Reasons for inadmissibility

Complaints received are assessed against the criteria listed in section 87 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005, to decide whether they can be dealt with by GSOC or not.

According to the Act, we can ‘admit’ a complaint if it:

• is made by (or, in certain circumstances, on behalf of) a person who is directly affected by, or who witnesses, the conduct subject of complaint; and
• is about behaviour which would, if proven, constitute a criminal offence or a breach of Garda discipline by a member of the Garda Síochána; and
• is made within the time limit of within one year of the incident subject of the complaint; and
• is not frivolous or vexatious; and
• does not relate to the general direction and control of the Garda Síochána by the Garda Commissioner; and
• does not relate to the conduct of a member of the Garda Síochána while the member was off-duty, unless the conduct alleged would, if proven, be likely to bring discredit on the Garda Síochána.