Figures released to the Westmeath Topic by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) show that there seven cases currently open against Gardaí in Westmeath.
GSOC is an independent statutory body established in 2007 to deal with complaints made by the public against members of An Garda Síochána.
The organisation dealt with 54 allegations against members of the Westmeath Garda Division in 2022.
These allegations were contained in 34 total complaints, as some complaints include multiple allegations.
Of all complaints, 20 were considered to be invalid or inadmissible by GSOC.
A complaint can only be accepted by GSOC from an individual who witnesses or is affected by the behaviour of Gardaí that could be constituted as a criminal offence or a breach of Garda discipline.
Complaints must also be made within one year of when the subject incident occurred. All complaints that don’t meet these criteria are deemed inadmissible.
Of the admissible, or valid complaints made in Westmeath, further investigation was deemed to be unnecessary in nine cases.
GSOC told Topic that when this outcome is determined, it means “there was not enough evidence to substantiate either version of events so the complaint could not be proven or disproven”.
NO BREACH
In three complaints, GSOC identified no breach of Garda Discipline Regulations following a disciplinary investigation.
One of the complaints made in 2022 resulted in a criminal investigation being taken against a member of An Garda Síochána in Westmeath.
However, in this case, there was found to be no evidence of misbehaviour against the Garda in question.
GSOC said that when this outcome is determined, it commonly means “that there was no independent evidence to prove the allegations made”.
One case was dropped last year following non-cooperation from the complainant.
An additional case is yet to be determined from 2022.
Of the admissible cases made to GSOC in Westmeath last year, two involved abuses of authority by a member of the Gardaí.
Three incidents of neglect of duty were reported, three complaints of discourtesy, and eight non-fatal offences were reported in the county.
No member of An Garda Síochána in the Westmeath Garda Division had a public complaint result in disciplinary action or criminal charges against them in 2022.
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