
Join up with the plan to spend at least 5/6 years in uniform, in my opinion.

thats not the question i asked, im aware its not all about the detective unit etc, i was using the detective unit as an example to get an idea of the level of competition involved in such a unit and others. there are obviously a lot of units so i picked detective for simplicity

Dohvolle

Dohvolle wrote: »

Probation starts the day you are sworn in. This used to be when your college training ended, not sure when it is now. It was 2 years after attestation, which was about 3 years and 3 months after the day you started.
You don't apply to join a detective unit. You become one first. Then after a year or so doing the job, you can apply for the pay associated with the job you are already doing..

That works similar to how applying for promotion normally does, so an exam or series of exams to qualify, right?


Is there any limits to who can take those?

Feisar

Bassfish wrote: »

I'm in a job where we collaborate with the Gardaí frequently. I've met the good, the bad and the brilliant of them and have to say I have huge respect for them. Something that has struck me is the supportive 'community' aspect of being a Garda.
A few years ago the Gardaí in the big town I was working in were doing a cake sale/coffee morning to raise funds for a Garda whose son was terminally ill and had to be treated in Dublin for months at a time. This involved enormous expense for the family. All of the public services who have anything to do with the Gardaí were invited along, the court services, judges, social work department, probation services etc.
The place was mobbed. Every Garda in the station was there, on duty or not. A lot of spouses and partners were there to help and the guards were all mucking in giving out tea and cleaning up. There was a donation box at the door and I could see into it as I was putting in some money there was hardly a note in it less than a €50. They raised about €4k in the space of two hours which went straight to the family.
There was a real sense of a team of people looking after one of their own who was in trouble. Best of luck finding that in the vast majority of other work places.

This x 100.

I'm not in the job, my Dad is retired. They aren't like friends, it's more like a Band of Brothers. There's a fierce loyalty there and that's something as a society we don't like, loyalty comes before all else with them.

Feisar

Dohvolle wrote: »

It's unique, possibly only the Defence Forces comes close, but it isn't the same.
Only other Gardai know what you go through on a daily basis. You are us, not them, and you'll always be us.
You get to see what happens behind the scenes of life.
Joe public would never understand, and it's because he doesn't understand that he doesn't like it.
The only problem I have lately is the Gardai working in my locality are old enough to be my actual children, and I'm not 50 yet.

It's mental, I've often given retired members a hand via my Dad, it's always been returned in spades. But no one is keeping a count.

It's like that Karl Marx quote: "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs"

Dohvolle

Dohvolle wrote: »

No.
Defectives are special. Normally they start you off on a packet of crayons a week. Once you have eaten them you passed the test.
There is no "exam" I know of to become a detective. This is ACTUALLY how it works kids. Listen very carefully.
You are already a Garda. You have proved yourself to be useful in normal routine boring garda work. Something comes up and the Detectives (usually what can be known as Crime office) need all hands on deck. Its boring stuff like door to door inquiries asking people who saw nothing if they saw anything. Or sometimes they have a "job" on, like a search or something, and they need extra bodies to do the rummaging through the bins or wriggling around attics. And they get used to seeing you, and you aren't a total embarrassment to the organisation.
So maybe the D/Sgt gives you a trial run. With your own Sgts approval you are seconded to them for a period of time. If your own Sgt needs you more, you aren't going anywhere. So you get to leave the uniform at home, and get paid to wear your own clothes (if approved to do so). Note Own clothes will be Loafers or All Stars, Denims and some sort of sports top Belt mandatory. If your trousers has no belt you can't carry cuffs. Its the uniform, but not.
Various training courses are available to assist you in your detective skills. I don't know, bicycle saddle sniffing, coffee connoisseur course, polo shirt wearing..
If you get approved to go on detective courses, then if a vacancy arises you could apply for an appointment as Detective. But there are many people working as detectives for years that have never been appointed.
In the old days, once the Crime office lads became appointed detectives, they moved upstairs to the Branch. That's a whole other dark art completely.

