Safer Ballymun A community-safety strategy

Transcription

1 Acknowledgements Safer Ballymun A community-safety strategy Working together for a safer Ballymun Ballymun Regeneration Ltd wishes to acknowledge the contributions that the following have made to this Community Safety Strategy: Members of the Safer Ballymun Community Safety Forum Partners in the Safer Ballymun Steering Group Public Representatives for the North-West Area of Dublin Members of the Ballymun Waste Working Group Ciarán Murray, Assistant City Manager and Managing Director, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Brendan Kenny, Assistant City Manager, Dublin City Council Chief Superintendent Gerard Philips, Dublin Metropolitan Policing (North) Division Sergeant Bernard Young and Ballymun Community Garda Simon Baxter and his staff, Southwark Borough Council Jonathan Toy, Director of Community Safety, Southwark Borough Council Karen Doherty, Rubrikes Consultancy Evelyn Hanlon, Dublin City Council Hugh Greaves, Local Drugs Task Force, Ballymun Donnacha Hurley, Ballymun Regional Youth Resource Audrey Meehan, Ballymun Community Organisations Network Peter Maguire, Barrister-at-Law Sheena McCambley, Ballymun Regeneration Limited Sarah Miller, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Eamonn Elliot, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Sinéad McKeon, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Roger Warburton, Global Action Plan Breffni O Rourke, RAPID Coordinator, Blanchardstown Community Policing Forum Lorraine O Rahilly, Forum Research

2 Safer Ballymun Steering Group Éamon Farrelly, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Superintendent Karl Heller, An Garda Síochána Paul Clegg, Dublin City Council Patricia Scanlon, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Inspector Andrew Watters, An Garda Síochána Mick O Rourke, Dublin City Council Gerry Doherty, Ballymun Neighbourhood Council Aibhlín McCrann, Facilitator Co-authored by Aibhlín McCrann and Patricia Scanlon. Copies of the Community-Safety Strategy may be obtained from Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Civic Offices, Ballymun Road, Dublin 9 D e s i g n e d b y L o m a n C u s a c k D e s i g n

3 Safer Ballymun Contents Foreword Executive Summary Introduction Development Process Strategy Structure Context Profile Of Ballymun 2 Citizens Jury on anti-community behaviour 3 The Community Vision 4 Community Policing 5 Joint Policing Committees 5 Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy 5 The Consultation Process Community-Safety Audit 9 1. An Garda Síochána 9 2. Dublin City Council Community-Safety Audit 11 The Strategy & its Implementation Vision 14 Mission Statement 14 Goals Towards A Safer Community 16 Targeting Crime 21 Promoting Public Order 24 Tackling Substance Misuse 27 Supporting Young People 29 Communicating Positively 31 Facilitating Transition 34 Implementing the Strategy 36 Conclusion 36 Appendices 37 Findings 48 Interpreting the findings 48 Bibliography 49 ii iv v vi vii

4 Safer Ballymun ii Foreword Executive Summary Foreword One of the primary requirements of any sustainable community is a safe environment for its people to live their lives. The importance of personal safety to the success of an area is unsurpassed. It is affected by design, management and behaviour and in turn it affects people s decisions about whether to stay in an area or leave at the first opportunity. Policing and local government are the twin agencies with responsibility for creating a safe, clean and green environment. They are partnered by the community living and working in the area. It is never too early nor too late to create an awareness of the components of and interactions among crime, personal safety, active citizenship and sustainable and successful places. There are varying factors, as this document will show, that contribute to a community experiencing difficulties in providing a safe environment. While there can be a temptation to arrive at solutions through ad-hoc interventions, this has not been the case in Ballymun. The Safer Ballymun Community-Safety Forum, comprising a partnership betweem Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána and the Ballymun community has become, since its inception, an integral part of the Ballymun Regeneration Project, which has been hailed as one of the most progressive social-regeneration initiatives in Europe.

