I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 482 together.
I am informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of Juvenile Liaison Officers in An Garda Síochána as of 30th June 2007 was 86 Gardaí and 8 Sergeants which represents .7% of the strength of the force. Of course, while these officers are dedicated to this service, a great many other Gardaí are engaged in liaising with juveniles on a day to day basis.
The number of dedicated Juvenile Liaison Officers as of 31st December in each of the years 2002-2006 was as follows:
Year
|
Gardaí
|
Sergeants
|
2006
|
87 Gardaí
|
8 Sergeants = .73%
|
2005
|
87 Gardaí
|
8 Sergeants = .77%
|
2004
|
86 Gardaí
|
8 Sergeants = .77%
|
2003
|
85 Gardaí
|
8 Sergeants = .77%
|
2002
|
85 Gardaí
|
8 Sergeants = .78%
|
The Commissioner has approved an additional 28 posts for Juvenile Liaison Officers (JLO) to be phased in over the next 4 years, commencing with the allocation of 7 JLOs planned for this year.
Garda personnel assignments throughout the Country, together with overall policing arrangements and operational strategy, are continually monitored and reviewed by Garda management. The purpose of this is to ensure that optimum use is made of Garda resources, and the best possible Garda service is provided to the general public.