Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2023
594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the extent to which policing methods here, including community policing, replicate best practice in other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55451/23]
View answerIn accordance with section 26 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the direction and control of An Garda Síochána. In exercising this function the Garda Commissioner ensures that relevant policing developments in other jurisdictions are reviewed on an on-going basis so that international best practice can be identified and, where appropriate, applied throughout An Garda Síochána. In addition when developing policy or legislative proposals on policing matters my Department has regard to international models.
As the Deputy will be aware the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended) contains provisions to assist the Garda Síochána to operate to international best practice. For example, the Act requires the Garda Síochána Inspectorate to benchmark their recommendations by reference to the best standards of comparable police services, therefore, every inspection conducted by the Garda Inspectorate, and any recommendation arising therefrom, has involved examining and taking account of policing best practice internationally.
The Deputy may also wish to note one of the functions of the Garda Professional Standards Unit, is to promote the highest standards of practice, as measured by reference to the best standards of comparable police services. The Unit undertakes reviews, as directed by the Garda Commissioner, into operational, administrative and management matters relating to the Garda Síochána at all levels. Arising from these reviews, measures to improve performance and promote the highest standards of practice throughout the Garda Síochána are proposed. The Garda Commissioner draws on the Unit's proposals to enhance policing practices and policies.
As the Deputy may also be aware a need to revise the current structures and practices in An Garda Síochána’s community policing delivery was identified in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report as published on 18 September 2018.
The Community Policing Framework was introduced by the Commissioner in 2020. The Framework is accompanied by Community Policing Framework Guidelines for each and every member of An Garda Síochána and Garda staff. The guidelines provide An Garda Síochána with six key principles that must be adhered to in order to deliver an effective community policing service, responsive to the needs of a modern and diverse community.
In developing the Framework, An Garda Síochána engaged with key stakeholders, internal and external, to identify the policing requirements of communities. An Garda Síochána listened to the guidance from their oversight agencies and carefully considered the recommendations contained in relevant reports on delivery of a community policing service (Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland’s report, ‘The Future of Policing in Ireland, 2018’; Garda Síochána Inspectorate Report, ‘Crime Investigation, 2014’ and ‘Policing with Local Communities 2018’; and the KC Consulting Report on Community Policing 2017).
Furthermore, the Garda National Community Policing Unit (GNCPU) within the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau is a key driver in the delivery of the Framework. One of the principal functions of the Unit is to research best practice in community policing nationally and internationally.
