In the 1980's, training of personnel for the Garda S och na became the subject of review by a special committee set up to re-assess requirements in the light of changing social trends. Their recommendations brought about substantial changes to the style and type of training, changes supported by considerable investment by the State in the facilities available at the Garda College. Basic training is divided into five phases and lasts a total of three years. Initially, students spend 22 weeks at the College, followed by a period of 24 weeks spent at selected stations under the direct supervision of tutorial staff. After further training at the College, students become members of the Service, empowered to enforce legislation the same as senior colleagues and are attached to stations, although remaining under probation for a further two year period.
Considerable emphasis is placed on the integration of theory and practice throughout basic training.
Subjects include Law, Social Science, Theory of Policing, Communications, the Irish Language, and Physical Training. Apart from the student basic training, the Garda College also caters for a wide range of In-Service Training activities, dealing with all ranks up to the level of Senior Officer. Specialist Services Police officers throughout the Service are supported in their duties by a number of specialist units. These include an advanced forensic laboratory, a skilled and well equipped Garda Water Unit, fingerprint, photographic, mapping, ballistics, technical support sections and drug squad, as well as small but effective units to deal with armed terrorists and criminal gangs alike. While these sections are based in Garda Headquarters or in the Dublin Region Headquarters, their services are available to rank and file officers countrywide.