John O'Donoghue
Question:31 Mr. O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has to extend community policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2128/97]
Written Answers. - Community Policing.
It is assumed that the Deputy is referring to the rural community policing scheme about which there has been some media publicity in recent weeks. The scheme has been operating in 14 Garda districts throughout the country since 1991. It was intended that the schemes, once operational for a reasonable period, would be extended to other districts. The Garda authorities are currently evaluating experience of the existing rural community policing scheme and reviewing their 1994 proposals for its extension. This involves a consultative process with local Garda management, the Garda representative associations and, most importantly, local community interests.
This process, by its nature, will take some time to complete. However, the Minister is particularly anxious to ensure that there will be sufficient consultations with local interest groups before any decision is made to extend the scheme. It is only after the detailed consultative process has been completed that the Garda Commissioner will be in a position to submit to me proposals as to whether rural policing should be extended, or modified as the case may be.
There has been some misunderstanding over the years in the media and by members of the public about this scheme. It was never designed to close rural Garda stations. It is actually aimed at allowing the gardaí spend more time on active operational duties in their districts including, in particular, visits to the elderly, while at the same time providing for station opening hours which actually suit local community needs. It is precisely these objectives which are being examined to see how well they have been met in the existing rural policing areas.