I dunno really, in other countries they take volunteers "off the streets" so to speak, after training they have full powers, with no problems. This isn't some mad Inew experimental idea, part-time volunteer policing has been shown to work well all over the world.
Anyway, I'm not sure Ireland, and particularly the Gardai are ready for the idea yet. I served as a part-timer in the UK, and enjoyed it greatly, but wouldn't do so here even if the opportunity arose. I think the reception a freshly minted volunteer would receive walking into the briefing room in many Garda stations could be somewhat less then welcoming, and Ireland being the small place it is, it could be awkward going to work with someone in the morning, after arresting that person's brother / cousin / mother-in-law the night before.
Anyway, I'm not sure Ireland, and particularly the Gardai are ready for the idea yet. I served as a part-timer in the UK, and enjoyed it greatly, but wouldn't do so here even if the opportunity arose. I think the reception a freshly minted volunteer would receive walking into the briefing room in many Garda stations could be somewhat less then welcoming, and Ireland being the small place it is, it could be awkward going to work with someone in the morning, after arresting that person's brother / cousin / mother-in-law the night before.
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