5 Safer Context Ballymun iii iii Preventing crime, solving crime and fostering an environment where crime and anti-social behaviour will not flourish are among the key challenges facing any community. While there has always been a positive relationship between the statutory agencies and the community which they serve in Ballymun, this is the first time that a structured and integrated approach has been taken. The forging of this four-way integrated strategy has emerged from robust consultation between all the partners and the community. A key outcome from our discussions has been the alignment of priorities from all parties in the implementation of the strategy. Therein lies its strength. Looking to the future, we commit to maintaining our unified approach and acknowledge the interdependencies involved in achieving our vision. We believe that leadership and support form the cornerstone for the success of the new town; where our action-based, problem-solving innovative approach to embedding a sense of personal safety will contribute to a new way of thinking; where a lack of respect and anti-social behaviour will be shunned; where all the partners involved will be guided by the highest common factor not the lowest common denominator, and where the them and us becomes we together, making Ballymun a successful, safe and clean place in which to live, work and visit. Ciarán Murray, Managing Director, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Brendan Kenny, Assistant City Manager, Dublin City Council Chief Superintendent Gerard Philips, An Garda Síochána Dublin Metropolitan Policing (North) Division

6 Safer Ballymun Context iv Executive Summary Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy is the first of its kind in Ballymun and is a core component of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd s Community Sustainability Strategy. It is the result of a wide-ranging and extensive consultation process which began in 2003 with a Citizens Jury on anti-community behaviour. Recommendations made by the Citizens Jury to Ballymun Regeneration Ltd have since led to the development of a strong partnership between Ballymun residents and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council and An Garda Síochána, the statutory agencies responsible for environmental management and community safety. The Community-Safety Strategy has been developed as a result of these agencies commitment and collaboration to providing a safe environment where people can go about their lawful business and enjoy a good quality of life without fear of crime or criminal behaviour. Seven core goals have emerged from the setting of local community-safety priorities in Ballymun. The detail of these goals is given in section three of this document. The seven core goals are: 1. Towards A Safer Community To involve Ballymun s citizens in the provision of a safe, pleasant environment, where people can live, work and visit 2. Targeting Crime To ensure a reduction in levels of crime and disorder in Ballymun 3. Promoting Public Order To reduce the incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in Ballymun 4. Tackling Substance Misuse To support existing agencies and community organisations who are working in the area of substance misuse 5. Supporting Young People To make Ballymun a safe place for young people 6. Communicating Positively To nurture a feeling of community safety through the development of an effective communications strategy 7. Facilitating Transition To assist the community in Ballymun through the transition period of regeneration in the safest way

7 Safer Context Ballymun v v Introduction This is the first Community-Safety Strategy for Ballymun, and it has been developed in partnership with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána and the Ballymun community. Successful and lawabiding societies can only occur if there is mutual trust and respect between the police and the community being policed. This can be assisted by other agencies working to improve the physical, economic and social environment in the area. This means having a policing service which works with communities and individuals to identify their needs, and public agencies that listen and respond to what communities, families, victims and young people tell them about anti-social and anti-community behaviour. It also means having a willingness from all to share responsibility for tackling problems. Communities begin to feel more confident about the steps being taken to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour when they themselves become involved in making the decisions about them. People are then enabled to come together with others in their neighbourhoods to build trust, share values, agree on what is acceptable behaviour and decide on future actions. This three-year strategy has the following aims: To raise the profile of community safety as a vital component in enhancing quality of life where people can live without fear of crime To provide a structure which facilitates the implementation and monitoring of a strategic, multi-agency approach to crime prevention and community safety, ensuring effective targeting of existing resources To involve the community through consultation at all points in the decision-making process and to keep residents informed about the work of the strategy While much has been achieved to date through the focused, problem-solving and results-driven approach of the partners, this comprehensive strategy will enable them to develop innovative and different ways of working together. It also ensures that through monitoring and evaluating the impact of the actions contained in the strategy, Ballymun will continue to grow into a vibrant, renewed place where people will choose to live, work and visit.

8 Safer Ballymun Context vi Introduction (continued) Development Process The process for developing Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy has been comprehensive and inclusive. The steering group, which was convened to oversee the development process, included senior representatives from Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, and voluntary organisations in Dublin providing services in the areas of housing management, urban development, community services and policing, as well as an independent facilitator who has acted as a broker between all partners throughout the process to date. The process has also included wide-ranging consultation with residents, community organisations, estate forums and residents associations, and it used a range of tools including secondary data, focus groups, written submissions, questionnaires, interviews and independently facilitated workshops to elicit the local priorities for community safety in Ballymun. The development process also included consultation with the Dublin City Council Assistant City Manager with responsibility for Housing and Residential Services, the Managing Director of Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and the Chief Superintendent of An Garda Síochána, Dublin Metropolitan Policing (North) Division.

9 Safer Context Ballymun vii vii Introduction (continued) Strategy Structure Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy is divided into three sections: Section One provides a general overview and context of policy and legislation underpinning Ballymun s response to community safety issues. Section Two outlines the consultation process that contributed to the establishment of local community safety priorities in Ballymun. Section Three details the seven goals that make up the local priorities for Ballymun and outlines the objectives that have been set and the actions that will be taken to implement the strategy.

