{"id":10533,"date":"2022-07-22T22:13:39","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T22:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/"},"modified":"2024-02-19T23:29:45","modified_gmt":"2024-02-19T23:29:45","slug":"functions-duties","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/","title":{"rendered":"Functions &#038; Duties"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Policing_Principles\" title=\"Policing Principles\">Policing Principles<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Security_Functions\" title=\"Security Functions\">Security Functions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Prosecution\" title=\"Prosecution\">Prosecution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Ethics_Intergrity\" title=\"Ethics &amp; Intergrity\">Ethics &amp; Intergrity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Wrongs_in_the_Course_of_Duty\" title=\"Wrongs in the Course of Duty\">Wrongs in the Course of Duty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Strategy_Statement_Report\" title=\"Strategy Statement &amp; Report\">Strategy Statement &amp; Report<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Offences_re_An_Garda_Siochana\" title=\"Offences re An Garda Siochana\">Offences re An Garda Siochana<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/functions-duties\/#Disclosure_of_Information\" title=\"Disclosure of Information\">Disclosure of Information<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Policing_Principles\"><\/span>Policing Principles<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The statutory policing principles are that policing services are to be provided independently and impartially, in a manner that respects human rights, and in a manner that supports the proper and effective administration of justice. The principle is that effective and efficient policing is dependent on securing the confidence, support and cooperation of local communities and engaging with them.<\/p>\n<p>The objectives of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na are formally stated to be<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>preserving peace and order,<\/li>\n<li>protecting life and property,<\/li>\n<li>vindicating the human rights of individuals,<\/li>\n<li>protecting the security of the State,<\/li>\n<li>preventing crime,<\/li>\n<li>bringing criminals to justice, including by directing and investigating crime,<\/li>\n<li>regulating traffic and road safety.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The Gardai also have such other functions as are conferred by law including in relation to immigration and other matters.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Security_Functions\"><\/span>Security Functions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The security services functions of An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na are concerned with protecting the security of the State including but not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>preventing terrorist-type offences;<\/li>\n<li>protecting the State from sabotage,<\/li>\n<li>espionage,<\/li>\n<li>unlawful acts intended to undermine democracy in the institutions of the State;<\/li>\n<li>clandestine or deceptive acts of foreign interests;<\/li>\n<li>identifying foreign capabilities, intentions or activities within or relating to the State that impact on international well-being and economic operation of the State;<\/li>\n<li>cooperating with authorities in other States and international organisations aimed at preserving international peace, public order and security.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Protecting security does not involve lawful advocacy, protest or dissent activities. Questions as to whether a particular matter relates to policing or security services may be referred to the Minister for resolution.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Prosecution\"><\/span>Prosecution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Members of The Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na may institute and prosecute cases in the District Court. The DPP may give directions regarding prosecutions by members of an Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na. They may be general or specific directions, including directions regarding specified types of offences in specified circumstances, and conduct the proceedings through a specified stage.<\/p>\n<p>The DPP may assume the conduct of proceedings initiated by a member of an Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na or authorise the member to institute the proceedings without the consent of the DPP. If legislation provides, DPP consent is required.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ethics_Intergrity\"><\/span>Ethics &amp; Intergrity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The members of Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na must take care that they discharge their duties with fairness, integrity, regard for human rights, diligence and impartiality, upholding the Constitution and the laws and according to equal respect. They shall not, while in the Gardai, be a member of a political party or any secret society whatsoever.<\/p>\n<p>The Department of Justice publishes regulations establishing a code of ethics, including standards of conduct and practice for members of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na. The code may be prepared in draft by the Commissioner subject to approval by the Minister.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wrongs_in_the_Course_of_Duty\"><\/span>Wrongs in the Course of Duty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When a member of a Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na commits a civil wrong in the course of his duty, the state is liable for damages as if he were an employee. The member of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na concerned need not be named, although he may be joined as a party to the proceedings. In this context, civil wrong includes a breach of civil wrongs or constitutional rights.<\/p>\n<p>The Department may pay the legal costs of the member of Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na charged with an offence if the acts alleged to constitute the offence was done directly in the performance of the member\u2019s functions and the Department is of the opinion that the financial circumstances would result in undue hardship.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strategy_Statement_Report\"><\/span>Strategy Statement &amp; Report<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Every three years the Garda Commissioner is to submit for approval a strategy statement for the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na and for policing for a three-year period. This must include a mission statement, medium-term objectives, strategies to achieve objectives, identification of issues of concern to the State and plans for managing those issues.