Working Life

• Manage and conduct a range of complex investigations in your area of responsibility
• Gather, verify and assess all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of situations to an agreed case investigation plan
• Develop and evaluate strategies to manage investigations, working closely and communicating with staff at all levels
• Make decisions based on balancing risks, costs, benefits and the wider impact
• Use cutting-edge technology to help with the investigations
• Analyse and interpret data, examine records and documents
• Prepare, complete and submit accurate case papers and evidential files to the highest professional standard and within set time limits
• Handle and document exhibits
• Deal with forensic material and its submissions
• Conduct interviews and interrogations
• Participate in and conduct raids, searches or arrests
• Identify appropriate witnesses and obtain statements
• Assess and report the potential for recruiting informants, or exploring other useful sources of information
• Liaise with internal and external agencies relevant to your area of responsibility e.g. courts, schools, social work departments
• Keep up to date with changes in legislation and procedures as they affect criminal investigation

Further Information

• Criminal Intelligence Analyst- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Police Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Police officer/An Garda Síochána- from: GradIreland
• Scenes of Crime Officer- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Application for the position of Garda detective:

• Made online through the Public Appointments Service. To receive notification of Garda Trainee recruitment campaigns as they arise you can register as a member of Public Jobs.

Full steps of joining the Garda reserve, civilian roles, and application to join Gardai check Garda Careers & Selection process

ELIGIBILITY

Age

To be eligible for selection as a trainee you must be 18 years of age but not yet 35 years of age. For the current Garda Trainee recruitment campaign this means you must be aged 18 by midnight of the 1st June, 2017 (i.e. born between 31st May 1982 and 1 st June 1999).

Educational requirements 

Applicants must:

1. Have obtained an Irish Leaving Certificate with a grade D3 minimum in five subjects at ordinary level*, or
2. Have a Level 5 Certificate (Major award) on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), or
3. Have a recognised qualification (at level 5 or greater), deemed comparable to the above in terms of both level and volume of learning as determined by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI). AND
4. Must have a proven proficiency in two languages, one of which must be Irish or English. Such competency may be proven by achieving the relevant grades in an Irish leaving Certificate, or for English or Irish through such assessments as set out by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

*Subjects taken at Foundation Level Leaving Certificate are not considered equivalent for entry to this competition.

• Entrants to An Garda Síochána undertake the BA in Applied Policing (D-157) at the Garda College in Templemore. This is a 2-year programme.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €66k - €75k

Annual Salary modified by a variety of allowances and grades, many of which are specifically applicable to the detective inspector grade. 

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
An Garda Síochána/ Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Senior police officers, Police officers (sergeant and below).

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was strong for this occupation; although employment grew in the year to 2023, levels remained below that of 2021. All of employment was in full-time roles, with the majority holding third level qualifications. Department of Justice workforce data indicates that the number of gardaí (excluding civilian garda staff and reserves) has declined marginally each year since 2020, with a workforce in May 2024 of just under 14,000.

Retirements and retention issues have been highlighted as explanations for the fall in numbers. Despite some recruitment issues, the data does not indicate that shortages exist.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
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