asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider setting up pilot studies using "police points" or "police clinics" in areas with a high crime rate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
404.
Written Answers. - Community Policing.
403.
asked the Minister for Justice if he will consider establishing "police points" or "police clinics" in flat complexes or other community areas which are removed from the local police station.
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 403 and 404 together. I am aware that the terms “police points” or “police clinics” have been used to describe experiments that have been carried out in some other countries whereby police officers are deployed at locations other than police stations within local communities.
Schemes of this nature have some advantages but they require careful evaluation in the light of local circumstances to determine whether they are the best way of using available resources. Some years ago in fact the idea was considered here but it was not thought appropriate then having regard to prevailing circumstances. However, in the context of other developments now under consideration relating to community policing and the introduction of improved radio communications within the force the matter will be further considered.