GSOC IS SEEKING to train up to 60 of its staff members in specialist interviewing techniques after the recent hiring of more investigations staff.

The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission investigates complaints against gardai and says it will be ramping up its investigation capabilities.

As part of the plans, it recently tendered for a contract to train its staff in more complex interview skills over the next two years.

The job spec says that whoever wins the contract must provide training that is similar to standard policing and must also teach interviewers to apply fundamental rights.

Training must also be provided in areas such as dealing with vulnerable witnesses, managing conflicts and applying fundamental rights.

Gsoc also wants the training to prepare its staff for interviews that take place as part of “serious and complex investigations”.

“Training should cover topics including problem solving, building rapport, managing interviews of adults and vulnerable witnesses and motivating interviewees,” the tender reads.

Gsoc says that it has previously provided staff members with training in interview procedures but that it has updated techniques “as the need has arisen.”

The agency says that the new training is directly related to the new investigations staff that have been acquired and the expectation that more will be required.

“The training which we have now tendered for is aimed at establishing a framework for interview training [for] Gsoc’s recently recruited investigations staff and new investigations staff who are expected to be recruited over the next two years,” Gsoc says.

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