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11 Context Context 1

12 Safer Ballymun Context 2 Profile of Ballymun Heading Citizens Heading Jury on anti-community behaviour Heading The Community Vision Community Policing Joint Policing Committees Safer Ballymun Profile Of Ballymun Ballymun is a suburb of north Dublin located five miles from the city centre and consists of a policing area of one square mile stretching from Glasnevin to the M50. The area is unique in terms of its population profile and levels of deprivation, and is an area of high health and social need. Prior to the regeneration programme which commenced in 1997, the majority of the population was housed in Dublin City Council flat complexes, which consisted of 2,814 flats within seven tower blocks, and 29 spine blocks. The Ballymun Masterplan clearly shows that its remit is wider and more comprehensive than social housing. It embraces social, economic and physical regeneration, including the creation of a town centre as the focal point of the community. It also seeks to develop an industrial/commercial hinterland together with the development of mixed-use neighbourhood facilities to meet the social, commercial and recreational needs of local residents. The focus of the regeneration project has been to replace all of the local-authority accommodation with well-designed, high-quality housing, to create a town centre which is a focal point for the community and to develop mixed-use neighbourhood facilities which will meet the needs of local residents in terms of their social, commercial and leisure requirements. The design of the mixed-use facilities in each neighbourhood aims to help generate activity on the street, to enhance security and safety, and to reduce anti-social behaviour. The population of Ballymun is projected to increase to more than 30,000 within the life of the regeneration process. Greater variations in the socio-economic profile of the population are emerging from the greater housing mix that is resulting from regeneration. This, combined with improved standards of urban design, is having a positive effect on overall levels of community safety and quality of life in Ballymun.

13 Context 3 Citizens Jury on anti-community behaviour In May 2003, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd put the community of Ballymun at the heart of decision making in relation to anti-community activity within their environment, when it convened a Citizens Jury on anticommunity behaviour. The jury of local people served as a microcosm of the public. The objective of this consultation process was to enable the public to advise decision makers on solutions to local problems. At the core of the process, 14 jury members, selected at random from the Ballymun community, took part in four days of discussions which focused on key aspects of anti-community behaviour. They discussed how their quality of life might be improved through addressing these problems in a positive way. A report was generated by the jury and presented to Ballymun Regeneration Ltd. A corresponding report, A Response to the Citizens Jury, was published by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd in These documents have served as the first reference point for Ballymun s Community-Safety Strategy.

14 Context 4 The Community Vision The following is an extract from the Citizens Jury report (2003), which sums up the jury s vision for a transformed community in Ballymun: We know that change doesn t happen overnight, so we hope that in 10 years time, we will live in a Ballymun... Where it s a safe place for our children and our grandchildren to play Where everyone is working for the community Where people watch out for each other Where there is less confrontation, and young people and adults are more tolerant of each other Where there s more communication Where it s a vibrant, caring, active community Where there s a way out of social deprivation for everyone Where we have pride in our neighbourhood Where it s clean, it s drug free and crime free Where the area is cleaned up and there s no graffiti Where there is a better relationship with the Gardaí Where there is less prejudice from outsiders Where there is a bigger workforce, more banking facilities, more shops, an industrial estate and more businesses Where there are more things to do for young people: a gym, clothes shops, and a sports complex with good staff and trained personnel Where people are participating in social activities Where there are more affordable facilities Where there s better public transport Where we have good local leadership and people here who make things happen Where there is hope Where the area is promoted and seen as an asset to Dublin Ballymun Citizens Jury on Anti-Community Behaviour 2003