Thanks, I think..

Mimon

Dohvolle wrote: »

It's unique, possibly only the Defence Forces comes close, but it isn't the same.
Only other Gardai know what you go through on a daily basis. You are us, not them, and you'll always be us.
You get to see what happens behind the scenes of life.
Joe public would never understand, and it's because he doesn't understand that he doesn't like it.
The only problem I have lately is the Gardai working in my locality are old enough to be my actual children, and I'm not 50 yet.

Ah, it's more complex than that and can create an omerta which can create a situation where fellow Gardai's interests are looked after ahead of the public's.

Just look at the McCabe situation.

Mimon

Feisar wrote: »

This x 100.

I'm not in the job, my Dad is retired. They aren't like friends, it's more like a Band of Brothers. There's a fierce loyalty there and that's something as a society we don't like, loyalty comes before all else with them.

We don't like it because they are employed to look after the public interest not their buddies.

Have been in a car a handful of times with a drunk driver and most of them have been with guards. Couple of times it was stupid because it was a ten minute walk home but they hopped in the car anyway because they knew they were untouchable.

Mimon

Dohvolle wrote: »

Have you served in AGS?

Have you? Is it a requirement to have an opinion here?

Shield

Mod: Wilmol has been permanently banned from this forum. Thanks to all for the reports.

Marty1476

Dohvolle wrote: »

I have.
Potential recruits are asking those who have served or are serving a question.
So yes, it is a requirement, because an outsider cannot provide an accurate opinion.

It would be like me asking the postman what it would be like to work as a quantum physicist.

I’m just waiting for an offer from HR for AGS and I’d love to burn you ear!?

I was going to ask you privately but I think for the forum a lot of people could benefit

Would you be willing to give me the time of day?

Marty1476

Dohvolle wrote: »

20.59:)

Good answer 😂

Marty1476

Marty1476 wrote: »

Good answer 😂

Honestly just looking for good information

Mimon

Mimon wrote: »

Have you? Is it a requirement to have an opinion here?

To have an accurate one it is. Otherwise how do you know?

The omerta that people refer to doesn't exist. There's loyalty and having your colleagues back but it's not like the mob.

As for McCabe, I would say myself and doh know far more than you on that subject

Advise number one for a new recruit, don't be stupid enough to continuously get into a car with a drunk driver.

Number two, develope thick skin. There's a lot of experts out there. They have no training or experience but they know how you should do your job.

Three, it's a career not a life. Have a life as well.

Four, understand that you will be blamed for managements mistakes

Five, the higher up the ladder, the less likely it is they got there on merit.

Six, you will get a complaint over a minor thing but rarely get thanks for the major stuff.

Seven, despite all the above, it can be a good career if you are realistic. Expecting courses and specialist assignments quickly, is not realistic

Eire392

Eight: speak to your sergeant about that file you're thinking about at night. It is not as big of a deal as it seems.

whomadewho

TravisLogan123 wrote: »

hi all, have been sifting through the pages of forums here as i am hoping to go for a career with the Guards, hopefully a new recruitment drive isnt to far away in the horizon.
im just wondering, what are some benefits of being a Garda? aside from the known, competitive wage and state pension, is their any other really good benefits? apart from skipping the que in coppers at the weekend

Job security
Pensionable
Very good wage after a few years, I know Garda that earn over 80 grand with overtime.
You only have to do 30 years service, if you start at 20 you are out by 50, very few professions like that.
Good Holidays.
Good sick leave.
You can get loans of the Garda credit union.
Access to Westmanstown gym, golf etc.
Very good benifits if you can handle the job.

