Formal allegations of misconduct against Gardaí increased by over 11% last year.

According to Freedom of Information figures released to Newstalk, the complaints include allegations of theft, fraud and sexual offences.

The Garda Ombudsman received 1,956 complaints against gardaí last year – 200 more than the year before.

There were 3,028 separate allegations included among the complaints.

Officers in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, received the highest number of complaints, at 982.

They were followed by 142 in Cork City, 132 in Louth and 119 in Kerry.

Across the country, there were 17 allegations of corrupt or improper practice, and 12 relating to misuse of money or property.

While 857 complaints remain open, only 11 minor or less serious breaches of discipline have been identified so far.

Security analyst and former Garda sergeant Sheelagh Brady says it's likely there are several factors for the increase.

“Given COVID and COVID restrictions that were put in place, that may have led to an increase,” she said.

“But also, they rolled out a new model of policing in 2019 and I would just be mindful of whether that had an implication.

“It could mean there is increased support in GSOC. That people actually feel more willing to report.”

GSOC says the 2020 figures are provisional at this stage.