Only three councils form police forums

JUST three of Cork’s 12 town councils have formed Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) despite legislation having been enacted since 2005.

The forums, which allow communities and local politicians to engage with gardaí about policing issues, have only been formed in Mallow, Passage West and Bandon.

Mallow was the first town in the county to form a JPC in October 2006 and some representatives on it believe other town councils are letting local people down by not forming such forums.

Paddy Whelan, a community representative on the Mallow JPC, said the forum was working very well.

“We have regular meetings with gardaí, local politicians and community representatives. It gives us better access to the gardaí and helps us solve problems. It’s a missed opportunity if a town doesn’t take it on board,” Mr Whelan said.

Section 36 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a joint policing committee in each local authority administrative area and as part of the local government structures.

In 2008 it was decided all city, town and county councils must establish such committees and it is up to local authorities to implement them.

However, senior county council officials have confirmed that only three towns in Cork have established JPCs.

Youghal, Midleton, Cobh, Fermoy, Clonakilty, Kinsale, Macroom, Skibbereen and Bantry have not established them.

Superintendent Pat McCarthy, in charge of the Mallow Garda District, said: “It’s an opportunity lost for those towns which don’t have it. It is good for us to hear from the public and it has fostered better community relations.”