Community Engagement Offices

The Garda Schools Programme office has responsibility for the development of the Programme, and ensuring national implementation.

The Garda Schools Programme is a Department of Education and Skills led initiative which commenced in 1991, which is delivered by Garda Schools Programme trained Gardaí across the country.

Interaction with children in schools, both primary and secondary is a very useful venue to communicate to young people on a range of subjects which teach children sensible and responsible patterns of behaviour.

Specially trained Gardaí in each Garda Division are tasked with the implementation of the Programme.

Message of the Programme

The primary and secondary Garda Schools Programme has the following key messages for children:

1. Be safer on the roads and at home;
2. Positively contribute towards Crime Prevention;
3. Know what the role of the Gardaí is;
4. Develop positive attitudes towards the Gardaí and the job they do.
5. Safe and respectful online communication.

The content of the Programme provides lessons on the following topics:

• An Garda Síochána - Role, Uniform and Equipment.
• Vandalism.
• Personal Safety.
• Road Safety.
• Cycle Safety.
• Respectful online Communication (Primary School).
• Connect with Respect (Secondary School).

Further Information is available through:

Garda Schools Programme
Garda Community Relations Bureau
6 Ely Place Upper
Dublin 2
D02 TY02

Tel: +353 1 6663891

Email: schoolsprogramme@garda.ie 

Or contact your local Garda Station

Primary Schools  

The Garda Primary Schools Programme was first introduced in 1991. It is a comprehensive education programme for 5th class pupils in Primary Schools throughout the country.  

The programme consists of a series of presentations given to the school children by their local Gardaí on the role of the Garda, road/cycle Safety, bullying, vandalism, personal safety, drugs, crime prevention and respectful online communication. 

The Programme aims to teach children sensible and responsible patterns of behaviour in order that they may:

• Be safer on the roads and at home
• Positively contribute towards Crime Prevention
• Be aware of the the role of An Garda Síochána
• Develop positive attitudes towards An Garda Síochána and its work

Secondary Schools  

The Garda Secondary Schools Programme has been developed and is at present being introduced to Second Level schools throughout the country. The programme was designed in conjunction with the Social, Personal & Health Education (SPHE) syllabus of the Department of Education & Science. Trained Gardaí are available to co-facilitate classes as part of the SPHE course at Junior Cycle level in the following 2 modules:

• Substance Use
• Personal Safety
• Cyber safety - Connect with respect

Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE), as part of the schools curriculum, supports the personal development, health and well being of young people and helps them create and maintain supportive relationships.  

Further Information is available through:

Garda Schools Programme
Garda Community Relations Bureau
6 Ely Place Upper
Dublin 2
D02 TY02

Tel: +353 1 6663891

Email: schoolsprogramme@garda.ie 

Or contact your local Garda Station