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A NEW GARDA Anti-Corruption Unit has received complaints of allegations of drug use among Garda members.
An Garda Síochána today launched a number of new policies that are to be implemented by the Garda Anti-Corruption Unit (GACU).
The GACU was established in November 2020 and has developed several policies to “support a safe and ethical workplace”, one of which being the Substance Misuse (Controlled Drugs) Policy.
The policy, published today, outlines that testing of Garda personnel for controlled drugs within the workplace is to be introduced to prevent and deter their use and to identify individuals using such drugs.
Testing for controlled drugs will also be carried out in respect of all prospective employees of An Garda Síochána.
An Garda Síochána intends to commence the drug testing six months from the commencement of the policy.
Speaking at the launch of the policies at Kevin Street Garda Station today, Assistant Commissioner Pat Clavin said consideration of dismissal “would be the appropriate sanction” for Garda members who fail a drug test.
Clavin said it is the intention that the drug testing will happen in the workplace.
However, he added: “But if there was information that a member of An Garda Síochána was caught using drugs, and a warrant was obtained, like any member of the public, of course there could be a search of the home of a Garda.”
Chief Superintendent Jo O’Leary confirmed that the GACU has already received a number of complaints regarding allegations of drug taking.
O’Leary also confirmed at least one complaint has been made regarding the issue of potential infiltration of gardaí by an organised crime group.
Other anti-corruption policies launched today include the Professional Boundaries and Abuse of Power for Sexual Gain policy and an overarching Anti-Corruption policy.
The GACU is headed by a Chief Superintendent and two Detective Superintendents, supported by 23 gardaí across remaining ranks.
Speaking today, Assistant Commissioner 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.”
Clavin added: “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.”
The Garda Anti-Corruption Unit is to deal only with complaints from members of An Garda Síochána. Complaints from members of the public regarding alleged corruption within An Garda Síochána will still be referred to the Garda Ombudsman (GSOC).
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It would be very naive to thing Gardai don’t go out and dabble in a bit of recreational drug use at the weekend just because they are guards. Medical pros know all the dangers and are still at it left right and centre. Doesn’t matter what your job is if you want to do it you will do it.
@Ronan: They could be using because of the stress of their jobs. I refer to medics espec.. Good to b mindful of that.
I’m interested in one thing, and one thing only..
Hindsight?
@Captain Hindsight: Corrupt cops:)
@Captain Hindsight: Bent coppers:)
@Captain Hindsight: nicking bent coppers
AC 12 will get to the bottom of this
Really? Do they think we just floated up the Lagan in a bubble?
@Richie 2me: No down the Liffey on a bike!
Jesus, Mary and Joseph and the weed donkey
@Mattress Dick: This wins the internet for today.
Easier target, and a lot them not Vaccinated yet,why ???
Who is H?
@MyBrokenKnees: Drew Harris
Bent coppers….
Mother of God lads….
Really?!!! I am shocked!
Reg-15 notice the lot of them!
Thanks mate
…… No comment.
Six months after policy implemented then and only then a Test??
Now that is a joke. Test straight away and start at the top if caught Educate those if retested and positive again Suspend but help those in need Alcoholics are as bad yet they need support as do drug users ..
@Sportmad: the most common sense approach in a comment I have seen in quite a while.
Rampant in every police force.
@Mary Nugent: feel so much better now
Jesus, Mary & Joseph and the wee donkey :)
“My officers work to the letter of the law. The letter. “
GACU doesn’t sound as good as AC12
Nothing to see here move on
Mother of God!
Always wondered why they were called ” the flying squad”
@Patrick Fennell: Thats England u re thinkin of.
I find it bizarre that Gardai need to reach certain thresholds in law to obtain a suspects bodily samples but the brass think they can just start demanding it from Gardai without any suspicion of wrongdoing or legal basis.
I haven’t heard anything to suggest that Gardai lost their right to bodily integrity.
Time for an origians story.
It seems like someone was watching way to much Line of Duty AC12, Holy Mother of Sweet baby and all. Having ended up with nothing, they politically rapidly reversed out of the failed conspiracy and so did a hape of lads for speeding tickets. Seems like malicious persecution. Hey you guys, One for anti corruption to pursue.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40015505.html
” Now we’re sucking diesel “
@Karl Phillips: Vin Diesel
Jes-us,Mary and Joseph and his wee donkey.
@Franny Ando: Sorry didn’t see it was already posted. But why is Jesus classed as toxic:):)
@Franny Ando: when I posted it.
@Franny Ando: that’s a can of worms
@Franny Ando: Cos he was the goody two shoes
And they are free to drink bottles of vodka every night if they wanted to…
have your say