Gardaí encouraged to speak up against “wrongdoing” within An Garda Síochána

An Garda Síochána says it wants to enhance public confidence in the policing service.

An Garda Síochána is making moves to encourage Gardaí to speak up against any "wrongdoing" they witness within the organisation. The policing service has published an addendum to its protected disclosures policy in order to "further promote a supportive environment for employees to raise concerns of wrongdoing". In a statement on Thursday (30 September), it was announced that Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has also nominated Transparency International (TI) Ireland as the specialist body to provide independent advice on protected disclosures to An Garda Síochána. As part of the move, Gardaí can now avail of a range of supports to aid the protected disclosures process, including TI Ireland’s confidential Speak Up Helpline and access to free legal advice. "An Garda Síochána has developed this policy and related procedures to support a safe and ethical workplace that upholds the highest policing standards," the Commissioner said. "We are encouraging Garda personnel to seek advice from TI Ireland and speak up against wrongdoing within our organisation by putting a structure in place where they can feel comfortable to do so." Harris said that anyone who reports wrongdoing can be assured that the concern will "be treated seriously and thoroughly investigated where considered appropriate". He stated the support from TI Ireland will allow Gardaí to disclose or report their concerns of wrongdoing with greater confidence and ease. "It is our aim that this will help strengthen the highest personal and professional standards of behaviour within the organisation, while enhancing public confidence in the policing service," Harris added. All Garda personnel can currently make reports of wrongdoing in the workplace directly within An Garda Síochána, to GSOC and to the Justice Minister.