An Garda Síochána takes steps to minimise risk of ‘corrupt behaviour’
An Garda Síochána has introduced a number of new anti-corruption policies to promote “the highest levels of honesty, integrity and professionalism” within the service and enhance public confidence and trust policing.
These include an overarching anti-corruption policy and policies on professional boundaries and abuse of power for sexual gain, and substance misuse (controlled drugs).
Assistant Commissioner (governance and accountability) Pat Clavin said there was “no tolerance whatsoever” for those who abuse their position and the policies will help prevent and minimise the risk of corruption.
The policies, which have been published both internally and externally today (June 1) have been developed by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU), which was established in November 2020 under the government’s A Policing Service for Our Future plan.
The policies were drawn up after “organisational risks” were identified in a strategic threat and risk assessment of corruption in An Garda Síochána.
Mr Clavin said: “Maintaining full public confidence in the work of An Garda Síochána depends on all Garda personnel demonstrating the highest levels of personal and professional standards of behaviour. Each and every person working in An Garda Síochána is rightfully expected to treat the public they serve with dignity and respect.
“An Garda Síochána has an obligation to protect people from the risks and effects of corrupt behaviour, and to prevent and prosecute any form of corruption that impacts upon the delivery of a quality policing service to the community served.
“There is no tolerance whatsoever for those within our organisation that may choose to abuse their position of trust for their own personal gain or those whose behaviour falls below our standards.
“The vast majority of Garda personnel conduct themselves honestly and professionally, and the work of the Anti-Corruption Unit will help support and protect them.”
He added: “These policies will allow us to continue preventing and minimising the risk of corruption, safeguard the integrity of our organisation, as well as fully support our own personnel to carry out their duties safely and effectively.”
Their introduction follows the publication in March this year of the Garda Inspectorate’s Report on Countering the Threat of Internal Corruption.
The report – which marked a significant milestone for the Garda Inspectorate as it was the outcome of the first self-initiated inspection – made 34 recommendations designed to deliver a more effective approach to countering the threat of corruption.
These included developing a multi-agency strategy to manage corruption threats within An Garda Síochána and across the wider criminal justice sector; improving systems and processes for workforce vetting, property management and information security; and encouraging the reporting of wrongdoing.
Speaking at the time, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the integrity of the organisation was “not negotiable”.
He has always stressed the importance of An Garda Síochána having robust anti-corruption structures, strategies and processes in place to enhance public confidence and trust and protect the “overwhelming majority of Garda personnel who conduct themselves with professionalism and integrity”.
Mr Harris said: “Our personnel rightly take great pride in their professional, ethical and human rights focused approach to policing. Strong anti-corruption measures help support all Garda personnel. There is no room in An Garda Síochána for anyone who engages in corruption and whose standards fall below what the public and I expect from Garda personnel. Our integrity as an organisation is not negotiable.”
The GACU was established to promote integrity and professionalism in An Garda Síochána through the prevention, identification and, when necessary, the investigation of corruption. The unit is headed by a chief superintendent and two detective superintendents, supported by 23 Gardaí across remaining ranks.
In line with the commitments under ‘A Policing Service for Our Future’ plan, An Garda Síochána has already introduced a number of measures to strengthen its capabilities in this area.
A governance framework has been implemented to inform corporate decision-making on counter-corruption priorities, and an ‘independent, third-party integrity reporting line’ is to be launched for Garda personnel wishing to report wrongdoing in the workplace.