286 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to expand the number of policing forums; the steps, if any, he has taken to give the community an active role with the gardaí in policing their areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3504/99]
Written Answers - Police Forum.
It is understood from the Garda authorities that contacts, in the north and south inner city areas of Dublin, between the gardaí and the community have given rise to the term police forum.
Following an examination of this type of approach, the Commissioner has, through the Garda community relations section, established a small group within the Dublin region to examine the format for such a forum. The group consists of Garda representatives at national, regional and local level, along with community representatives from the Dublin inner city areas.
Among the issues being addressed by the group are the objectives of a police forum; the geographic area to be covered by a police forum; criteria for selecting community representatives; degree of Garda representation at various meetings; frequency and location of meetings; chairmanship of police forum; and selection and training of forum members.