<\/p>\n<p>In preparing the strategy, the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is to have regard to government policy, priorities, available resources, and the need to ensure the most beneficial and effective use of resources. The Garda Commissioner is to prepare an annual policing plan setting out arrangements for the policing of the state for the following year, including any proposals to establish or dissolve a national unit of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, alter divisional boundaries and open or close Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na stations. The plan is to be determined in accordance with the above priority statements, strategy statements, governmental directives, available resources and government policies.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of every three-year period the Garda Commissioner is to submit a report containing a review of the effectiveness management and deployment of resources during the previous three-year period. The report may contain recommendations necessary for improving the management and deployment of resources. The report is to be laid before the Oireachtas.<\/p>\n<p>The Garda Commissioner must make arrangements to obtain the views of the public on matters concerning policing and the state of crime. The Minister must approve the arrangements.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Offences_re_An_Garda_Siochana\"><\/span>Offences re An Garda Siochana<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is an offence to induce or do anything calculated to induce a member of a Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na to withhold services or commit a breach of discipline. The offence is subject on summary conviction for a fine up to \u20ac3000 and 12 months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding \u20ac50,000 or imprisonment up to five years or both on conviction on indictment.<\/p>\n<p>It is an offence to impersonate a member of an Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na or make any statement or do an act calculated whilst he did suggest that he is a member. The penalties are the same as above.<\/p>\n<p>It is an offence to be in possession of any article of Garda uniform or equipment without having good cause. It is an offence to put on or wear any article of Garda uniform without reasonable excuse or any imitation of such article or uniform or for the purpose of doing or procuring to be done any act which he would not be entitled by law to do, procure to be done or assume the name, designation and description of any rank or of any member of a Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na.<\/p>\n<p>It is an offence without lawful authority to have in one&#8217;s possession or use in connection with any trade or business or any purpose any article, equipment, or vehicle having a distinct badge or a crest resembling that of the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na so as to be likely to deceive. The wearing of a uniform or dress in a performance in a theatre film or TV or with the prior approval of Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is permitted.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disclosure_of_Information\"><\/span>Disclosure of Information<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Any person who is a member of in Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na or of its civilian staff or engaged in contract by an Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na shall not disclose any information obtained in the course of carrying out his duties if he knows the disclosure of the information is likely to have a harmful effect.<\/p>\n<p>Information likely to have a harmful effect would include<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>that facilitating the commission of an offence,<\/li>\n<li>prejudicing the safekeeping of a person in custody,<\/li>\n<li>preventing the detection or investigation of offence,<\/li>\n<li>impeding the apprehension or prosecution of an offender,<\/li>\n<li>prejudicing the Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na system of communication<\/li>\n<li>resulting in the identification of a witness to criminal proceedings whose identity is not a matter of public knowledge.<\/li>\n<li>resulting in the publication of information relating to a person who is a witness of such a nature that would be likely to discourage the person from giving evidence,<\/li>\n<li>resulting in the publication of personal information which constitutes an unwarranted and serious infringement of a personal right to privacy,<\/li>\n<li>reveals information provided in confidence by another state international organisation or police force,<\/li>\n<li>adversely affects international relations, including those with Northern Ireland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A person is presumed, for the purpose of the offence, to know that the disclosure of information is likely to have a harmful effect if a reasonable person would, in the circumstances, be aware that the disclosure could have this effect.<\/p>\n<p>The provision does not prevent disclosure of information to the Department, DPP, Chief State Solicitor, CAB, Comptroller and Auditor General, Garda Ombudsman, the Garda Inspectorate, the Revenue Commissioners, the Courts, Tribunals as otherwise authorised by the law.<\/p>\n<p>The disclosure of information above is subject to the above penalties.<\/p>\n<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-10533\" data-postid=\"10533\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-10533 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    <\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Policing Principles The statutory policing principles are that policing services are to be provided independently and impartially, in a manner that respects human rights, and in a manner that supports the proper and effective administration of justice. The principle is that effective and efficient policing is dependent on securing the confidence, support and cooperation of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[146],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10533"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10533"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32071,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10533\/revisions\/32071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/legalblog.ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}