Garda Code of Ethics

The OCO submitted preliminary views on the preparation of a Code of Ethics for the Garda Síochána on 6 May 2016 followed by a submission on the 23 September 2016.

The OCO welcomed the opportunity to make these submissions to the Policing Authority and recommended that the Policing Authority consult with children and young people as part of this consultation process, particularly children who are or have been involved in the youth justice system.

We also provided information on: current Good Practice which should be reflected in the Garda Code of Ethics; leading principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child which should be incorporated into the Garda Code of Ethics; fundamental principles of juvenile justice which should be incorporated into the Garda Code of Ethics; the importance of Children’s Rights training for members of An Garda Síochána; and the Guidelines of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on Child-Friendly Justice.

In our September submission, we made a number of further recommendations, including that the Garda Code of Ethics includes specific provisions that take into account the special needs of children and young people in conflict with the law.

• September 2016
• Type: Submission
• Topic: Youth justice