I have been informed by the Garda authorities who are responsible for the detailed allocation of resources, including personnel, that great emphasis is placed on foot patrols by local management within each Garda region. It is the policy to ensure that as many available personnel are engaged on foot patrols. As further resources become available they are assigned to each such duty.
Foot patrols are continually reviewed to ensure they address the policing needs of an area. In particular, foot patrols are carried out at retail centres, areas of high density traffic and areas where public order issues frequently arise. In addition to normal foot patrols, increased foot patrols are also in place by way of various operations and initiatives, which are ongoing.