COMPLAINTS
Who can complain?
If you are directly affected by the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána that you believe is misbehaviour you can complain to the Garda Ombudsman. You can also make a complaint if you are witness to such behaviour.
In many circumstances you can complain on someone’s behalf if you have their consent. »back to top
What is the time limit for making complaints?
Generally complaints are expected within 6 months of the incident in question.
The Garda Ombudsman may extend this time limit if it considers that there are good reasons for doing so.
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How do you make a complaint?
You can make a complaint to the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission in the following ways:
In Person
- Call into our headquarters at 150 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1
- To the Garda Commissioner or any member of An Garda Síochána at any Garda Station
- To any member of An Garda Síochána at or above the rank of Chief Superintendent at any place
Online
- Online by using the online complaints form
»click here to make a complaint by submitting the online GSOC 1 form
In writing
- Send your complaint in writing to 150 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1
or by fax to 01 814 70 23
- Consider the environment by submitting your complaint online
By phone
- By Phone to LoCall 1890 600 800
In all instances you will be asked to complete a GSOC 1 complaints form.
»Click here to download the GSOC 1 form (pdf, 278 kB) 
Return the completed form to GSOC by fax or by post.
When a completed GSOC 1 form is received, the Garda Ombudsman will issue a receipt acknowledging the complaint.
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Is your complaint admissible?
After receiving your complaint the first action undertaken by the Garda Ombudsman will be to determine whether your complaint is admissible.
The complaint is admissible if:
- It is made by a person who is entitled to complain
- The alleged behaviour is considered as misbehaviour
- The complaint is made within the required timeframe
- The complaint is not false or misleading
If your complaint is inadmissible you will be notified of the reason that it is inadmissible in writing by the Garda Ombudsman.
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Dealing with your complaint
If your complaint is admissible it will be dealt with in one of the following ways:
The Garda Ombudsman may refer less serious complaints for resolution through the Mediation or Informal Resolution process.
If your complaint warrants an investigation it will be carried out in one of the following ways:
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Possible Outcomes
If your complaint is dealt with through one of the methods of investigation, there are three possible outcomes:
- If it appears that there may have been a breach under the Garda Síochána (Discipline) Regulations the Garda Ombudsman may make recommendations to the Garda Commissioner concerning disciplinary proceedings.
- If it appears that the case may warrant criminal prosecution the Garda Ombudsman may send a file to the Director for Public Prosecutions.
- It is important to remember that the Garda Ombudsman seeks to establish truth based on evidence lawfully gathered. If there is insufficient evidence to support one of the above the case may be dismissed.
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False or Misleading Information
It is an offence to knowingly supply “false or misleading information” in relation to complaints.
If you are found guilty of this offence you are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding €2,500 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or both.
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