Project Bridges the gap

THE Bridge project shares common objectives with the case management initiative.

Based in Parnell Street, in the north inner city, Bridge is referring criminals from the Circuit Court for serious offences – burglary, drugs and serious assaults.

The criminals are sent to the project as an alternative to prison or post-sentence.

“We are dealing with persistent offenders at high risk of re-offending,” said Gerry Raftery, director of Bridge.

“We try and lower that risk, both the frequency and gravity of crime. Our primary concern is public safety. The best way to do that is to change the thinking and behaviour of offenders, working with them with that, about creating other options, education, training. The best way is to get a job.

“At the end of the day – both for us and the guards – it’s about public safety. Their job is to ensure crime is not committed. Our job is to try and ensure the person engaged in crime doesn’t reoffend. If they don’t cooperate, their sentence can be activated. That can act as a deterrent.”

He said Bridge have wanted systems like case management for some time. “Pat Leahy is genuinely passionate, he raised this with me when we met before. This is something we have been looking for for a long time.

“From our perspective this is a positive departure, that level of formal relationship with Gardaí in joint case management.” He said case management allows Gardaí and the project to work together.

“If a guard brings to our attention that one guy is hanging around with the wrong crowd, that information could be crucial,” he said.