Crime fighting plan for communities unveiled
Special crime fighting committees made up of politicians and gardaí will be set up across the country in 2008, it was announced today.
It follows the establishment of an initial 29 Joint Policing Committees (JPC) last year on a pilot basis as a means of tackling anti-social behaviour in local communities.
At a seminar in central Dublin reviewing their work, Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan vowed committees would be set up in all 114 local authorities nationwide in the new year.
“We are all aware of problems of public disorder in our communities where the behaviour of those who have no respect for the rights of others can cause great damage to the quality of life,” he said.
“The two groups which have the best picture of the problems relating to crime in our communities are members of An Garda Síochána and public representatives,” he said.
JPCs serve as a forum for gardai and local councillors in communities across the country to discuss ways of combating crime.
They monitor anti-social behaviour patterns in their catchment areas, including problems linked to drug and alcohol abuse, public disorder and estate management issues.
Mr Lenihan said that after consulting with Local Government Minister John Gormley he intended that by early 2008, JPCs would be set up in 114 local authorities nationwide.
The Minister for Justice also referred to the Garda Commissioner’s boundary change proposals which will bring garda divisional borders more in line with those of local authorities.
“This will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of garda deployment and operational management at a local and regional level and will also facilitate the functioning of the Joint Policing Committees,” he said.
