Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2024
37. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí currently detailed for community policing in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee stations, respectively, following the implementation of the new policing model in Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommunity policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána, and all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in the course of carrying out their duties. Community policing is also fundamental to the new Garda Operating Model which is currently being rolled out across the country, and is fully commenced in thirteen Garda divisions, including Louth/Cavan/Monaghan Division.
The new model will provide more frontline Gardaí and increased Garda visibility, and will deliver a wider range of policing services for people in their local area. It will divide service delivery within divisions into four functional areas, one of the most important areas being Community Engagement. This will allow for a greater, more consistent, focus on community policing in all divisions. The Garda authorities have advised me that a member of An Garda Síochána can be deemed to be a ‘Community Garda’ where that person is allocated to a Community Policing Team (CPT) and is responsible and accountable for applying a problem–solving approach to appropriate crime and policing quality-of-life issues in a specified geographic area through partnership and engagement. Examples of this engagement are working with Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, or local business fora.
Community Policing Teams strategically manage and lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the Garda Community Policing Framework. Like most Garda members, those assigned to CPTs have dual functions. In addition to their strategic roles in their Community Policing Teams, part of which requires them to regularly update their Community Engagement Superintendent on the policing needs of their community, they are also frontline members. It is also important to note that CPTs draw on all frontline Gardaí to carry out community policing.
I very much welcome the new interactive map launched recently on the Garda website which is designed to allow the public to identify the local CPT in their area. This map will continue to develop in line with the continued rollout of the new Garda Operating Model.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the distribution and stationing of Garda members throughout the State. As Minister, I have no role in such matters.
I am however assured that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimal use.
I am advised that as of 31 March 2024, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 15 Community Gardaí assigned to the Louth Division. This represents an increase of over 36% since the end of December 2019, when there were 11 members assigned. As of the same date, there were 9 Community Gardaí assigned to Drogheda Garda Station and 6 assigned to Dundalk Garda Station.
For the Deputy's information, the number of Community Gardaí is published on my Department's website and can be accessed using the following link:
www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd777-an-garda-siochana-your-police-service-some-facts-and-figures/
Please be advised that this information is operational and may be subject to change.
