Garda Response to Reported Crime Update – 24 October 2012

* To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the steps he will take to ensure the most rapid response possible to queries raised by the public in respect of such issues as reporting crime and antisocial behaviour; if the Gardaí can liaise with other agencies with a view to combatting such activity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

– Bernard J. Durkan

Reply: An Garda Síochána’s Policing Plan for 2012 includes a number of key actions which underline the Garda commitment to respond as effectively as possible to community concerns. These actions include reducing public disorder and criminal damage through pro-active responses, including the designation of public order hot-spots and deployment of appropriate resources, as well as improving the feeling of safety in the community through targeted high visibility patrols.

I am advised by the Garda authorities that, within the framework provided by the Policing Plan, each Garda District and Divisional Officer configures their policing response to local conditions to ensure that an appropriate policing service is delivered to each locality. I am also informed that current local policing plans are designed to address issues of crime and public order offences. In this regard, local Garda management closely monitors the allocation of all resources in the context of crime trends, policing needs and other operational strategies in place on a District, Divisional and Regional level, to ensure optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the public.

Furthermore, the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs.  In this regard the Gardaí continue to work closely with communities to enhance community safety in a wide range of local fora, including through partnership programmes such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch.

The 2012 Policing Plan also includes a commitment to improved understanding and responsiveness to community needs with particular reference to Garda participation in Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and working in partnership with community groups.  JPCs provide the framework for a partnership process involving An Garda Síochána and the local authority, which are the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing crime in an area. They operate with the participation of  elected members and officials of the local authority, Gardaí, members of the Oireachtas and representatives of the community and voluntary sector.  Last year I initiated a review of JPCs which is being managed by my Department in conjunction with the Garda authorities and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. The objective of this review is that we do all we can to ensure that these important local structures continue to enhance our response to policing issues for the benefit of local communities.