Madam, – Coming from a Garda family it was great sadness that I heard of the passing of a member of the Garda Síochána in a road traffic accident at Attycunnane, Belmullet, Co Mayo on May 10th. This was a tragedy for the family of the deceased, his friends and colleagues and also for the family of the young man killed in the other vehicle involved.
The story was concluded on the radio news with the line, “The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) is investigating the accident.” I feel that this piece of information, factual as it is, causes distress to the families of gardaí involved in such incidents and to members of the force as well. I believe it conveys to the public a perception that the gardaí involved were somehow at fault and therefore the GSOC is taking over the investigation.
I feel the ordinary member of the public does not realise, nor has been told, that in all circumstances where a member of An Garda Síochána is involved in such an incident, that the GSOC automatically investigates to ensure that there is openness and transparency in the investigation. This ensures that the gardaí as well as all other parties involved are treated in the same fair manner.
I would urge all sections of the media to incorporate one simple sentence in future such reports. “The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is investigating the accident as is the normal course of events when a member of An Garda Síochána is involved in such an incident.”
I feel this compassionate explanation conveys the full factual truth while being mindful to the feelings and the sufferings of the Garda families involved. - Yours, etc,