Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
130. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality to strengthen and reinforce community policing by An Garda Síochána as the core approach of all police work, based on visibility on the ground and relationship-building with the local community. [10316/16]
View answer157. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if community policing is available to Garda divisions and continues as a feature of policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10630/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 157 together.
At the outset I might point out that the Programme for Government underlines the need for close engagement between An Garda Síochána and local communities as part of the strong Community Policing ethos which is already an essential part of the Garda approach to policing.
Deputies will appreciate that the planning and implementation of any policing initiatives or strategies are matters for the Garda Commissioner and her senior management team and I do not have a direct role in this regard. However, I am advised that 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. Under this model there is a community policing team in each District, headed up by a Sergeant. Clear objectives are set, such as high visibility in the community, ease of contact by members of the public, and enhanced support for crime prevention strategies.
I have been informed by the Garda authorities that on the 31 March 2016, the latest date for which figures are readily available, there were 785 Community Gardaí throughout the State. It is also worth noting that all Gardaí have a role to play in Community Policing in carrying out their duties. In addition, the National Community Policing Office, attached to the Garda Community Relations Bureau, captures best practice in community policing initiatives and disseminates these practices through its communication network.
As part of the Community Policing approach Gardaí engage with a wide range of local groups, including informal community groups as well participating in more formal structures such as Joint Policing Committees. In addition Gardaí support the operation of in excess of 3,700 Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert groups established countrywide. These are run as a partnership with local Gardaí and help to promote responsible community involvement and assist in promoting good practice in crime prevention. To further support the establishment of such local initiatives An Garda Síochána have published Community Crime Prevention Guidelines as well as guidelines for local Text Alert Groups. The Garda Text Alert Scheme is a particularly successful example of Community Policing in action with over 700 local groups in operation, involving in excess of 130,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages sent each month under the scheme. I am informed that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the Text Alert service.
Finally, Deputies will also be aware that under the new Programme for Government we are pressing forward with an accelerated programme of Garda recruitment with a view to achieving a Force of 15,000 members. This is a central element of the Government's anti-crime strategy and it builds on the recruitment of 1,150 new Gardai since we reopened the Garda College in Templemore in September 2014. The ongoing recruitment process will support all Garda activities and will undoubtedly enhance the provision of effective Community Policing throughout the country.
