What is the Garda Síochána Inspectorate?

The Garda Síochána Inspectorate is an independent statutory body established under Part 5 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005

What is the role of the Garda Síochána Inspectorate?

The role of the Inspectorate is to promote excellence and accountability in the Garda Síochána by ensuring that the resources available to the Garda Síochána are used to achieve and maintain the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness in its operation and administration as measured by reference to best international policing practices.

Who are the members of the Garda Inspectorate?

The Inspectorate is a three-member team established on 26 July, 2006 in accordance with Part 5 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.  There are two Deputy Chief Inspector posts one is held by Kevin Giblin formerly of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Washington D.C.  The second Deputy Chief Inspector post is currently vacant.

What will the Garda Inspectorate inspect?

The Garda Síochána Inspectorate will, at the request of, or with the permission of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, carry out inspections of the operation and/or administration of the Garda Síochána.

The Chief Inspector will, following an inspection, report to the Minister for Justice and Law Reform.

What reports has the Garda Síochána Inspectorate published?

To date the following reports have been published:

Garda Síochána Senior Management Structure (October, 2006)  includes recommendations on civilianising senior posts in the Garda Síochána, including the post of Chief Administrative Officer at Deputy Commissioner level to deal with administration and resource management.

Review of Garda Síochána Practices and Procedures for Barricade Incidents, (February, 2007) took account of the report of Barr Tribunal and recommended additional steps needed to bring the Garda Síochána into line with best practices for such incidents. 

‘Policing in Ireland, Looking Forward’ (September, 2007) is a wide ranging assessment of the Garda Síochána that suggests operational and administrative reforms that will enable the Garda Síochána to realise its vision of policing excellence. 

Roads Policing – Review and Recommendations (November, 2008) is a comprehensive assessment of the Garda Síochána’s commitment and performance in the area of roads policing.

Missing Persons – Review and Recommendations (March, 2009) is a review of the current practice regarding missing persons, the need to establish a dedicated missing persons unit within the Garda Síochána and a response network similar to “Amber Alert” in the USA.

Resource Allocation (October, 2009) This report recommends a new approach to resource allocation in the Garda Síochána and content for a Garda charter.  It highlights current deployment of human resources in the Garda Síochána and identifies the scope for closer matching of resources to fluctuating levels of demand for police services.  In particular, the report highlights the need for new, more flexible Garda rosters more efficient work practices, reduction in non-core garda duties, station opening hours attuned to public demand for office services and a structured programme of civilianisation.

Will the Garda Inspectorate investigate complaints against members of the Garda Síochána?

No. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate has no statutory power to investigate a complaint against any member of the Garda Síochána.  Such investigations are a matter for the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission which was also established under the Garda Síochána Act 2005.  The Commission maybe contacted at info@gsinsp.ie or LoCall 1890 600 800

How do I contact the Garda Síochána Inspectorate?

87 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland

Phone 00 353 1 4086500, Fax  00 353 1 4086599, Email info@gsinsp.ie

What is the difference between the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission and the Garda Síochána Inspectorate?

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is a statutory body established by the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 to receive and investigate complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána.

The Garda Síochána Inspectorate has no statutory power to investigate complaints made against members of the Garda Síochána.  The Garda Síochána Inspectorate was established to ensure best policing practices and the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in the operation and administration of the Garda Síochána.

Can members of the public contact the Garda Síochána Inspectorate with their views or comments on the effectiveness of the Garda Síochána?

Yes. The Garda Síochána Inspectorate welcomes the views of members of the public, especially suggestions on policing improvements in their communities.