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What happens when I make a report - Investigation Process

What happens when I make a report - Investigation Process

What happens when I make a Crime Report – Investigation Process Whenever you report a crime to An Garda Síochána, whether you are a victim or a witness, we will ask you to:

Provide as much information as you can about the offence;
Tell us if you have any concerns about your (or your family’s) safety, so we can give you appropriate advice;
Provide your full address and telephone contact details. This will allow us to update you with the progress of the investigation;
Update us with any other changes - you may have noticed further losses or damage since you first reported the offence, or you may be suffering further effects from an injury caused by the crime.

The investigating Garda will ask you to make a statement which s/he will write down and get you to sign. The matter will then be investigated by the Garda. If you are the victim of the crime you should subsequently receive a letter in the mail from the Garda Superintendent giving you the name of the investigating Garda, the PULSE (computer) number of the crime, the telephone number of the Garda Station, and the number of Crime Victims Helpline.After reporting the crime your case will be investigated, regardless of your gender, race, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age, economic circumstances or membership of any minority group.

During the Investigation

During the investigation stage, Gardaí will gather all available evidence, such as CCTV, fingerprints or DNA and a file will be prepared in serious cases and submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions. If a suspect is due to appear in court, we will:

Tell you whether the accused is in custody or on bail and the conditions attached to the bail;
Tell you the time, date and location of the court hearings;
Explain the prosecution process involved;
Tell you if you are likely to be called as a witness and if so tell you about the help available from victim support organisations;
Tell you when a judge may ask for a "victim impact statement";
Tell you about court expenses;
Tell you the final outcome of the trial.

Please remember to inform Gardaí if your contact details change, quoting your PULSE incident number, so that we can keep you up to date with any developments. Gardaí are committed to addressing your needs and concerns in an understanding and problem-solving manner. The following sections contain information that may assist you with any queries or assistance you may request.

The Garda Charter ‘Working with our Communities’

The Garda Charter ‘Working with our Communities’ outlines 10 areas where An Garda Síochána is committed to working with the community to deliver a professional service. The 10 areas are:
1. Our Values – Honesty, Accountability, Respect and Professionalism
2. Keeping Victims Updated
3. Arrange Public Meetings
4. Local Priorities
5. 999 Call Answering
6. Response Times
7. Community Policing
8. Visibility
9. Diverse Communities
10. Customer Satisfaction

To view The Garda Charter in full please CLICK HERE An Garda Síochána’s Victims CharterAn Garda Síochána’s Victims Charter outlines what you as a victim can expect once you report a crime. An Garda Síochána will:

  • Respond promptly to your call and investigate your complaint;
  •  Tell you the name, telephone number and station of the investigating officer and PULSE incident number;
  •  Explain what will happen during the investigation and keep you informed throughout the process;
  •  Tell you about the services available through the National Crime Victims Helpline (Freephone) 116006;
  •  Advise you about the services provided by the Tourist Victim Support Service if you are a visitor to Ireland;
  •  Exhibit special sensitivity in relation to sexual offences;
  •  Make the services of a Garda and a Doctor of the same gender (as far as possible) available to you;
  •  Endeavour to attend to any special needs or requirements you may have;
  •  Provide a free translation service if you are unable to communicate fluently in Irish or English.

To view An Garda Síochána’s Victims Charter in full, please CLICK HERE

Victims Support Services


There is a range of dedicated victim support organisations available to support victims and their families after they become a victim of crime. These organisations offer support to both victims of general crimes and victims of specific crimes such as homicide, domestic violence and sexual assault. The Crime Victims Helpline can advise you about the services available nationally and locally. The full list of victim support organisations is available on the Victim area of this website and also by CLICKING HERE.


Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal runs the compensation scheme for personal injuries that you may have suffered due to a crime. The Minister for Justice and Equality appoints the members of the Tribunal.
The compensation scheme for personal injuries suffered due to a crime allows you to seek payment for expenses and losses that you may suffer as a direct result of a violent crime, or in trying to prevent a crime or in saving someone’s life. The scheme also allows for the family of a victim who has died due to a violent crime to receive a payment. How it works:

One member of the Tribunal normally decides on each compensation case;
If you are unhappy with their decision, you can appeal it to members of the Tribunal, who will not include the member who made the original decision;
They will hold the appeal hearing in private and in an informal manner – you will not need legal representation;
The Tribunal will not pay any legal costs you may have due to the Tribunal hearing;
They will pay the compensation in a lump sum, although in some cases they will allow for an interim payment.

The EU Directive on Compensation to Crime Victims sets up cooperation between EU member states so that victims can get compensation for crimes committed in another member state. They process claims from other member states. They also help people living in Ireland to send claims to other member states.


Court orders

A court may order an offender to pay compensation to a victim as part of a criminal case. The Probation Service will oversee the payment of money under a compensation order, when the court asks it to do so. A victim may take a civil case for compensation against an offender. It is up to the victim and their legal team to take this case. When making an award, the Tribunal has to deduct any money paid to the victim by the offender.

For further information you can contact:
The Chairman,
Criminal Injuries Compensation Tribunal
13 Lower Hatch Street
Dublin 2 Telephone:

(01) 6610604Fax: (01) 6610598

Email: criminalinjuries@justice.ie

Appearing in Court and the Court Process