A Roscommon Senator says the perception of Gardai under investigation by GSOC must be changed.
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission is an independent statutory body which aims to provide efficient, fair and independent oversight of policing in Ireland. Eugene Murphy says once the public hear GSOC is involved in a case they feel the Guard is guilty. During a committee meeting last week the Fianna Fail representative called for Gardai to be treated fairly. He also feels the messaging around ongoing investigations must be improved.
'I understand you have a very difficult job to do, and you want to see that fair play is given to everybody.
But I can tell you, and it's as well to be honest here, the perception among the public is, once they hear on the news that GSOC are involved, the Garda whether they're male or female , are guilty, in their minds, that is the perception, and I'm sorry to say that, so we need to improve the message.'
