Recruitment begins for part-time garda reserve

14/08/2006 - 07:24:47
A recruitment drive for the new part-time garda reserve is underway, with advertisements in all of today's main newspapers and on national radio.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell is hoping to hire 900 members by September in what he says is an exciting and important development for policing in Ireland.

The criteria for applying are similar to those of a full garda position, with members subject to full background checks and having to pass a medical.

They will get 120 hours of training and will work for a minimum of 208 hours a year, but not in their own neighbourhoods.

The reserve officers will have the power of arrest, but will not carry any firearms.

The two bodies representing rank-and-file gardaí are still opposed to the reserve force, which they say will be poorly trained and will be used as cover for the Government's failure to hire extra full-time gardaí.

The Garda Representative Association and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors have already voted against cooperating with the reservists and are expected to meet this week to discuss the latest developments in the situation.