15 Context 5 Community Policing Public safety and public confidence are the cornerstones of An Garda Síochána s corporate strategy The strategy acknowledges that An Garda Síochána has a responsibility to provide a safe environment where people can go about their lawful business and enjoy a good quality of life without fear of crime or criminal behaviour. It also accepts the necessity to respond to the service needs of the public in a courteous, respectful, helpful and professional manner, seeking always to build trust and trustworthy relationships with the community it serves. Ballymun s complex socio-economic profile, combined with the fact that it is home to one of the largest regeneration projects in Europe, presents a particular challenge to policing at a local level. There are a number of international parallels for best-practice community policing which broadly relate to the Ballymun policing environment and which are being emulated by An Garda Síochána in the Ballymun area. These principles are as follows: Community partnerships: The emphasis is on building mutually trustful and respectful relationships between An Garda Síochána and community members. Problem solving: The focus is on confronting the basic issues facing a community and developing and implementing creative solutions to them. Crime prevention: At the heart of community policing, crime prevention is crucial for the future success of Ballymun as a regenerated area. Enforcement: Community policing is not soft on crime. An Garda Síochána continues to enforce laws and apprehend criminals. Joint Policing Committees An Garda Siochána Act 2005 legislates for a radical restructuring of policing and the introduction of a partnership-style approach to working between local Garda, the local authority and the community. This is being implemented via the structure of the joint-policing committees which is currently being rolled out in the five Dublin local-authority areas. Ballymun falls under the jurisdiction of the North-West Area Joint Policing Committee, and Safer Ballymun is the local policing forum as set out in the legislation. Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy Safer Ballymun A Community-Safety Strategy promotes a co-ordinated, partnership-based approach to developing community safety initiatives, with a view to reducing crime and enhancing quality of life in Ballymun, making it a place where people can live without fear of crime. It includes preventative measures which contribute to crime reduction and which tackle anti-social behaviour. A key focus of Safer Ballymun s community-safety strategy is that it continues to build confidence in the criminal-justice system and that it enables members of the community to engage with local government, An Garda Síochána and other statutory and voluntary agencies, in the development, design and delivery of successful community safety initiatives.

16 Consultation 6

17 Consultation 7 The Consultation Process

18 Safer Consultation Ballymun Community-Safety Heading Audit Heading Heading Consultation with the local community and other partners has been a key component in the development of this Community-Safety Strategy. Arising from the recommendations made in the Citizens Jury Report of 2003, the Safer Ballymun steering group was established in 2004, and this led to the development of a positive model of communication between the key partners. These partners are as follows: The local authority which is Dublin City Council The regeneration body, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd An Garda Síochána Public representatives Residents of Ballymun and representatives of community and voluntary organisations Public meetings of Safer Ballymun were held at six-weekly intervals, with the assistance of an independent facilitator, where the initial main focus was on achieving improvements in the general management of the neighbourhoods and housing estates by Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and An Garda Síochána. Visits to public-order hotspots of anti-community activity were carried out regularly by the group in order to highlight specific problems in particular neighbourhoods. Regular feedback from the steering-group members to the meetings, detailing actions taken, invested the process with public credibility and ensured that Safer Ballymun earned a reputation for having an action-orientated, problem-solving focus. This was further enhanced by regular walkabouts of the area by Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána and Ballymun Regeneration staff. Increased visibility of Community Gardaí also added to public confidence in the process. In the summer of 2006, an evaluation of the progress of the steering group took place. This was followed by a further consultation process with the partners on how they could continue to improve community safety in Ballymun, in a measured, targeted, sustainable way. The consultation process was part of an audit of emerging need which was carried out by the steering group in order to ascertain the views of different sections of the community with regard to their experiences, fears and perceptions of community safety in Ballymun. The analysis of this audit data allowed the steering group to identify community-safety priorities for Ballymun. This finally set the framework for Safer Ballymun a Community-Safety Strategy

19 Consultation Context Community-Safety Audit The community-safety audit examined how community safety and crime prevalence were influenced by physical, social and economic factors in Ballymun, and it aimed to identify priorities for action within the community safety strategy. Existing community-safety data was compiled from available sources and analysed. The main sources of data are outlined below and details pertaining to results are included in Appendix (v). 1. An Garda Síochána Data sources: Local statistics on crime in Ballymun for 2005 (Statistics for 2006 are not yet available) Public Attitudes Survey: Getting Closer to the People, January-June 2006* (See Appendix iii) The Ballymun Garda sub-district covers an area of one square mile and comes within the remit of the northern division of the Dublin metropolitan region, in which there are 10 Garda stations. The highest crime rates in Ballymun are in relation to Public Order, Assaults, Burglary and Firearms/Offensive Weapons. Latest available statistics show that: A total of 949 crimes were committed in Ballymun in There has been an increase of over 100% in the detection of possession, supply and obstruction in relation to drugs in Ballymun between 2004 and Sixty-eight per cent of all domestic offences recorded in the northern division are from Ballymun. The most common crime among juveniles is theft, closely followed by criminal damage and public-order offences. Three hundred and seven referrals were made to the Juvenile Liaison Officer in Ballymun in An Garda Síochána carried out a survey in the Ballymun district in order to establish the public s views on policing in their neighbourhoods. The survey was carried out in both the new private-apartment complexes and the local-authority flat complexes and Dublin City Council housing estates of Ballymun. The aim of the survey was to address the community s views about the current level of policing and service being provided by An Garda Síochána in Ballymun, to assess how Garda service could be improved and to assist them in devising future policing plans. * An Garda Síochána Public Attitudes Survey

