[Oireachtas] Dail Eireann debate. Written answers 201 & 200 - Crime prevention & community policing [7426/14 & 7425/14]. (13 Feb 2014)
External website: http://oireachtasdebates.oireachtas.ie/debates%20a...
201. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plan to tackle violent crime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7426/14]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): I can assure the Deputy that the incidence of violent crime continues to be monitored closely by Garda management and that appropriate measures are in place to target this type of criminality. He will be aware that the most recent recorded crime statistics show that total recorded crime was down 7.1% over the 12 months to the end of September 2013, which reflects well on the policing measures which are in place.
The circumstances surrounding violent crime vary considerably, from carefully planned attacks carried out by organised criminals, to unpredictable incidents often associated with abuse of alcohol or drugs. Accordingly, An Garda Síochána has in place policing strategies to combat these varying circumstances to the greatest extent possible.
These include proactive targeting of public disorder and anti-social behaviour including targeted high visibility patrols and monitoring of areas identified as hotspots for this type of crime, as well as intelligence-led operations, involving specialist units, to tackle and dismantle serious and organised criminality.
While we should not underestimate the policing challenges presented by violent crime, I can assure the Deputy that An Garda Síochána are determined to respond effectively and to bring people to justice whenever possible, and they have my full confidence and support in that regard.
Community policing
200. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to expand the role of community policing and increase the numbers of gardaí involved in community policing in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7425/14]
Minister for Justice and Equality (Deputy Alan Shatter): As the Deputy will appreciate, the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the distribution, direction and control of all personnel among the Garda Regions, Divisions, and Districts. Garda management keep this distribution under continuing review in the context of crime trends and policing priorities so as to ensure that the best possible use is made of these resources.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. I have however, been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of dedicated Community Gardaí, in each Garda Division in the Dublin Region, on 31 December 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the table hereunder.
The Deputy will be aware that all Gardaí have responsibility, inter alia, to deal with Community Policing issues as and when they arise. I have however, been informed by the Garda Commissioner that the number of dedicated Community Gardaí, in each Garda Division in the Dublin Region, on 31 December 2013, the latest date for which figures are readily available, is set out in the table hereunder.
|
Division
|
Strength
|
|
D.M.R. East
|
29
|
|
D.M.R. North
|
68
|
|
D.M.R. North Central
|
152
|
|
D.M.R. South
|
53
|
|
D.M.R. South Central
|
58
|
|
D.M.R. West
|
68
|
An Garda Síochána places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. An Garda Síochána continues to invest time and energy in community partnerships and relationships and this involves participation in a wide range of local fora, including Joint Policing Committees and through partnership programmes such as Community Alert and Neighbourhood Watch.
Item Type
Dail Debates
Publication Type
Irish-related
Drug Type
Substances (not alcohol/tobacco)
Intervention Type
Crime prevention
Source
Date
13 February 2014
EndNote
Repository Staff Only: item control page