The total number of complaints made against members of the Garda has decreased for the first time in 10 years, according to the annual report of the Garda Complaints Board.
Figures for 1999, yet to be officially published, show the number of complaints at 1,264, a decrease from 1,400 in 1998 when figures peaked after rising steadily from 746 in 1990.
Almost 300 complaints in 1999 were subsequently withdrawn, just over 200 without explanation after they had been admitted for investigation. In two cases the reason given was that the complainants had been informed a prosecution being taken against them would be dropped if they dropped their complaint.
"The board was concerned that pressure may have been put on the complainants by members of the Garda Siochana to drop their complaints," the report states.
The report also shows complaints alleging discourtesy have risen sharply in three years from 9 per cent in 1997 to 20 per cent in 1999.
Some 57 per cent of the complaints alleged abuse of authority, a decrease from 63 per cent of overall complaints in 1997. Allegations of neglect of duty also dropped from 17 per cent in 1997 to 11 per cent in 1999.
A significant number of complaints made to the board every year do not fall within the terms specified in the Garda Siochana (Complaints) Act 1986 and no action is taken.
However, in 1999 the number of admissible complaints registered an absolute and percentage increase from 633 in 1997 to 757 in 1999.
Of the cases adjudicated upon by the board, there was no breach of discipline in 265 cases. Twenty-eight cases were referred to the Garda Commissioner as minor breaches of discipline and 20 cases were referred to tribunal.
The Minister of Justice is finalising proposals for new oversight and complaint structures. Earlier this month he confirmed he is considering setting up an independent inspectorate but ruled out a police ombudsman.
Last November the Garda Commissioner, Mr Pat Byrne, publicly called for an independent body to handle complaints with no Garda involvement.
According to senior Garda sources, morale in internal investigations at Harcourt Square "is on the floor" because of the uncertainty and three superintendents heading the unit have applied for transfers.
Mr George Maybury, general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors, yesterday said independent complaint structures were acceptable provided safeguards were in place to address vexatious complaints by criminals against members of the force.