Dohvolle

Dohvolle wrote: »

Not actually correct there.
Pension is since 1995, something you find through your own wages. You also have to pay an extra levy because you are a PS worker.
Overtime is rare, it is also very heavily taxed.
You have to do 30 years service or retire at 57, comes last. I.E if you join at 30, you must retire at 57, unless you have been promoted to higher rank in between. That means you have a smaller pension than those who did the full 30 years. If you join at 20 you will still have to wait until you are 57 to retire. If you go before then you won't get pension until you reach 57. Because at 57 you are getting a pension, if you decide to get another job, you are heavily taxed because your earnings include your garda pension.
Leave...Take holidays when you don't have to go to court, almost impossible if you are active.
Sick leave no different to the rest of the Public sector. You have to be sick first. More commonly you are off because of the job, either injury or stress related illness.
Anyone who is a member can get loans from the Garda Credit union. It is no different to any other credit union, apart from the fact, because of it's membership, it is one of the largest in the country. You still have to pay back the loan. Without it, most young gardai would be homeless and starving. (Note: You can be dismissed from the force for being declared in debt, i.e if you default on a finance payment).
Westmanstown? Thats **** all use to you when you are stationed in Glenties, Clifden or Sneem.

To be honest, and don't take this to be an insult, you make the whole thing sound fairly grim.


Is the job not something you would recommend? Having to take out a loan from the credit union to avoid being a homeless Garda sounds fairly extreme?

Zux

Zux wrote: »

To be honest, and don't take this to be an insult, you make the whole thing sound fairly grim.


Is the job not something you would recommend? Having to take out a loan from the credit union to avoid being a homeless Garda sounds fairly extreme?

The poster is hust being realistic. Its a job with a salary and like most ordinary workers, you will face financial hardships along the way and be in debt at various stages. The above, "Garda on over 80k" is not the norm. That person is at the top of the payscale for Garda rank and working more than the odd extra hour. They are probable working more than they are even supposed to. I have topped 80K once, it aged me and had a visible effect.

No one is trying to scare you from applying, just balancing the incorrect assumptions made by those that arent actually Gardai. As said, the credit union is no different than any other. The pension is not the golden one that people believe it is. The 30 years and gone at 50 is long long over. Anyone joining after 1995 is not on the number that you see mentioned. Thats 26 years ago so sweet FA are.

Eire392 wrote: »

Eight: speak to your sergeant about that file you're thinking about at night. It is not as big of a deal as it seems.

Good shout.

Marty1476

is rent allowance defo gone?? i thought it was brought back a few years ago

also just wondering, does your car insurance go up or down if you state your occupation as a Guard

whomadewho

whomadewho wrote: »

Job security

Provided you dont screw up, this is true. People can and do get sacked every single month.

whomadewho wrote: »

Very good wage after a few years, I know Garda that earn over 80 grand with overtime.

I never see overtime used to justify a statement for any other occupation. Divide the pay by the hours needed to earn it and the events missed, then comment on pay.

whomadewho wrote: »

Pensionable

As are all public sector jobs and most private companies will also offer a scheme. Its not free, we pay into it. 10% between the actual payments and tax. then consider it actually incorportates the state pension that the private sector get on top of their private pension. thats 10400 a year difference in the numbers.

whomadewho wrote: »

You only have to do 30 years service, if you start at 20 you are out by 50, very few professions like that.

Hasnt been true in 20 years. theres very few serving Gardai that can retire at 50, less that can actually afford to.

whomadewho wrote: »

Good Holidays.

How so? 34 days but we work 12 days a year that are national / bank holidays. We get 2 extra days than Joe Soap.

whomadewho wrote: »

Good sick leave.

Overall I would agree with this BUT there's private companies that are better. I believe Google has a more generous policy for starters.

whomadewho wrote: »

You can get loans of the Garda credit union.

and a plumber can access the construction cu or indeed their local community one. No advantage

whomadewho wrote: »

Access to Westmanstown gym, golf etc.

If you pay a membership fee like all other members of private gyms. Did you think this was free?

whomadewho wrote: »

Very good benifits if you can handle the job.

Alas, most of what you posted was wrong