Conference Report 2016

CENTRAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
• informing family relations of deaths, accidents,
crimes and arrests
• counselling crime and accident victims and their
families
• monitoring compliance with bail conditions
• delivery of formal and professional presentations
to community and voluntary groups and at
schools
• presenting evidence in court
• operating information technology systems and
ongoing new technology developments
3.14 Arising from this sample of duties\activities, to
ensure the requisite level of professional service,
gardaí must:
• have a sound knowledge of modern police
practices and methods
• learn and memorise a variety of laws, as well as
internal garda codes, policies and procedures.
• have a detailed knowledge of the wide range of
laws under which charges may be brought and
arrests may be made, searches carried out and
materials seized
• know and observe the rights of citizens and of
suspects
• know the limits on the use of force and what
degree or level thereof is reasonable in the wide
variety of circumstances arising from day-to-day
• have discretion, tact and acumen when
persuading individuals or groups to comply with
their directions
• be able to respond and operate in an objective,
rational and balanced way, regardless of
circumstances or unexpected events, in any and
all situations that may arise whilst on duty
• evaluate situations instantaneously, based upon
a combination of their training, knowledge and
experience, when determining if a crime has been
or is about to be committed
• evaluate situations to ensure an appropriate
response
• anticipate and address client exposure to
substantial hazards or dangers in emergency
situations
• work unsocial hours across a variety of shifts
• work in all weather conditions in an
uncomfortable social environment
• deal with people who are intoxicated, addicted to
drugs or mentally unstable
• anticipate respectful treatment from the majority
of clients but hostility from an increasingly violent
minority
• be tolerant toward all types of people, display
good judgement and an ability to face challenges,
while using discretion and good communication
skills when taking action
3.15 It should not be overlooked that a garda is obliged to
act on or off duty when seeing an offence, an
assault or a felony being committed. They are also
required to be responsible and accountable for
carrying out duties when not officially on duty. This
commitment to duty is a rare obligation in the world
of work.
3.16 It is also evident that a major difference between a
garda and other occupations is the extensive span
of knowledge required, the discretion and
judgement necessitated in varying circumstances,
the potentially fatal dangers faced and the fact that
a garda is frequently obliged to work on
assignments over protracted periods.
3.17 For example, the timetable or schedule associated
with surveillance, investigation, apprehension and
the charging of suspects, the processing of
documentation and the giving of evidence in court
(under scrutiny) can take many years. A garda must:
• have high educational and moral standards
• have integrity and good character
• be of good family background
• have a good personal history, reputation and
status in the community
• meet the required physical standards
• have patience and adaptability
• have good social abilities (e.g. conversational,
cool headed, sociable)
• have good judgement, initiative, discretion and a
sense of responsibility
• have an analytical approach to problem-solving
• be good at written work
• be courageous and self-confident
• be able to learn from experience
24 Garda Representative Association