Fiosrú staff start UL training programme
Police Ombudsman Emily Logan has launched the second year of a University of Limerick (UL) training programme designed specially for staff working at Fiosrú.
Fiosrú, the Office of the Police Ombudsman, is the independent statutory body that deals with complaints from members of the public where they have concerns about how they have been treated by gardaí.
The programme was developed by UL’s School of Law in conjunction with Fiosrú to support its staff learning and development.
Upon completion of the two-year postgraduate programme, Fiosrú staff will be awarded a postgraduate Certificate in Law Enforcement Oversight from UL.
Professional development
“Fiosrú is very proud to be investing in the continuous professional development of our staff by partnering with academic experts at University of Limerick,” said Logan.
She said that staff from all parts of the organisation were learning about topics such as human-rights laws and standards, as well as police powers and laws, and procedures related to criminal investigations in law-enforcement oversight.
A total of 24 Fiosrú staff yesterday (28 January) began their studies on the first day of the programme, while a further 22 colleagues are embarking on their second year of postgraduate studies in the programme, which was introduced last year.
‘Unique’ programme
The whole programme, or individual modules, can be taken by Fiosrú staff, depending on their role.
Professor Lucy-Ann Buckley (UL School of Law head) described the programme as “unique”, adding that it built on the school’s expertise in the field of criminal justice.
Dr Michelle Stevenson (programme director) said: “The programme reflects the School of Law’s commitment to uphold human rights in the criminal-justice system, and centres these in all aspects of law enforcement oversight”.