What does GSOC do about false or misleading information?

Section 110 of the Act provides for penalties by way of fine and/or imprisonment for any person who knowingly gives information that is false or misleading to the Garda Ombudsman. Where we believe that there is sufficient evidence that such an offence has been committed, we send a file to the DPP.

Section 110 of the Act makes it an offence to knowingly supply “false or misleading” information to the Garda Ombudsman and provides for penalties, by way of fine and/or imprisonment, for any person who does this.

Where we believe that there is sufficient evidence that such an offence has been committed, we send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a prosecution decision.

Of course, this section also applies to gardaí. We have also sent files to the DPP when it appears that gardaí have knowingly given false/ misleading information. .

If an investigator is considering that you may be guilty of providing false or misleading information to GSOC, you will be cautioned in this regard and given the opportunity to explain in an interview.

  • If a matter is referred to GSOC, does An Garda Síochána have no further involvement in its i
    Chapter 4 and Appendices A and B of the Protocols between the two organisations are about investigations that coincide. Where a referral is made to GSOC by An Garda Síochána, GSOC has a responsibility to investigate the matter, and this may include investigation of civilian behaviour as well as garda behaviour. Read More

  • How is Local Intervention done?
    The Local Intervention process is aimed at resolving certain service-level types of complaints against members of the Garda Síochána at a local level without the need for the matter to enter a formal complaints process. Read More

  • Can GSOC investigate conduct of off-duty or retired gardaí?
    Sometimes. A complaint against a garda member can be admitted if it concerns conduct off-duty which would be likely to bring discredit on the Garda Síochána. Investigations following referral, or initiated in the public interest, can look into the conduct of off-duty gardaí. Read More

  • Can GSOC get the Garda Síochána to investigate the matter I reported?
    No. We can look into whether any gardaí were in breach of discipline for any neglect of duty, or lack of action. We cannot oblige them to take any action. Read More

  • What happens following a referral under section 102?
    If a matter is referred to GSOC under section 102, GSOC must investigate, with a view to establishing the facts of the situation and clarifying whether it may have resulted from garda misconduct. In many cases, this will require a GSOC investigator or team of investigators to attend the scene of an incident and work closely with An Garda Síochána teams there. Read More

  • Can I make a complaint to GSOC about garda misconduct myself?
    Under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, a Garda member cannot make a complaint about Garda behaviour in the same way that a member of the public can. However, under the Protected Disclosures Act, 2014, gardaí and others working for the Garda Síochána may now confidentially disclose allegations of wrongdoings within the Garda Síochána, to a member of the Ombudsman Commission. Find out more information by clicking the Protected disclosures link on the right hand side of the page. Read More