The Garda Reserve is a voluntary, unpaid body, drawn from the community to assist the existing Service at times when extra personnel are required. Garda reserve members have limited Garda powers while on duty. Reserve members are accompanied at all times by full-time members of the Force.
"The mission of the Garda Reserve is to provide an efficient response and a quality service at all times and to enhance partnership between An Garda Síochána and the local community."
The role of the Garda Reserve is to provide local patrols and to participate in crime prevention initiatives targeted at specific local problem areas. Reservists perform policing duties, as determined by the Commissioner.
While not a career, the Garda Reserve gives its members an intense training course and teaches valuable skills to the individuals that are accepted as Reserves. These skills and the experience which members gain are invaluable in everyday life.
Many people interested in a full time career in An Garda Síochána have joined the Garda Reserve first to experience the role and see if it is the correct career choice for them.
Members of the Garda Reserve come from hugely varied backgrounds; they are accountants, architects and farmers; they can be from any walk of life.
Duties of a Garda Reserve
Community Policing
Community engagement
High visibility beat patrol (accompanied by full time member)
Mobile patrol (accompanied by full time member)
Assist in the event of an accident, fire, major emergency
Preservation of crime scene
Static security post e.g. crime scene
Road traffic duties and checkpoints (accompanied by full time member)
Station Duties
A Reserve is authorised to perform General station duties apart from the care and custody of prisoners.
Public Office/ Front Counter:
Assisting the public
Answering telephone calls and dealing with queries on the phone
Recording details of persons reporting to sign as conditions of bail
Recording details of crimes/ offences, updating PULSE and manual registers as appropriate
Witnessing Passport applications
Communications room duty and the monitoring of CCTV feeds.
Roads Policing
Road Traffic checkpoint duties, accompanied by a full time member.
Issue of FCPS notices where offenses are detected.
Assisting in the event of accidents, fires and major emergencies.
