Phase I Method of delivery: Hybrid problem-based learning

Phase I

During Phase I the academic requirements of the BA in Applied Policing commences, with the initial monitoring of conduct and behaviour and operational performance also evaluated as part of the overall Foundation Training Programme. Phase I is divided into three Stages and normally takes approximately eight months (34 weeks) to complete. During Phase I training, Trainee Gardaí are under the auspices of the Director of Training and CPD, Garda College, Templemore, Co. Tipperary.

Phase I, Stage 1 provides the foundations to policing, with an insight into the role and function of a Garda and provides the initial training towards becoming an operational Garda. Stage 1 is residential training, normally conducted on a Monday to Friday basis. Trainee Gardaí are continually assessed on both academic learning and police craft.

Phase I, Stage 2 is the experiential learning stage, where Trainee Gardaí are allocated to Garda Stations. During Stage 2 Trainee Gardaí experience policing as observers, guided by a trained and assigned Tutor Garda. At this stage, Trainee Gardaí get the opportunity to observe the Tutor Garda deal with policing incidents and investigate matters, allowing them to reflect on the theory they received on Stage 1 put into practice training.

Phase I, Stage 3 is the final stage of Phase I, with Trainee Gardaí returning to the Garda College for residential and online training. Stage 3 provides the capstone learning and development to enable Trainee Gardaí complete summative assessments prior to attestation and becoming efficient operational members of An Garda Síochána.

During Phase I Trainee Gardaí are required to sign a ‘Trainee Gardaí Contract’. Phase I training period may be extended for longer periods as the Director of Training and CPD, Garda College or the Garda Commissioner, so directs. On successful completion of Phase I training Trainee Gardaí are attested to An Garda Síochána and will progress to Phase II of their training as Probationer Gardaí.

Phase 1 Method of delivery: Hybrid problem-based learning

Modules covered in Phase I:

1. Foundations of Policing– This module provides students with an overview of the policing function. Students are introduced to the organisation and its role in the criminal justice system. Students will also acquire the generic skills to be utilised throughout the remainder of their training.
2. Professional Competence– This module aims to develop the responsibility for improving their personal and professional knowledge, skills, values and behaviours required to provide a professional policing service.
3. Crime & Incident Policing– This module aims to allow students to gain the knowledge and practical skills to manage a wide variety of crime and policing incidents.
4. Policing with Communities– This module aims to give students the personal and professional expertise to positively police a modern, diverse and bilingual community, whilst being aware of the needs of its vulnerable members.
5. Roads Policing– This module aspires to give students the knowledge and skills required to effectively police traffic issues (checkpoints, drink/drug driving etc) to considerably reduce the incidents of fatal and serious injuries to improve road safety.
6. Station Roles & Responsibilities– This module aims to develop the students capabilities in all roles linked with Garda station duties, including prisoner management.
7. Officer & Public Safety– This module develops the students’ physical competence through practical skills (retractable baton, hinge handcuffs, OC (pepper) spray and police self-defence.

Post Attestation

Training
After Attestation, where Trainee Gardaí take the Oath and receive their legal powers, they become Probationer Gardaí. They are deployed to training stations where training continues during Phase II and Phase III in the operational environment. The Phase II and Phase III of the training Programme is delivered nationally by the Divisional CPD Schools under the remit of the Superintendent Foundation Training. The Divisional CPD Schools deliver classes and have responsibility for oversight of assessments for Probationer Gardaí on Phase II and Phase III. They fulfil this role along with supervisory staff to support and monitor the training of Probationer Gardaí.

Probation
The Probationer Monitoring Office, under the remit of Superintendent Foundation Training manages and monitors the progress of all Probationer Gardaí through their training and probationary period. The probationary period is two years following the date of attestation, unless extended. The purpose of this two-year period is to give Probationer Gardaí the opportunity to demonstrate effectiveness and efficiency in their performance as a member of An Garda Síochána. At the end of this period members are confirmed in their appointment by the Garda Commissioner.