Crime accused and victims asked to help shape new Garda code of ethics

Crime victims and those accused of being criminals should make submissions to help shape a new code of ethics for the Garda that would place whistleblowing at its core, the new Policing Authority has said.

Opening the public consultation process of creating the new code of ethics, the authority said members of the force and other stakeholders, including agencies and legal professionals, were invited to make submissions.

Also invited to contribute were people "affected by the work of the Garda Síochána, including vulnerable groups, children, victims of crime [and] persons accused of crime" as well as professionals working in the justice area.

Obligations

The creation of the code, a set of standards which policing is to be run by, was one of the key obligations set out when the Policing Authority was provided for in legislation. It began operating at the beginning of the year.

Chair Josephine Feehily said the new code would build on the existing Garda solemn declaration, under which members pledge to be impartial and apolitical, and the "Garda values" of honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism.

"It is intended that, once finalised and embedded, the code of ethics will inform the culture and practice of policing in Ireland at every level," she said.

Those interested in making submissions have been asked to do so by May 8th, with a further round of consultation expected before the code is finished by the end of the year.

‘Wrongdoing’

The authority said the code of ethics would “include standards of conduct and practice for members of the Garda Síochána, and provisions to encourage and facilitate the reporting by members of wrongdoing in the Garda Síochána”.

While whistleblowing measures, such as the appointment of the confidential recipient to receive complaints, were introduced in the wake of the Morris Tribunal into Garda corruption, they are regarded as a major failing.

The new code of ethics will attempt to normalise or mainstream members of the Garda reporting issues within the organisation as well as corruption of failure of duty by other members of the force.

Those making submissions are asked to address two questions: “Are there particular issues that you think should be covered in the Garda code of ethics? If so, how could those issues be addressed?” and “Are there any other matters, relevant to the drafting of the code of ethics, that you wish to bring to our attention?” The consultation paper can be accessed at policingauthority.ie.