Statement from An Garda Síochána on Commission of Investigation into Certain Matters Relative to the Cavan / Monaghan Division of the Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána accepts the findings and the recommendations of the Report of the Commission of Investigation chaired by Mr Justice Kevin O’Higgins.
An Garda Síochána welcomes that there was no finding of corruption against any member of An Garda Síochána by the Commission. The Commission also found that the "failures investigated by the Commission were at a human level”.
The Commission’s report is comprehensive and extensive, and is now being reviewed by the Commissioner and her management team in detail to examine what lessons can be learnt and ensure any issues arising are addressed.
Following a number of reports in recent years, improvements in relation to how An Garda Síochána conducts investigations, manages incidents, trains its personnel, and liaises with victims of crime have been introduced or are in the process of being introduced as part of An Garda Síochána’s modernisation and renewal programme which will be published in the coming weeks.
These include:
• An Garda Síochána is committed to putting victims of crime at the heart of the Garda service. 28 dedicated Victim Service Offices have been established across the country to ensure victims are kept informed as their cases progresses through the justice system. Additional support services are available to vulnerable victims of crime such as those who have been subject to threats/intimidation.
• Improved processes for the management and oversight of incidents on PULSE have been introduced.
• Increased investment in training of Garda members including enhanced Continuous Professional Development.
• New approach to training student Gardaí introduced in September 2014. Student Gardaí now undertake a BA in Applied Policing, which is accredited by the University of Limerick. The programme focuses on developing the student’s problem-solving and analytical skills. On successful completion of phase one of their training, the students are attested as Probationer Gardaí and are assigned to a training station where they are accompanied by a fully trained tutor Garda and where there is a supervising Sergeant.
• A Performance Management System, which is scheduled for roll-out in second half of 2016
• New systems for managing investigations, the electronic tracking of property in Garda custody, and handling and dispatching calls from the public are currently being developed.
An Garda Síochána is committed to creating a supportive environment where all personnel within An Garda Síochána can raise issues of concern and any issues raised will be thoroughly addressed.
