Community engagement

The aims of community policing

1. 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.
2. To help the residents of the area to prevent crime by supporting crime prevention initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert.
3. 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 

Garda Charter in English 

Garda Charter In Irish

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