Donegal sergeant outlines key traits for new recruits

Sergeant Paul Wallace says a 'community focus' is one of the key traits he would find important in new recruits looking to join the ranks of An Garda Síochána. 

The Dungloe-based crime prevention officer has been a garda for around thirty-seven years and has been to the fore in representing the organisation at many local and national events. 

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Highlighting an ongoing national recruitment drive on Highland Radio earlier this morning, he said, community was vitally important. 

He said that many people join the organisation wanting to work in the detective branch: "A lot of people join the gardaí and say they want to get into the detective branch, plain clothes, they want to emulate what is happening on TV and stuff like that. That all takes time and if people have talents ... that will soon come to the fore."

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He said that 'looking out for your fellow man or woman' and having a community focus is also important and doing 'the right thing.'

"Being in the right place, take action where maybe others wouldn't be as quick to do and I suppose sometimes that trait is in the garda even whether on or off duty," he said.

He said his training has stayed with him for almost four decades.

He also outlined the language requirements of the force. He said that because Ireland is so diverse it is important everyone is represented. 

The competition opened in recent days and remains open to March 16. For further information on the job please go to publicjobs.ie or click here.