20 Consultation Context 10 Community-Safety Audit (continued) 2. Dublin City Council Data sources: Dublin City Council anti-social behaviour policy (See Appendix iv) Dublin City Council anti-social behaviour unit data for Dublin City Council has a duty to manage and control its tenancy dwellings and accommodation let under the housing acts and to secure and protect the interests of its tenants, tenant purchasers, and licensees, as far as is reasonably possible, in the peaceful occupation of those dwellings. To this end, the council is committed to taking action to avoid, prevent or abate anti-social behaviour. Such action can involve: Investigation of complaints Interview/challenge/caution of alleged perpetrators (offenders) Taking preventative measures Pursuit of legal remedies including court orders for evictions where necessary. The anti-social behaviour unit data is collated on an area-wide basis and includes information regarding the work of the local-housing team in dealing with anti-social behaviour problems as outlined in Dublin City Council s policy.

21 Consultation Context Community-Safety Audit (continued) 3. Community-Safety Audit Data sources: Focus groups Direct data submission from community and voluntary agencies: Ballymun Community Organisations Network, Ballymun Regional Youth Resource, and Local Drugs Task Force A school-based survey undertaken by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd The Community Voice from the Report on the Community Voice in Ballymun Data was collated from Safer Ballymun public meetings, via a series of questionnaires completed by a selection of Ballymun residents, including estate-forum representatives and local politicians. Focus groups were conducted at a specially convened meeting of Safer Ballymun in June This took the form of a review which looked at the perceived effectiveness of the Safer Ballymun initiatives; peoples motivation for attendance at meetings; which issues were of most concern to residents; whether residents believed that progress on safety issues was being achieved, and what residents believed to be the next steps in the process. Submissions were also received from a selection of community and voluntary organisations in relation to community safety and similar questionnaires were received from local businesses. In January 2006, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd undertook a schools-survey project with first-year pupils in the Ballymun Trinity School, in which 100 pupils completed an extensive written survey on Neighbourhood. Extensive quantitative and qualitative information regarding community safety and regeneration related issues was obtained from young people in Ballymun which has also influenced the direction of this strategy. The Community Voice from the Report on the Community Voice in Ballymun, giving local residents views of priority outcomes for children and young people in Ballymun, also included questions on community safety in a survey carried out between March and June 2006 by Atlantic Philanthropy.

22 Strategy 12

23 Strategy 13 The Strategy & its Implementation

24 Safer Ballymun Strategy 14 Heading Vision Mission Statement Heading Heading Goals It is intended that the Community-Safety Strategy will direct the work of Safer Ballymun over the course of the next three years. It contains key priorities, objectives and actions which will have a positive impact on the community s quality of life. The strategy will be implemented through the combined efforts of the relevant statutory agencies and the community. Vision To deliver a safe environment in Ballymun where people can live, work and visit Mission Statement The Ballymun Community-Safety Strategy is a collaboration involving Ballymun community, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, which seeks to ensure a high-quality, safe living environment for the citizens of Ballymun through: Fostering cooperation and building trust between the partners Ensuring a reduction in levels of crime, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour Promoting the principles and values of active citizenship

25 Strategy Context 15 Goals 1. Towards A Safer Community To involve Ballymun s citizens in the provision of a safe pleasant environment where people can live, work and visit 2. Targeting Crime To reduce the levels of crime and disorder in Ballymun 3. Promoting Public Order To reduce the incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in Ballymun 4. Tackling Substance Misuse To support existing agencies and community organisations in their work to reduce the levels of substance misuse 5. Supporting Young People To make Ballymun a safe place for young people 6. Communicating Positively To nurture a feeling of community safety through the development of an effective communications strategy 7. Facilitating Transition To assist the community in Ballymun through the transition period of regeneration in the safest way

26 Strategy Context 16 Towards A Safer Community To involve Ballymun s citizens in the provision of a safe pleasant environment where people can live, work and visit

