Extra gardaí ‘will prevent crime’

THERE will be an increased Garda presence on the streets to deal with public order offences and drink-driving, the Association of Garda Superintendents (AGS) heard last night.

The AGS said the Government’s decision to increase the size of the force by 2,000 members was a welcome development.

“The increased strength will allow us as superintendents to ensure a greater Garda presence on the streets, thus curtailing anti-social activities such as public order offences and drink-driving,” said its president, Superintendent Pat Killalea.

At the AGS annual conference in Westmanstown, Dublin, he said the public would be delighted to see gardaí patrolling their streets and housing estates as part of community policing.

“Gardaí patrolling in high-visibility uniforms and vehicles is the greatest deterrent to prevent wrongdoing in public places.”

Around 10,500 people aged between 18 and 35 applied to join the Garda force in the recent recruitment drive and 7,500 sat the Garda examination. Interviews are currently being held.

Supt Killalea told delegates there would be a need for more sergeants, inspectors and superintendents to cope with the influx of 2,000 extra gardaí over the next three years.

Referring to the recent controversy over the release of the killers of Garda Jerry McCabe, he said Justice Minister Michael McDowell’s “uncompromising stance” on law and order was encouraging.