Special policing committees to be launched in 114 local authority areas
Mr Lenihan made the announcement at a seminar yesterday that reviewed the working of 29 Joint Policing Committees (JPCs), which have been piloted in selected areas. The JPCs — which bring together senior gardaí and local authority representatives — are aimed at tackling local crime and antisocial behaviour.
“I intend to establish a committee in each local authority area in the country as early as possible in 2008... following consultation with my colleagues the ministers for the environment, heritage and local government and community, rural and Gaeltacht affairs. That will involve issuing a new set of guidelines,” said Mr Lenihan. He added that the seminar would feed into those guidelines. The seminar was also addressed by Mr Lenihan and Environment Minister John Gormley as well as assistant commissioner Al McHugh.
“We are all aware of problems of public disorder in our communities where the behaviour of those who have no respect for the rights of others can cause great damage to the quality of life. The two groups which have the best picture of the problems relating to crime in our communities are members of An Garda Síochána and public representatives.”
Mr Lenihan also referred to the Garda commissioner’s proposals for changes in Garda boundaries to achieve a closer alignment between local authority areas and Garda divisional boundaries.
Mr Lenihan said this would “enhance the effectiveness and efficiency” of Garda deployment and facilitate the functioning of JPCs.
