NEW GARDA recruits will be given full policing powers, including the power of arrest, after 34 weeks’ training rather than the current period of 58 weeks, it has emerged.
The new recruits will, for the first time, also face psychological assessment as part of the application process to join the force.
The move to fast-track gardaí into policing duties on the streets is contained in a range of new changes to Garda training and development unveiled yesterday.
The recruits will face an intense period of training based on operational scenarios they are likely to encounter while on duty.
They will then be assigned Garda stations around the State to learn policing “on the job”. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has welcomed the move.
“Like any profession, you can be in a college doing your degree or whatever but it’s only when you go into the business that you see what it’s really like. You need experience . . . get in to the coalface very quickly.”
Those who apply to join the force will only be successful if they have a driver’s licence, can swim and have first aid training.
Gardaí will also have a range of continuous learning options throughout their careers.
The 2,700 civilians working for the force of 14,700 gardaí will also be offered enhanced training.
This will for the first time involve civilians training alongside gardaí.
The new training regime has been suggested by the Garda Training and Development Review Group. It was established by Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy and was chaired by Pat McLoughlin, formerly of the HSE.
It has suggested that while gardaí should have their full powers after 34 weeks’ training, they should then return to the Garda Training College, Templemore, Co Tipperary, for further training phases before they graduate.
Mr Murphy said while new members of the force would be deployed to Garda stations more quickly, their total period in training would not be any shorter than at present.
“It won’t diminish in any way their training. [The full training] regime will be fully focused and will take just as long.”
Advanced driving and firearms course will be enhanced and made available to all members of the force.
Chief Supt Jack Nolan, who is in charge of the Garda College, said significant analysis had been undertaken before it was decided gardaí would be attested after 34 weeks.
The new training reforms were outlined at a reservists’ passing-out ceremony at the Garda College yesterday.