SIX GARDAÍ WERE convicted last year with two given custodial sentences, according to the annual report of the Garda Siochána Ombudsman Commission.
Figures released today show that 2,275 complaints about gardaí were made by members of the public last year containing a total of 6,230 allegations. The figure was a slight increase on the previous year. More than one third were inadmissable because they were considered frivolous or were not lodged in time.
Of all of the allegations made, over one third – 39 per cent – related to abuse of authority by gardaí. 26 per cent related to neglect of duty, 12 per cent to discourtesy, and 11 per cent to non-fatal offences against the person. The figures are broadly in keeping with previous years’ figures.
The Garda Commissioner referred an additional 90 cases to the Commission of incidents when conduct by a garda may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person. Almost half of the incidents involved road traffic accidents while another 20 per cent related to incidents which happened during police custody.
A total of 154 sanctions were applied by the Garda Commissioner following investigations by the Ombudsman Commission. Six gardaí received convictions and one member of the public also received a conviction. Two of the gardaí were given custodial sentences.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is an independent statutory body which investigates complaints against gardaí.
Carmel Foley, one of the three Commissioners, said the public expect both law enforcement and a high standard of professional service from the gardaí.
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