27 Strategy 17 1 T o w a r d s A S a f e r C o m m u n i t y Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 1.1 To develop a coordinated approach to community safety Invite key agencies to contribute to the development and implementation of the strategy via representation on steering group Safer Ballymun steering group Sep-07 Representative appointed from Health Service Executive, School Principals network and Local Area Drugs Task Force Appoint community representative to steering group to liaise with local forum representatives and residents Safer Ballymun steering group Sep-07 Community representative appointed 1.2 To ensure that an adequate structure is in place to deliver a community safety strategy Resource implementation of strategy with appropriate resources, including the appointment of a coordinator, administration, facilitation, data analysis and communication All partners and other relevant statutory funding bodies Oct-07 Appropriate resources allocated Seek designation of Safer Ballymun as a local community-safety forum under the North-West Area joint-policing committee Implementation steering group Ongoing Recognised as local policing forum as per legislation Continue to hold Safer Ballymun Forum meetings on a regular basis Circulate minutes of all public meetings to attending members of Safer Ballymun Forum and joint-policing committee Facilitator Ongoing Public meetings held and aligned with joint-policing committee quarterly meetings Coordinator Ongoing All minutes taken and circulated Report quarterly to North- West Area joint-policing subcommittee Coordinator Quarterly Four reports presented

28 Strategy Context 18 1 T o w a r d s A S a f e r C o m m u n i t y (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators Assign neighbourhood wardens to each neighbourhood Dublin City Council As neighbourhood and community centres open Wardens assigned Assign Community Garda to each neighbourhood An Garda Síochána As neighbourhood and community centres open Community Garda assigned 1.3 To involve Ballymun citizens in the implementation of the community-safety strategy Inform residents about the community-safety strategy via comprehensive communication plan including forums, residents associations and other groups. Keep all local public representatives informed of Safer Ballymun activities Invite residents to attend Safer Ballymun meetings via community representatives and other communication channels Coordinator Sep-07 Communication plan drawn up and reviewed by the steering group. All public representatives are the on mailing list Coordinator Ongoing Maintain current levels of attendance at meetings Review the impact of the Safer Ballymun Community- Safety Forum with residents annually Implementation steering group 2008 Evaluation reports produced 1.4 To promote a clean, green local environment and to cultivate a sense of pride of place among citizens of Ballymun Continue to implement the graffiti-removal programme Ensure that developers maintain sites properly and that rubble is removed Dublin City Council Ongoing Zero tolerance of graffiti in Ballymun Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Sites inspected regularly

29 Strategy 19 1 T o w a r d s A S a f e r C o m m u n i t y (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators Involve residents in establishing friends of the park project Dublin City Council Community-Development Officer Ongoing Programme implemented annually Organise national conference highlighting the benefits of safe, clean, and green local environments Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council Jun-07 Conference held Implement a local antienviro-crime pilot project Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council Jun-07 Pilot project implemented and evaluated Develop a Provision of Local Environmental Services document Dublin City Council Sep-07 Plan devised Devise a Support Environmental Plan complementing Dublin City Council services provision Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Sep-07 Plan devised 1.5 To ensure that good practice guidelines and initiatives in housing management are implemented Provide local area outreach services once weekly to each neighbourhood centre Dublin City Council As neighbourhood centres open Services in place Develop a neighbourhood agreement for each area Dublin City Council Agreements written Encourage harmonious community relations by allocating tenancies strategically Dublin City Council Housing Manager 2007 Allocations strategy in place

30 Strategy Context 20 1 T o w a r d s A S a f e r C o m m u n i t y (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 1.6 To develop a preventative strategy on anti-social behaviour in local-authority housing management Initiate transition housing for the mentoring and development of Ballymun tenants in need of assistance Dublin City Council Ongoing Numbers of tenants in transition housing Continue to maintain support of interagency networks for young people at risk Dublin City Council and Interagency Ongoing Numbers of referrals from Dublin City Council Host case conferences with appropriate agencies for tenants at risk Dublin City Council and Interagency Ongoing Numbers of case conferences carried out for tenants at risk Continue to promote Second Chance housing programme in collaboration with other agencies to support tenants in rehabilitation Dublin City Council and Interagency Ongoing Numbers of tenants supported through Second Chance housing Host satellite services in neighbourhood centres, e.g., health, education Dublin City Council and Interagency Ongoing Satellite services established

