Information for members of the Garda Síochána

One of our statutory objectives is to be fair to everyone involved in complaints and investigations

Gardaí

This section aims to answer some questions that Garda members may have about the complaints process and other matters related to GSOC.

There is a more detailed booklet available to Garda members. You can phone or e-mail GSOC to ask for this to be posted to you. The same detailed information is available to download from the Garda Síochána portal. To find it, click on HR on the homepage, then Internal Affairs and Complaints.

If a complaint is made against you

In the investigation of a complaint

  • How is Informal Resolution done?
    It is a means of resolving situations more quickly and effectively and without the need for a formal investigation under the Discipline Regulations. Time taken to close these cases is about one-third of the time taken to close formal disciplinary investigations. Read More

  • What powers do GSOC officers have?
    In criminal investigations, GSOC officers have all the powers, immunities and privileges conferred on, and all the duties imposed on, any member of the Garda Síochána. However, unlike members of the Garda Síochána. Read More

  • If GSOC wants to interview me, what can I expect?
    GSOC investigators will make every reasonable effort to accommodate gardaí they need to interview, in terms of date, time and location. Read More

  • Can GSOC prosecute or impose penalties or sanctions?
    No, GSOC is an investigative agency only. Following a criminal investigation by GSOC, the DPP takes a decision based on the investigation file whether to prosecute or not. Following disciplinary investigations, the Garda Commissioner takes decisions on any appropriate sanctions or actions. Read More

  • How long do complaint investigations typically take?
    The time taken to close an investigation depends on the level of complexity of the case, but to get an indicator, you can look in the Publications section of the website to find the median time taken to close investigations by type, per quarter. Read More

  • 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. Read More

Matters referred to GSOC by the Garda Síochána

Other matters

  • 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. An Garda Síochána Employee Assistance Service is a confidential service to discuss any life situation causing concern. Read More

  • Can I make a complaint about a GSOC staff member?
    Yes. We have a complaints process, whereby complaints about our staff are handled in line with the Civil Service Code of Standards and Behaviour. This Code sets out the standards required by all civil servants, including GSOC staff. 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 by clicking on Protected Disclosures. Read More