# gsoc
Last week
28th May 2023 - 3rd June 2023
# policing in ireland
GSOC chief warns that body cams and facial recognition tech will be open to abuse
GSOC boss Hugh Hume said that the watchdog will need significant investment if it is to keep track of misconduct related to abuse of new technologies.
Last month
May 2023
# bravery
11 gardaí to be honoured for 'exceptional bravery and heroism'
Among the recipients is the late Inspector Sam Donegan, who was killed in an explosion on the Cavan/Fermanagh border in 1972
# gsoc
Policing groups slam release of decision to prosecute garda in connection with fatal N7 crash
A Garda being prosecuted for a fatal crash that occurred when he was pursuing three men in 2021 has not been made aware of the exact charge he is facing.
Voices
Opinion: New legislation reforming garda and oversight bodies isn't in line with best practice
Doireann Ansbro of the Irish Council for Civil Liberties says the proposed reforms of Garda bodies doesn’t go far enough.
# Watching the Watchdog
The Explainer x Noteworthy: Is GSOC fit for purpose?
Journalists Mick Clifford of The Examiner and Alice Chambers of Noteworthy tell Susan Daly about the Garda watchdog’s severe and ongoing problems.
# Watching the Watchdog
Garda watchdog handing half of its cases back to gardaí to investigate
Solicitors, complainants and former GSOC staff voice frustration at slow investigations with few resulting sanctions.
Gardaí can “decide there is no breach, take no action and provide no rationale” when GSOC finds evidence of Garda misconduct
There is no appeal mechanism, even for serious criminal allegations against gardaí
Complainants told Noteworthy that they had lost faith in GSOC
THE MORNING LEAD
Targets missed in at least 70% of GSOC complaints investigated by gardaí
Most cases handed to and completed by gardai last year exceeded time limits.
Median length of garda-led investigations has never been near the agreed timeframes
Gardaí investigating gardaí brought in to prevent GSOC becoming “snowed under” by “less serious” complaints
April
April 2023
# gsoc
Man arrested as part of probe into GSOC investigator's attendance at Hutch party is released
A file will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
# gsoc
Man arrested as part of probe into GSOC investigator's attendance at Gerry Hutch party
A man in his 60s was arrested this morning following the search of a home in Dublin 3.
# hutch acquittal
Garda probe establishes GSOC officer did attend Hutch party
Simon Harris told reporters at the GRA conference in Mayo that GSOC said in a meeting that they were likely to establish an independent review into the systems.
# Screaming gangsta
'My gang is bigger than their gang': Garda Commissioner delivers warning to organised crime
Drew Harris spoke to reporters as he arrived at the Garda Representative Association (GRA) annual conference in Westport this morning.
# gsoc
Gardaí to investigate allegation that GSOC officer attended Hutch party last week
The matter is now being considered by Gardaí.
# gsoc
Calls for external investigation after GSOC officer allegedly attended Gerard Hutch party
Justice Minister Simon Harris said yesterday that it is a “serious matter which needs to be investigated”.
# gsoc
GSOC officer resigns over 'potential conflict of interest' after allegedly attending Gerard Hutch party
GSOC said it immediately commenced an internal investigation into the issue this week.
This year
2023
# council of europe
Irish government needs to tighten up employment of special advisors, European body says
The Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body has released a new report calling for reforms in how top-level roles are filled.
# Garda Ombudsman
Proposal to block Gsoc searches of Garda stations 'seriously undermines' oversight, agency says
The Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is expected to become law this year.
Last year
2022
# gsoc
Inquest hears GSOC have compiled draft report on shooting of George Nkencho by Gardaí
GSOC said it was likely that the file would be forwarded to the DPP who will decide if criminal charges should be brought in relation to Mr Nkencho’s death.
# National Security
New 'landmark' Policing Bill to radically change Irish national security apparatus
Cleared by cabinet this morning the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is expected to become law next year.
# Clones
GSOC investigating Co Monaghan road incident for possible Garda involvement
GSOC received a referral under the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, from a Garda Superintendent in Monaghan.
# Inquest
GSOC investigation into fatal shooting of George Nkencho by gardaí has 'made significant progress'
Nkencho was fatally wounded by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit outside his home in December 2020.
# Amiens Street
Fresh appeal for witnesses following motorbike crash in Dublin city centre
A Ukrainian woman is in serious condition in hospital following yesterday’s collision.
# George Nkencho
Sister and brother of man shot dead by gardaí take legal action against the State
George Nkencho died in December 2020.
# Complaints
Garda Commissioner admits officers failed to properly investigate child sex abuse case
Details of a specific complaint about the garda handling of the allegations were revealed in Gsoc’s annual report.
# gsoc
Garda watchdog sees marked increase in complaints in 2021 - but 39% ruled inadmissible
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission annual report showed that last year the body dealt with 2,189 complaints in 2021.
# Meath
GSOC involved in investigation after man dies in Trim crash
A car collided with a wall on Patrick Street in Trim at around 1.55am.
# Ashtown
GSOC asks for the public's help with investigation into Dublin crash
The traffic collision happened at the junction at Dunsink Lane in the Ashtown area.
# Limerick
Garda Ombudsman appeals for witnesses following death in garda custody
The man in his 40s had been arrested for a public order offence.
All time
# Blanchardstown
First anniversary of George Nkencho death marked with a candlelit walk
Nkencho died outside his Dublin home after being shot multiple times by members of the gardaí.
# Whistleblowers
'Dublin Declaration' calls for new legislation to help whistleblowers
GSOC had hosted a two day conference in Dublin on whistleblowing in the EU.
# Whistleblowers
GSOC: Government must give greater protections to Irish whistleblowers
GSOC is to host a two day virtual conference on European whistleblowers.
# agsi
The Minister for Justice has sought to quell opposition to proposed powers for garda watchdog
The new Bill has already drawn criticism from Commissioner Drew Harris who declared some of it unconstitutional.
# Dublin
GSOC launches investigation into ‘certain aspects’ of arrest of 14-year-old boy by Gardaí
Footage of the incident has been shared on social media.
# Dublin
March in Dublin to call for fresh inquiry into death of Terence Wheelock following 2005 arrest
The 20-year-old Dublin man was found unconscious in his cell and died three months later.
Voices
Opinion: GSOC has made a difference - but it needs reform
DCU’s Dr Vicky Conway looks at the development of GSOC since its creation, ahead of a new study of complainants’ experiences with the body.
# gsoc
Garda hit with monetary sanction after intruder confronted President in Áras an Uachtaráin
The person entered the building unchallenged and spoke to President Michael D Higgins in “an aggressive manner”.
# Firearms
Gardaí report 47 incidents involving tasers and stun devices last year including one on a dog
A log of one incident in Cork in August said the person had injuries to their hands, arm, and face that had been self-inflicted.
# Ardnacassa
GSOC investigation launched after man and garda hospitalised following crash in Longford
The incident happened at the Ardnacassa estate at around 4pm.
# gsoc
USB key sent by Gsoc to garda internal affairs 'went missing after being sent in the post'
The data breach was one of 29 reported by the Garda Ombudsman over the past two years.
# ballinacurra road
GSOC investigating as pedestrian left in 'critical condition' after being struck by car in Limerick
The incident happened at approximately 11.20pm yesterday on the Ballinacurra Road.
# evidence
Gardaí investigating if school withheld information about alleged sexual assault of student
It is understood that a separate GSOC investigation is also being carried out.