31 Section Strategy Context Strategy 21 Targeting Crime To reduce the levels of crime and criminal behaviour in Ballymun

32 Strategy Context 22 2 T a r g e t i n g C r i m e Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 2.1 To work with other agencies in partnership to reduce crime Identify levels and patterns of crime and develop and implement appropriate responses An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Actions successfully implemented Continue to maintain membership of Safer Ballymun forum An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Attendance at steering group and public meetings 2.2 Develop a local Community Policing model 2.3 To promote the concept of crime prevention in the community 2.4 To promote the concept of crime prevention in the community Increase numbers of Garda on foot patrol in Ballymun Continue the Garda publicattitudes Getting Closer to the People survey on a regular basis Deliver presentations on crime prevention and security by crime-prevention officer Maintain Garda crimeprevention input into Housing Transition programme An Garda Síochána Ongoing Increased public confidence in Garda presence Community Garda Ongoing Positive customer satisfaction Crime-prevention officer As programme requires Raised awareness re crime prevention and security Community Garda Ongoing Ditto Supply each home in Ballymun, in particular new residents, with crimeprevention and homesecurity information Organise safety-information workshops in collaboration with neighbourhood centres. Community Garda Regularly All homes supplied with relevant information Community Garda Three times yearly Numbers of workshops carried out Commission regular articles for Safer Ballymun newsletter on safety and security Implementation steering group Ongoing Articles published in newsletter Increase Community Policing Units/Community Relations school-talks programme by 10% in primary and secondary schools in area Community Garda Ongoing Numbers of local school talks given

33 Strategy 23 2 T a r g e t i n g C r i m e (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 2.5 To focus on and reduce levels of serious crime Reduce levels of burglary, firearms, robberies and car theft by 2%, in line with Garda key performance indicators Increase number of seizures of illegal drugs by 5% An Garda Síochána Ongoing Achieve targets set in line with local Garda key performance indicators An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto Reduce incidents involving use of firearms by at least 2% An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto Increase number of firearms seized by 2% Maintain current high level of detection An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto 2.6 To support people who become victims of crime. Increase number of detections for sale/supply of alcohol to underage persons by 5% Increase number of letters sent to Victims of Crime by 20% An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto An Garda Síochána Ongoing Increase number of Garda referrals to victims of crime 2.7 Develop a youth strategy to advance appropriate Garda services for children and young people Increase supervision of highrisk offenders Juvenile Liaison Officer Ongoing Security measures put in place Carry out assessment of Garda youth-related services within Ballymun district Juvenile Liaison Officer Ongoing Assessment carried out 2.8 To participate in comprehensive CCTV system development and implementation Put in place arrangements to facilitate CCTV slave systems in collaboration with local authority An Garda Síochána On completion of new Garda station in Ballymun Reduction in crime levels in CCTV-monitored areas

34 Strategy Context 24 Promoting Public Order To reduce the incidents of public disorder and anti-social behaviour in Ballymun

35 Strategy 25 3 P r o m o t i n g P u b l i c O r d e r Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 3.1 To review the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour Convene regular inter-agency meetings Implementation steering group Ongoing Numbers of meeting held 3.2 To challenge and control public disorder through a multi-agency approach Consider the appointment of a data analyst to collect data and analyse incidents of public disorder Increase number of publicorder hot spots identified at District level by 2% Implementation steering group Jan-08 Data analyst appointed An Garda Síochána Ongoing Public-order hot spots identification increased by 2%. Increase number of licensed premises inspected An Garda Síochána Ongoing Increase in numbers of premises inspected 3.3 To ensure that community policing is at the heart of policing in Ballymun Increase Community Police numbers by 10% with liaison Gardaí to be appointed in new housing estates Maintain regular walkabouts involving An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Maintain weekly contact between local Garda management and Dublin City Council local-area management Maintain weekly contact between Community Garda and Dublin City Council area offices Carry out targeted foot patrols in east and west Ballymun on a daily basis An Garda Síochána Half-yearly Maintain levels of contact between Community Garda attached to neighbourhood centres An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing Numbers of walkabouts carried out Current level of contact mantained Ditto An Garda Síochána Ongoing Compliance with Garda Síochána policing strategy

36 Strategy Context 26 3 P r o m o t i n g P u b l i c O r d e r (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 3.4 To increase public confidence in An Garda Síochána Increase response time of Emergency and Priority One calls in Division within 15 minutes, from Division average to 65% Increase number of calls answered within 30 minutes to 90% Nominate a Sergeant in Ballymun Garda Station to ensure availability of Comment Cards in public offices An Garda Síochána Ongoing Achieve targets set in line with local Garda key performance indicators An Garda Síochána Ongoing Ditto An Garda Síochána Ongoing Comment cards in all public offices Engage in joint-policing committee meetings Dublin City Council and Garda Síochána Senior- Management Teams Ongoing Number of meetings attended

