Garda relationships with communities are the lifeblood of effective policing in Ireland.
The Garda Commissioner, Fachtna Murphy, has launched An Garda Síochána’s Annual Report for 2009. The report, which was laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas today, (28 May 2010), details the work of An Garda Síochána across all Garda Divisions in Ireland.
Launching the report today, Commissioner Murphy said:
"I am pleased to launch our Annual Report for 2009, which outlines Garda achievements in relation to our core commitments – the prevention and detection of crime, the protection of national security, and in particular, our day to day work in communities around Ireland."
The Annual Report for 2009 provides an overview of the work of Gardaí in communities around Ireland. Commissioner Murphy said:
"We in An Garda Síochána have maintained close relationships within the communities we serve over many years. The positive and meaningful partnerships which we foster with our community stakeholders are the lifeblood of effective policing in Ireland."
The Annual Report outlines details of An Garda Síochána’s continued focus on the presence of drugs in our society, which continue to pose a significant challenge to communities across Ireland and indeed for An Garda Síochána. Commissioner Murphy said:
"Once again, the sustained and co-ordinated focus on drugs in our society by An Garda Síochána has yielded significant seizures and arrests by local and national units during 2009. In 2010, I am determined that Gardaí working locally in our communities, in partnership with national units, will continue their efforts towards tackling the supply reduction side. We will protect the young and vulnerable, and the community as a whole, from the effects of this reprehensible activity."
The day-to-day work of Gardaí in their communities is highlighted in the report, as they continue to target serious criminal activity, protect our nation’s security, reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads and create more peaceful communities by addressing the causes of anti-social behaviour.
The Garda Annual Report 2009 is available to download in Irish and English at http://www.garda.ie
Garda Press Office.
