GSOC has launched a public interest inquiry into reports of the temporary loss of an official garda issue sub-machine gun in Dublin city centre on or about the 10th of July 2018
The Commission has become aware through media reports of the temporary loss of a garda sub-machine gun from an official garda vehicle and the return of the lost firearm by a member of the public on the evening of the 10th July 2018.
GSOC has received no notification or referral from the Garda Síochána nor any complaint from a member of the public into the alleged incident and has decided to launch a public interest investigation pursuant to section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as amended.
Section 102(4) of the Garda Síochána Act provides for the Ombudsman Commission may, if it appears to it desirable in the public interest to do so and without receiving a complaint, investigate any matter that appears to it to indicate that a member of the Garda Síochána may have—
( a)committed an offence, or
( b) behaved in a manner that would justify disciplinary proceedings.
The Commission is concerned about the reports in the media and the apparent lack of security that these reports suggest. The Commission is of the view that an independent investigation is necessary to ensure public confidence in the civilian oversight of policing in a time of increased armed gardaí in Dublin city in particular.
GSOC is appealing for witnesses to the incident to contact us a 1890 600 800 or DM us @GardaOmbudsman or email info@gsoc.ie
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GSOC Communications and Research Unit