Vol. 450 No. 6
149 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to introduce community policing or community liaison officers in each Garda station to liaise with people having problems such as vandalism, underage drinking parties and nuisance crowds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5623/95]
Community policing in urban areas was first introduced in 1987 and has been extended throughout the Dublin Metropolitan Area and to Cork, Limerick, Waterford and Galway. The Garda Authorities have plans to extend the Scheme further to Dundalk, Mullingar, Athlone, Clonmel and Sligo. The main aim of the community policing scheme in urban areas is to forge closer links between the Garda and the community they serve. Community gardaí are assigned to particular areas, usually housing estates where they liaise with the community on a continuous basis on all policing matters, including those referred to by the Deputy.
A community policing scheme in rural areas was launched in September, 1991 in 100 stations in 14 districts throughout the country. This scheme maximises the amount of time spent by gardaí among the community giving them an opportunity to meet regularly with the local gardaí and discuss any concerns they might have.
Of course, members of the public may report a crime to any Garda station or inquire into the progress of Garda investigations at any stage in relation to any offences such as those listed by the Deputy.
