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Jerusalema: GSOC receives complaints against Gardaí taking part

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has received a number of complaints from people ...
Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.40 10 Feb 2021


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Jerusalema: GSOC receives comp...

Jerusalema: GSOC receives complaints against Gardaí taking part

Jack Quann
Jack Quann

15.40 10 Feb 2021


Share this article


The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) has received a number of complaints from people over Gardaí taking part in the Jerusalema challenge.

The viral video saw several Gardaí all across the country step up to the dance challenge set down by Swiss police in January.

It saw members from across the force take part, including those in the Mounted Support Unit.

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While the Irish Tricolur was subsequently flown from Swiss Federal Police Headquarters, in tribute to the dancing Gardaí.

GSOC says it has fielded eight complaints, by both phone and e-mail, in relation to the video.

However the body says it has also received 11 'positive responses' to the video.

But GSOC says for a complaint to be investigated, a member of the public has to be "directly affected or witness conduct that would constitute misbehaviour by the Guards."

This means no complaint has met this criteria.

After the video came out, GSOC tweeted: "We’d like to confirm that GSOC will not be taking any complaints about these dancers. Nice moves."

Some callers to Lunchtime Live took different sides.

Andrew said his friend's house was burgled before Christmas, and it took three hours for officers to arrive.

"We're forever getting the excuse that it's resourcing [and] they don't have the manpower - and just thought it quite Irish that they were able to do this all over the weekend.

"Thy had the manpower to do these dances over the weekend - so that's what really annoyed me".

While Sheila suggested they are entitled to have some down time.

"I think life is very grim for Guards at the moment - it's very grim for all of us - but it's certainly very grim for Guards.

"They're out and about in the cold and the wet... they're putting their life on the line very day of the week - and a little bit of fun, we shouldn't really begrudge them that, I think".

And Laura said she thinks they got the tone wrong.

"My view is they need to focus more energy and time into making sure people are safe.

"And I also think that they need to maybe hire a new PR person, because for me personally, in the wake of the death of George Nkencho, I was appalled that they would be doing this.

"I think it's really insensitive and inappropriate, and they're clearly not sensing the tone of the Irish people if this is what they're spending their time doing".

Jerusalema: GSOC receives complaints against Gardaí taking part

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Main image: Gardaí dance the Jerusalema Challenge. Image: Twitter

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Complaints GSOC Complaints Gardai Gsoc Jerusalema Jerusalema Challenge Swiss Police

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