Garda Reserve

The Garda Reserve is a volunteer force drawn from individuals who seek to give back to their communities, who perform duty alongside full time Garda members, and work to keep people safe. 

Reserve Gardaí are a key asset to An Garda Síochána as they provide support during policing operations, enhance ties with local communities, and bring with them a wide range of skills and talents.  

From its inception under the 2005 Garda Síochána Act 1706 Reserve Gardaí have graduated from the Garda College with the first Garda Reserve trainees graduating in December 2006. The Garda Reserve has 332 active members.

While on duty Reserve Gardaí are granted policing powers by the Garda Commissioner. Under the supervision and support of full time Garda members help to prevent crimes and to provide greater reassurance to the community. 

Mission of the Garda Reserve

 “To provide an efficient response and a quality service at all times and to enhance partnership between An Garda Síochána and the local community”.  

 - Garda Reserve, Policy and Procedures Manual (2007)

Role

Members of the Garda Reserve are involved in policing major incidents and events. They are expected to provide a quality service at all times and are a clear sign of partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community.

“The Garda Reserve are an asset to their communities and are seen locally in a positive light bringing their local knowledge and skills to the fore of all that they do. They offer huge support to the organization too by helping to increase our visibility on foot patrol, crowd control and in the detection of crime within the community”.

 – Assistant Commissioner Cliona Richardson

Entry to the Garda Reserve

• Be aged at least 18 and no older than 59.
• Be a national of European Member State, an EEA State, the UK or the Swiss Confederation.
• Live in the State for a period of 1 year prior to date of application and have spent 4 of the last 8 years as a resident in the State. For a total requirement of 5 years of residency.
• Be in good health with good vision.
• Be of good character.
• A Grade of not less than a D3 or 06 in 5 subjects at not lower than ordinary level in the Leaving Certificate.
• A Level 5 Certificate or greater that is recognised with the National Framework of Qualifications or equivalent as determined by Quality and Qualifications Ireland.
• Proficient in either or both Irish and English.

For details of restrictions to entry please see FAQS.

Duties of a Garda Reserve

Community Policing

• Community engagement
• High visibility beat patrol (accompanied by full time member)
• Mobile patrol (accompanied by full time member)
• Assist in the event of an accident, fire, major emergency
• Preservation of crime scene
• Static security post e.g. crime scene
• Road traffic duties and checkpoints (accompanied by full time member)

Station Duties

• A Reserve is authorised to perform General station duties apart from the care and custody of prisoners.
• Public Office/ Front Counter:
• Assisting the public
• Answering telephone calls and dealing with queries on the phone
• Recording details of persons reporting to sign as conditions of bail
• Recording details of crimes/ offences, updating PULSE and manual registers as appropriate
• Witnessing Passport applications
• Communications room duty and the monitoring of CCTV feeds.

Roads Policing

• Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.
• Issue of FCPS notices where offenses are detected.
• Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.

Strategy and Goals

The Garda Reserve Strategy 2021-2025 is based on commitments to six key objectives:                                        

• Recruit Reserve Gardaí
• Training and Development
• The Role and Deployment of Reserve Gardaí
• Oversight and Governance
• Value our People
• Evaluation 

For further information:

www.publicjobs.ie