GSOC investigation 'to be subject of independent review'
An independent review is to be launched into two of GSOC's investigations, following the death of a garda sergeant who was the subject of an investigation, it has been reported.
Sergeant Michael Galvin took his own life at Ballyshannon Garda Station in Donegal last Thursday.
According to the Irish Independent, Srgt Galvin was not aware that he had been cleared of any wrong-doing in the investigation into a fatal road traffic incident in Ballyshannon on New Year's Day.
The Garda Ombudsman reached the decision five days before his death, but had not issued a letter confirming this.
GSOC later stated that it is “satisfied” with how it dealt with the investigation involving Sgt Galvin.
In a statement, GSOC said this was inferred to them for investigation because there had been garda contact with the victim prior to the incident.
They say that investigation was proportionate and reasonable - and Sgt Galvin was later cleared of any wrong-doing.
However, in light of his death, GSOC have launched an independent review into the investigation.
There have been media reports about the death of Sergeant Michael Galvin in Donegal last week. We believe that it is important to clarify matters in relation to the GSOC investigation into his death and his involvement with GSOC prior to his death.
Sergeant Galvin is not, nor was he ever, the subject of a complaint to GSOC.
The sergeant was interviewed in the context of a fatal incident on 1 January 2015, which was referred by the Garda Síochána to GSOC for investigation, because the law provides for GSOC to investigate, where there has been garda contact with a person prior to death or serious harm occurring.
This is a routine occurrence and it should not be automatically assumed that there is garda misconduct in such cases that are referred to GSOC.
Sergeant Galvin was interviewed about the incident on the afternoon of 20th May.
GSOC’s investigation concluded the following week and found no evidence of a criminal offence or a breach of discipline by any garda member. It is unusual that GSOC would share its findings at this point in the process, but given these exceptional circumstances we believe that it is appropriate.
GSOC does not make a decision as to whether either criminal charges or disciplinary sanctions are brought against a person; our role is to conduct an investigation and forward the file to the DPP, where appropriate, and to the Garda Commissioner, for decision.
This is the stage that case is at: the investigation has concluded and a file is being prepared for the DPP, which is normal where the original incident involved a fatality. It is standard procedure that all garda members affected and the Garda Authorities would be updated to this effect.
They would later be updated as to the decision of the DPP.
We are satisfied that our interaction with Sergeant Galvin during the investigation was proportionate and reasonable. Nevertheless, in light of what has happened and of the concerns of his family, we will be arranging a peer review of the investigation.
The current investigation into his death, which was also referred to GSOC by the Garda Síochána, will also be subject to peer review, given that this agency was in contact with Sergeant Galvin prior to his death.
GSOC has reciprocal arrangements in place with other police oversight bodies for such eventualities and we believe that this is the most appropriate review mechanism in these circumstances.
We wish to extend our deepest sympathies to Sergeant Galvin’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.
