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, Garda Trainees 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. Garda Trainees are continually assessed on both academic learning and police craft.

Phase I, Stage 2 is the experiential learning stage, with Garda Trainees allocated to Garda Stations.  During Stage 2 Garda Trainees experience on the job training and experience policing as observers, in an assisting capacity.  At this stage, Garda Trainees get the opportunity to observe in practice the training from Stage 1 and further develop from practical situations.

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

During Phase I Garda Trainees are required to sign a ‘Garda Trainees 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 Garda Trainees 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.

Monitoring Post Attestation

The Probationer Office, under the remit of Superintendent Foundation Training manages and monitors the progress of all Probationer Gardaí through their training and probationary period (two years following attestation, unless extended), until members are confirmed in their appointment.  The Probation Office is divided into three sections to ensure governance, monitoring and training of Probationer Gardaí.

The Phase II and Phase III of the training Programme is delivered nationally by the Divisional CPD Schools and the Probationer Office, Garda College co-ordinates the delivery.  The Office also has responsibility for oversight of assessments for Probationer Gardaí on Phase II and III.  In fulfilling this role there is continual liaison with Divisional CPD personnel and the Garda College Examination Office.