Garda ombudsman hopes new system will resolve most cases ‘informally’
The new watchdog expects to receive up to 1,200 complaints per year and is preparing for possibly more in the first years of business.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) expects to open its door for business in the spring of 2007, more than a year after it was established.
The body is currently recruiting key personnel, including the powerful position of director of investigations, who will organise and control all investigations into complaints.
Commissioner Conor Brady, one of three commissioners who head the body, said there had been 75 applications from across the world for the post.
He said while the body’s investigative function was its core responsibility, the commission hoped to be able to deal with the majority of complaints through an informal system.
“We are in discussions with garda management and associations to establish an effective system of informal resolution and mediation,” said Mr Brady.
The Garda Síochána Complaints Board (GSCB), which the GSOC is replacing, has repeatedly highlighted the fact its informal resolution mechanism was rarely used, mainly because of a refusal by gardaí to engage with it.
Mr Brady said the GSOC was aware of the problems experienced by the GSCB, but hoped they could establish an effective system.
He said the commission can appoint outside experts to conduct the mediation to ensure independence.
The GSCB received about 1,200 complaints a year.
“That figure is unlikely to go down in my view, and we’re likely to have a spike.”
He said the GSOC would have a staff of over 100 and that they had advertised for senior staff, including director of investigations.
That position is not open to gardaí or former gardaí.
The position of deputy director of investigations is open to gardaí and so far 100 people have applied for that job, including serving and former gardaí.
The GSOC will have regional offices in Longford and Roscrea and will operate on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week.
