An Garda Síochána launches Garda Reserve recruitment campaign

An Garda Síochána has launched its latest Garda Reserve recruitment campaign, which seeks to expand this voluntary programme.

This recruitment drive follows a Government commitment to increase the strength of the Garda Reserve to 1,000 by 2026. An Garda Síochána is now inviting applications from those aged 18 to 60.

Garda Reserves are voluntary members of An Garda Síochána.

Reserves are placed in communities and work to assist An Garda Síochána with local patrols and crime reduction initiatives.

They also assist in policing major incidents and events, and provide operational support to Gardaí on the basis of the Garda Reserve’s skills or local knowledge.

Through this campaign, members of the public are afforded the opportunity to develop hands-on policing experience, and to serve their communities by giving back to their own locality.

Among the ways Reserves do this is through community engagement activities, traffic management, attending major events, carrying out administrative duties, and providing general support to full-time Gardaí.

While service in the Garda Reserve is voluntary and unpaid, subject to certain conditions an allowance is payable by the Commissioner to Garda Reserve in respect of expenses incurred in performing their duties. This had been €1,000 per 12-month period.

However, from June 1, 2024, this stipend is set to increase with the following now available to reserves in respect of hours completed:

• 50 hours completed - €500 stipend

• 100 hours completed - €1,000 stipend

• 200 hours completed - €2,000 stipend

• 200 hours or above - €3,000 stipend.

Anyone interested in volunteering to work in their local community is being encouraged to apply prior to 3pm on July 4.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: "The Garda Reserve was introduced in 2006 to assist An Garda Síochána in increasing the visible uniform police presence in the community, helping to prevent crimes and to provide greater reassurance to the community.

"Since then our volunteers in policing have become an integral part of this organisation. They are credited with bringing a wide range of experience, skills and outlooks to An Garda Síochána, and we recognise their input as crucial to ensuring that Ireland has a police service that is trusted and valued by the Irish public.

"We are eager to encourage greater representation from minority communities in our Garda Reserves, and so I am hopeful that this recruitment campaign will result in communities being served by a diverse cohort of Garda Reserves into the future.

"What I would say to those considering a career in An Garda Síochána, the Garda Reserve offers a unique experience to get a flavour for what is required as a Garda.

"For some it is a driving factor in applying to become a Garda, and for others it is an opportunity to volunteer and make a real difference in their community," said Mr Harris.

"In recognition of the service provided I want to also welcome the recent increase in the stipend available to Garda Reserves.

"It is certainly a rewarding experience and I have no doubt for those applying you will find it is a job worth doing.”

The Garda Reserve is often a stepping stone towards becoming a Garda, and since the last campaign in 2017, over 80 Garda Reserves have gone on to train as full-time Gardaí.

In recognition of this being utilised as a career path, An Garda Síochána has created a Garda Reserve Stream, enabling Garda Reserve to apply to become Gardaí if they meet certain criteria.

Training will be delivered through a blended approach. It will require attendance at the Garda College, Templemore for some elements of this training in addition to online and experiential workplace learning at assigned training stations.

Those eligible to apply include any Irish citizen aged from 18 to 60, including nationals of a European Member state; an EEA State or the Swiss Confederation; or those legally resident in the state for five years. Certain health and educational requirements also apply.

Those interested in applying to the Garda Reserves should visit www.publicjobs.ie.