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Its principal role is to deal
with complaints about the
conduct of members of the
Garda Síochána.
Its vision is to be a driver of
ever-improving police
accountability.
Complaints should be made within
12 months of the incident in
question but the Ombudsman may
extend this time limit if it considers
that there are good reasons for
doing so
Direct witnesses to such behaviour
may can also make a complaint to
the GSOC. Third party complaints
made on behalf of others are
accepted providing these are done
with permission of the aggrieved
party.
In disciplinary investigations
GSOC’s responsibility is to
investigate and send an
investigation file with a
recommendation to the Garda
Commissioner; the Garda
Commissioner takes a decision
regarding any breach of discipline
and the application of any
sanctions.
GSOC does not have the power
that the Garda Síochána has to
bring cases to court on behalf of
the Director of Public
Prosecutions (DPP). However,
after a criminal investigation, a file
may be sent to the DPP with a
recommendation; the DPP takes a
decision based on the
investigation file whether to
prosecute or not.
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.
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