An Garda Síochána is committed to the development of innovative policies aimed at enhancing its quality of service to the public and improving the quality of life of the community. In the drive to reduce the incidence of crime, anti-social behaviour, public disorder, vandalism and the general fear of crime, An Garda Síochána are in favour of CCTV systems as an aid to policing.
There is a demand nationally from community and business groups for CCTV systems in their respective towns and cities. Whilst the use of CCTV by a police service can have great merit, its use can have a direct impact on the human rights of individuals. Therefore, its introduction needs to be carefully planned and its use, competently managed.
In accordance with Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 Community CCTV schemes must be authorised by the Garda Commissioner. A CCTV advisory committee meets every quarter to examine applications for CCTV projects, place them in appropriate categories and make recommendations relative to prioritisation in accordance with the objective criteria set out in the policy. The committee is appointed by the Garda Commissioner.
Community Schemes as provided for under Section 38 (3) (c) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 and Garda Schemes are provided for under Section 38 (3) (a) of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 which came into force on 31st December, 2003 provides that “every organ of the State shall perform its function in a manner compatible with the State’s obligations under the Convention provisions”. An Garda Síochána is “an organ of the State” for the purposes of the 2003 Act.
Funding of CCTV Schemes:
The Department of Justice and Equality is providing financial assistance to qualifying local organisations towards meeting capital costs associated with the establishment of local community CCTV systems. This Community CCTV Grant Aid scheme will run for three years with funding of €1 million being made available each year. Further information and all documentation in relation to the Scheme can be accessed at the website of the Department of Justice & Equality.
The aims of community policing
- To provide the people in an area with their own dedicated Garda, someone with whom they can discuss everyday occurrences and build up a strong and supportive personal relationship.
- To help the residents of the area to prevent crime by supporting crime prevention initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.
- To work with other social agencies in the area to help curb crime and vandalism. (Guidelines for Making a Victim Impact Statement are available on the Garda Victim Liaison Office Tab)
** Kindly note that all enquiries in relation to local policing issues should be referred to your local Garda Station.
If you have any specific queries in relation to the National Model of Community Policing, the Garda National Community Policing Office can be contacted at:
Garda National Community Policing Office
Garda National Community Engagement Bureau
An Garda Síochána Headquarters
J Block
Phoenix Park, Dublin 8, D08 HN3X
Tel: +353 1 666 0000
Garda National Diversity Unit
The Garda Commissioner established the Garda Racial, Intercultural & Diversity Office, now know as the Garda National Diversity Unit in April 2000. Staff members of the unit coordinate, monitor and advise on all aspects of policing in the area of diversity.
Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau
The Garda National Youth Diversion Bureau (GNYDB) has responsibility for overseeing and developing the Diversion Programme nationally, which was put on a statutory basis under Part 4 of the Children Act 2001.
The Garda Charter “Working with our Communities”
The Garda Charter is available to download from this page in English, Irish and a number of other languages – please use the links on the right hand side.
The Garda Charter outlines An Garda Síochána’s commitment to honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism in all Garda dealings with members of the community.
The Charter has been developed as a way to communicate our commitment to developing and maintaining our relationships with the people who live, work and travel to our communities across the country.
The Garda Charter outlines important commitments we have made to members of the community. We will continue to work with members of the community, and statutory and voluntary bodies, to prevent crime and antisocial behaviour, reduce the fear of crime, promote inter-agency problem solving, bring offenders to justice and improve the overall quality of life in communities all over Ireland.
The Charter sets out a commitment that Gardaí will behave professionally, fairly, openly and with honesty towards all members of the public, accepting individual accountability and ensuring public accountability.
We will take special cognisance of the priorities and needs of local communities and endeavour to make them safer places to live, visit and work in.
The Charter acknowledges the central role community policing plays in the daily work of An Garda Síochána. We place the community at the heart of everything we do, as this alliance is our greatest asset in our work in preventing and detecting crime and protecting the safety of the people we serve, allowing us to find local solutions to local problems and increase safety and security in our society.
Where can I get a copy of the Garda Charter?
The Charter is available to download in Irish, English and a number of other languages here. The Garda Charter is available in Braille from Inspector, Policy & Planning Unit. Tel: 01 666 7474 Copies of the Garda Charter will also be available in Garda Stations around the country. To see contact information for your local Garda Station, please click here
What are Joint Policing Committees?
Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) aim to develop greater consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives. JPCs also facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sectors in this regard.
A JPC is made up of:-
- Chairperson – Local Authority representative
- Garda Officers nominated by the Garda Commissioner
- Local Authority members
- Members of Oireachtas for area
- Community/Voluntary sector representatives
What are the functions of JPCs?
- Serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on policing and crime issues within Local Authority administrative areas
- Review levels and patterns of crime and related underlying factors
- Establish and coordinate Local Policing Fora
- Meet twice yearly (minimum)
- Annual public meetings
Are JPCs monitored?
Chief Superintendent, Community Relations & Community Policing is in charge of monitoring the JPC process. The functions of the National JPC Monitoring Office include:-
- Coordinating and advising on policy development
- Providing information and literature where appropriate
- Facilitating meetings and seminars
- Attending JPC meetings
- Managing a database of contact details and information about JPC meetings
- Monitoring and reviewing internet information
- Liaising with Police Services and Agencies
What are the responsibilities of JPCs?
All of the partners involved in JPCs have their own distinct perspective and inputs to offer. An Garda Síochána has adopted a proactive approach in developing and maintaining links with key stakeholders. It also provides Central Statistics Office and PULSE crime statistics and publishes a report.
The JPC partners also have their own responsibilities in ensuring that society’s policing needs are effectively met and safe and secure communities maintained.
How many JPCs are in operation?
An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a JPC in each of the 114 Local Authority administrative areas. Due to the innovative nature of the JPC scheme and the number to be established, a pilot phase is in operation in 29 Local Authority areas.
What matters cannot be discussed by JPCs?
Matters relating to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution or matters relating to the security of the State. (Section 36 (4), An Garda Síochána Act 2005).
JPCs may not discuss matters which may:-
- Endanger security of individual(s)
- Relate to an individual
- Expose information received in confidence
- Prejudice crime prevention or detection
What is the legal basis for JPCs?
Section 35 of An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of JPCs.
Useful Links:
www.cso.ie
www.environ.ie
www.justice.ie
www.oireachtas.ie
The National JPC Monitoring Office can be contacted at:-
National JPC Monitoring Office
Garda Community Relations Bureau
6 Ely Place Upper
Dublin 2
D02 TY02
Tel: +353 1 6663823/14