Criminal Investigation

Crime Stoppers, Domestic Violence, Violent Crime and Serious Crime Review Team

Crime Stoppers Unit

Crimestoppers is a communication channel for the public to pass on information about crime and criminals using a freephone number (1800 250 025). Launched in 1988, it is a partnership between the community, the media and the Gardaí. It guarantees anonymity to callers and is therefore appropriate for people who for one reason or another are unwilling to approach Gardaí directly.

Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit

The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Investigation Unit (DVSAIU) provides advice, guidance and assistance to Gardaí investigating child sexual abuse, other sexual crimes and domestic violence. The Unit leads the investigation in more complex cases.

The DVSAIU also liaises with relevant Government Departments, State bodies and voluntary groups, embracing the essential multi-agency approach to tackling these crimes and their causes. Primary considerations in these cases is the protection and welfare of any child or children, while ensuring the proper investigation of the alleged activity.

The Unit has been involved in an ongoing Europol training module, involving police investigators from all 15 European Union Member States, focusing on combating child pornography on the Internet. The global dimensions of child pornography investigations demand coordinated international cooperation.

Arising from the Sex Offenders Act 2001, certain notification requirements are now imposed on a category of convicted sex offenders. The DVSAIU has a central function in the operation of this legislation.

Violent Crime Linkage Analysis System

This Unit was launched by Deputy Commissioner Martin Callinan in 2005.  It was introduced as a result of the breakdown of border control barriers across Europe which made it easier for criminals to commit crimes undetected in different jurisdictions. The Unit targets the relatively small numbers of such offenders by linking cases through traditional and behavioural methods.

Serious Crime Review Team

The Garda Commissioner established the Serious Crime Review Team in September 2007. Its function is to assist Senior Investigating Officers by identifying new and potential investigative opportunities. The Unit also assists with the identification of best practice for dissemination within the Garda Organisation.