Almost 2,000 Complaints Made To GSOC In 2020.

Friday, 25 June 2021 15:33

File image: GSOC headquarters/RollingNews

1,724 complaints were closed last year.

Almost 2000 complaints containing over 3000 allegations against gardai were opened by the Gardai Ombudsman Commission last year.

Its annual report shows 43 referrals were made where it appeared the conduct of a member may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to a person.

19 protected disclosures were received; and 572 criminal investigations were opened.

1,724 complaints were closed in 2020.

GSOC publishes its 2020 Annual Report https://t.co/HWrUip1JNG
— Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) (@GardaOmbudsman) June 25, 2021

Reporter, Niall Colbert looks at two incidents where reports of sexual and domestic abuse were not followed up on:

"An investigation was carried out after a woman alleged Gardai failed to take her numerous domestic abuse calls seriously as her husband was a serving member of the Gardai.

It was later found the original investigation file went missing which had a detrimental effect on the subsequent GSOC investigation.

The ombudsman recommended last year that the issue of the missing gardai file be highlighted to the Commissioner and that file management procedures in unsolved sexual assault investigations in the district be reviewed.

Another Garda was disciplined for Neglect of Duty last year, for not following up on a complaint of sexual abuse.

After five years of waiting the woman discovered the statement about her father was not followed up on. "

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