The Policing Authority has today (7 April 2016) published a consultation inviting preliminary views on the preparation of a Code of Ethics (‘Code’) for the Garda Síochána. The Code is to include standards of conduct and practice for employees of the Garda Síochána, and provisions to encourage and facilitate the reporting by employees of wrongdoing in the Garda Síochána. The aim of the Code will be to support every person working in the Garda Síochána to deliver the highest level of professional and ethical standards in their service to the public.
While the Authority plans to consult on the specific text of a draft Code in autumn 2016, it wishes at this early stage, to seek the preliminary views of the public, people who work for the Garda Síochána and other key stakeholders regarding the proposed Code.
This invitation for preliminary views and comments is an important opportunity for organisations and interested members of the public to offer their views to the Authority on what the Code should contain and why. We would encourage contributions people who work in the Garda Síochána, or are affected by the work of the Garda Síochána, including vulnerable groups, children, victims of crime, persons accused of crime and professionals working in the criminal justice system. In addition, comments are encouraged from any individuals, state agencies or civil society groups who have an interest in policing matters.
Commenting on the publication of this consultation, the Chair of the Policing Authority Josephine Feehily said:
“The Policing Authority sees the development of a Code of Ethics as an important opportunity to build on the existing framework that exists within the Garda Síochána, including for example the Garda Solemn Declaration and established Garda Values. It is intended that, once finalised and embedded, the Code of Ethics will inform the culture and practice of the policing in Ireland at every level. There is a statutory requirement that this Code be established by the end of 2016. The Authority wishes to consult to the maximum degree possible, having regard to that deadline. We would encourage anyone with an interest in policing matters or are affected directly or indirectly by the work of the Garda Síochána to respond to this request.”
The consultation paper can be accessed here. Anyone wishing to submit their views on this consultation may do so by forwarding them to info@policingauthority.ie by close of business on Friday, 8 May, 2016.
