The Garda Síochána, or the ‘Guardians of Peace’ in English, is the national police service and exercises all police functions in the country. It provides the State security services and all criminal and traffic law enforcement functions are performed by it.

Gardaí are (in most cases) pillars of the community. Their duties and responsibilities can vary widely but the recurring theme is serving the common good. They aim to protect the state by solving crimes and also aid everyday life by keeping the peace and ensuring an efficient traffic flow.

So although your Starsky and Hutch style daydreams may be a little distorted, a career in the police service is an exciting challenge. Plus you get to wear a hat…

Education
To join An Garda Síochána, you must go to www.publicjobs.ie and ensure you meet the requirements. The next step is applying, and then you will be contacted when there is recruitment is your area. The basic requirements for candidates are a pass Leaving Cert and a good standard of physical fitness; and good news for those of you with a more ‘compact’ physique is that the height requirement was recently phased out.

Candidates go through a three-stage process. Stage one is three written tests – Verbal Evaluation, Analytical Reasoning and Job Simulation Exercise. Stage two includes a written communication exercise and interview. Stage three comprises a medical examination and physical ability test.

If you are accepted, you will study for the award of a Diploma in Police Studies at the Garda Síochána College, which lasts for two years. Subjects covered include Law, Policing, Social Sciences, Communications, Irish Language and Physical Education.

Students spend roughly half of their training time at selected Garda stations, under the care and tutelage of a training sergeant. This allows trainees to experience the practical application of the theories and skills they have learned, and also to decide if the career is really the one for them.

People who already have a degree or other third-level qualification don’t have any advantage in the application process. However, if you are successful, a degree in certain areas, such as IT, Chemistry or Business, may be very useful for career progression within different sections of the Gardaí. Management-related degrees are also beneficial for promotion to management positions within the force.

Options after Qualification
Newly qualified Gardaí undergo a probation period (typically 58 weeks) before becoming permanent Gardaí with full responsibilities. They usually spend at least three years on general policing duties. After that, they can apply to join one of the special units – the Serious Crimes Squad, Fraud Squad, Drugs Unit, Juvenile Liaison Section and Emergency Response Unit are just some of the options available.

The Garda College in Templemore also offers a Bachelor of Arts (Police Management) Degree, which is only open to Garda Superintendents and officers who hold more senior management positions within the organisation.

The Work
The Garda Síochána are responsible for maintaining law and order, protecting life and property and ensuring the security of the state. The most obvious day-to-day task of the Gardaí is solving and preventing crimes. This can mean patrolling on the streets, taking statements from victims of crimes, interviewing witnesses and suspects, providing information to the public and the media, giving evidence in court and manning road checkpoints.

The Gardaí also have less crime solution-related responsibilities, including the provision of assistance at sports events and concerts, monitoring entry points into the state, searching for missing persons, giving directions to tourists, encouraging the community to protect their persons and property, helping to develop ethnic and religious equality, and visiting schools to teach children sensible and responsible behaviour.

As you are promoted through the ranks, you might aim for one of the specialist sections within the Garda Síochána, including Criminal Investigation, Criminal Assets Bureau, Special Detective Unit, Fraud Squad, Immigration Bureau and Drugs Unit. Senior Garda responsibilities can include analysing financial transactions to find irregularities, guarding visiting heads of state and busting organised crime rings.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment
The qualities potential guards should possess include diligence and dedication. A police officer should be a good communicator and have an ability to act well under pressure.

Gardaí are based in stations, but depending on their role can spend lots of time away from their desks. A Garda’s work can be dangerous and strenuous, and not everyone is cut out for the stresses and strains involved.

The Money
Permanent Gardaí start out with an annual salary of around €27,000, which rises to over €40,000 with experience, while senior ranking Gardaí earn higher salaries.

Jargon
GBH: Grievous Bodily Harm
Boy Racer: Term of endearment for young and usually spotty members of the public. Usually said to male drivers who travel at high speed in their spoiler clad Vauxhall Novas
MISPER: Missing person
Order: When harmony is preserved through respect for established authority
Fraud: Cheating at business

Job Titles
Garda
Sergeant
Inspector
Detective
Superintendent
Chief Superintendent

Further Resources
Garda Headquarters
Appointments Office (Recruitment)
Phone: 01 6662357
www.garda.ie

An Garda Síochána
Garda Headquarters
Phoenix Park
Dublin 8
Phone: 01 666 2362
Web: www.garda.ie
Email: gpro@iol.ie

Garda Síochána College
McCann Barracks
Templemore
Co. Tipperary
Phone: 0504 35400
Web:  http://www.garda.ie/college.html