Desmond J. O'Malley
Ceist:8 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently deployed as community gardaí by county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16489/95]
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Community Policing.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:13 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Justice the plans, if any, she has for the expansion of community policing services; the areas which she intends prioritising in the context of such services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16513/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 13 together.
I assume that both of these questions refer to the number of community gardaí in urban areas, that is, gardaí assigned to community policing duties in particular housing estates or streets in cities or large towns. I propose to supply the information sought by Deputy O'Malley on a Garda divisional basis, rather than by county as requested, as follows:
|
Division Gardaí |
No. of Community |
|
DMA |
195 |
|
Cork East |
19 |
|
Limerick |
13 |
|
Galway West |
10 |
|
Waterford/Kilkenny |
2 |
|
Sligo/Leitrim |
1 |
|
Louth/Meath |
1 |
|
Longford/Westmeath |
4 |
|
Tipperary |
1 |
|
Total |
246 |
Community policing in urban areas was first introduced on a pilot basis in the Ballybrack/Loughlinstown area of south Dublin in 1987. Following its success there it was subsequently introduced in the DMA North Division in February 1988 and in Tallaght later that year. As there was favourable public reaction to this form of policing and local Garda officers were pleased with its success it has since been extended throughout all of the DMA and gradually to the other areas which I have already mentioned. In 1993, there were 211 community gardaí operating in urban areas compared to 246 at present. These gardaí are designated to specific areas and pay particular attention to getting to know the people in their locality, particularly young people.
While I am convinced that the gardaí need to maintain the closest possible links with the communities which they serve, it should also be recognised that there is a limit to the number of gardaí who can be dedicated solely to this type of duty, given the overall demands on the force. It is, of course, a matter for the Garda authorities to decide on the number and deployment of community gardaí. I understand from them that it is unlikely that the present ratio of community gardaí to other gardaí will change significantly in the DMA in the immediate future. However, they say there is scope to further develop community policing in smaller urban centres throughout the country but that this would be a matter for local Garda management to consider in the first instance.
The Minister indicated there are 246 community gardaí. How does his Department evaluate the success or otherwise of this type of policing? Is he aware of criticisms that criminal elements have managed to infiltrate and take advantage of the closeness of such gardaí to the community? Is there evidence of that possible danger to the expansion of the scheme? Does he agree that community policing, being essentially preventative, is a highly appropriate form of policing given the high levels of juvenile crime?
I agree that community policing is essentially preventative and particularly so as regards juvenile crime. I am aware of the press article to which the Deputy referred. I consulted the Commissioner on that matter and he assured me the article is without foundation. However, that is not to say people with criminal backgrounds are not involved in youth diversion projects. The nature of the projects is to target those who may be involved in or on the fringes of crime. Youth diversion projects have been successful in diverting young people away from crime. Projects have been established in Moyross in Limerick, in Cork, in Killinarden and there are two in my constituency, one in Ronanstown and the other in Blanchardstown. It is planned to extend these projects to other areas next year. My Department is spending £250,000 this year on these projects which involve the gardaí, probation and welfare services, local businesses and voluntary agencies. They are aimed at providing young people with an opportunity to contribute positively to society. I congratulate the gardaí and the voluntary organisations on the extent to which they cooperate in the interests of young people.
Does the Minister agree that the presence of community gardaí is reassuring for those living in the community? I am concerned that the Minister has indicated all decisions on the deployment of gardaí to particular areas of policing is left to Garda management. Does the Minister agree that as a result of this constant abdication of responsibility for the deployment of Garda resources there is inability to inject political direction into where and how we police communities?
I would be very careful about that. I have an advantage over the Deputy in that I have experience of police operating under political direction. It is not something I would recommend. I had substantial experience of that in another jurisdiction and would caution the Deputy to think again.
I agree that community gardaí are reassuring in a local community. That is an important element of community policing. Part of the reason for the lack of leadership in many deprived areas is that those who are lucky enough to acquire leadership qualities through education, accident of birth or whatever do not reside in the local area. In many instances teachers teaching in the local school do not reside in the community nor do those operating businesses in the area.
There are two groups of people to whom local communities owe much — the religious who choose to live and minister in the area and do not get sufficient credit for what they do and the gardaí. I know from experience in my constituency that the community gardaí are present at nearly every function I attend. They deserve the highest credit for their efforts.
I agree with the sentiments expressed by the Minister of State. Is it intended to extend the concept of community policing to enable gardaí go into schools and warn young people against the dangers of illegal drugs?
The gardaí do so already. It is an important element in the defeat of drug pushers. Young people must be educated on the consequences of taking drugs.
I am heartened to hear the high esteem in which the Minister of State holds the gardaí. When I last tabled the question, community gardaí who were absent were not being replaced. Does Garda management recognise that when a community garda is absent from work the continuity of his or her work must not suffer? Will he give an assurance that, in the absence of a community garda, his duties are carried out by another garda?
From time to time community gardaí are diverted from their policing role to carry out other duties. I am, however, informed by the Garda authorities that this does not happen readily but occurs only in cases of absolute necessity. Garda management must be free to deploy the force in accordance with the demands placed on it. The Garda authorities recognise and respect the unique and important role played by community gardaí and ensure that the diversion of community gardaí to other policing duties is kept to an absolute minimum.
Given the success and popularity of the community garda concept, will the Minister agree that the number of community gardaí designated to the Dublin area — 195 — is insufficient? Constant calls are made by communities for an increase in this type of policing.
I am sure the Garda authorities would like to be in a position to deploy more gardaí to this very important preventative work. Certainly, the Minister and I would like to see more gardaí involved and will do everything possible to increase the number.