Report to chart future of policing committees

A report out today is expected to chart the way forward for the establishment of local policing committees across the country.

The committees are part of the Garda Siochana Act 2005, which Justice Minister Michael McDowell has said will lead to the most radical overhaul of the force in its 84-year history.

The Garda Siochana Act Implementation Review Group, which is chaired by Senator Maurice Hayes, was tasked with coming up with guidelines to establish the Joint Policing Committees.

The committees will allow community representatives to share their views and demands with gardai in their area.

The review group was also asked to examine other provisions under the new Garda Act, including the establishment of the three-member Garda Ombudsman, which will deal with complaints against the force, and the Garda Inspectorate, which will be responsible for developing best practice amongst members.

The review group report will be published by Justice Minister McDowell at 11am in Government Buildings today.