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.

  • Can GSOC have my car released?
    Cars can only be released on payment of the relevant fine. Depending on who issued the fine, there are different appeals processes in place to try to get your money back if you believe the fine was unjustified. 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

  • Will GSOC send my complaint back to the Garda Síochána?
    Complaints involving criminal matters are dealt with by a GSOC officer. If it's about a possible breach of Garda discipline, then it will likely be dealt with by a senior Garda officer on our behalf. Sometimes GSOC supervise these investigations. If it's about a possible breach of Garda discipline, and it's deemed suitable, you may have the option of having the matter resolved through Local Intervention. If you agree to this your complaint will be sent to a Garda Inspector. Read More

  • Who can I talk to if I am concerned about a GSOC investigation?
    If you have any general questions about the way GSOC operates which are not answered here, we will do our best to answer them. Your GSOC case officer can discuss any case-specific concerns with you. Read More

  • 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