37 Section Strategy Context Strategy 27 Tackling Substance Misuse To support existing agencies and community organisations in their work to reduce the levels of substance misuse

38 Strategy Context 28 4 T a c k l i n g S u b s t a n c e M i s u s e Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 4.1 To support the Local Area Drugs Task Force in its implementation of the National Drugs Strategy To work with and participate in the sub-structures of the Ballymun Local Area Drugs Task Force to implement its strategy ( ) To support the preventative, treatment, rehabilitative and supply-reduction elements of this strategy Interagency Monthly Meetings attended Interagency Monthly Meetings attended To advocate for the location of a District Court service in the Ballymun area Implementation steering group Ongoing Court service located in Ballymun 4.2 To support agencies in the development of responses in relation to drug and alcohol misuse Appoint community alcohol strategy coordinator Lead the development of a community alcohol strategy using a public-health approach Implementation steering group Implementation steering group 2007 Coordinator appointed 2007 Strategy developed and being implemented

39 Section Strategy Context Strategy 29 Supporting Young People To make Ballymun a safe place for young people.

40 Strategy Context 30 5 S u p p o r t i n g Y o u n g P e o p l e Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 5.1 To consult with young people in making Ballymun a safe place Carry out consultation on regeneration issues with young people Report results of consultation back to young people Hold youth conference on regeneration issues Ballymun Regeneration Ltd 2007 Consultation report produced Ballymun Regeneration Ltd May-07 Presentation to young people carried out Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Autumn 2007 Conference held, report produced Implement recommendations from youth conference around community safety Safer Ballymun steering group Autumn 2007 Recommendations implemented 5.2 To find effective mechanisms for young people to achieve ownership of space and areas in Ballymun Target young people via communication tools such as newsletters Implement street-art programme Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Communication tools developed Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council April-Sept 2007 Programme implemented Implement street-games programme Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council April-Sept 2007 Programme implemented

41 Section Strategy Context Strategy 31 Communicating Positively To nurture a feeling of community safety through the development of an effective communications strategy

42 Strategy Context 32 6 C o m m u n i c a t i n g P o s i t i v e l y Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 6.1 To raise the profile of community-safety issues in Ballymun 6.2 To increase levels of reassurance in community and to reduce fear of crime Hold a Safer Ballymun public meeting in line with Joint- Policing committee quarterly meetings Issue a Safer Ballymun newsletter three times yearly Consult with local groups regarding how they can raise awareness of safety issues in their interaction with their clients Devise an effective communications and marketing strategy to promote Community Safety strategy Advertise Safer Ballymun public meetings in local media, libraries, churches, schools and at Forum meetings Produce a safety in parks Information pack Request Community Gardaí to build in a specific element on Safer Ballymun in their talks to primary-school students Devise and deliver a Safer Ballymun presentation, explaining its function, relationships, proposed objectives and outcomes Regularly brief community about progress via the Safer Ballymun public meetings Develop a programme of local events to build community morale, e.g., local clean-up days, fun days, Community Safety week and Celebrate Ballymun Week Implementation steering group Ongoing Reports produced Coordinator Every four months Newsletters produced Coordinator Ongoing Meetings held Steering group Dec-07 Communication strategy and marketing plan in place Coordinator Ongoing Increased attendance at meetings Coordinator 2008 Increased use of parks Community Garda Ongoing Modules included Coordinator Ongoing Presentation prepared Facilitator Ongoing Community confidence increased Ballymun Neighbourhood Council, Dublin City Council Ongoing Community morale increased

43 Strategy 33 6 C o m m u n i c a t i n g P o s i t i v e l y (continued) Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 6.3 To inform the community of Ballymun about the work of the strategy 6.4 To establish appropriate structures to facilitate effective communication between key agencies 6.5 To establish an appropriate feedback structure between community and key agencies 6.6 To inform work of and to shape agendas of future Joint Policing Committees 6.7 To liaise with other community safety forums in Dublin Disseminate the message through various agreed conduits: - Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Newsletter - Ballymun Neighbourhood Council Newsletter - Safer Ballymun newsletter Hold a Community Safety clinic in each neighbourhood centre every month Give presentations at estate forum meetings Carry out site visits to publicorder hotspots Carry out walkabouts of neighbourhoods Hold pre-, mid- and post- Safer Ballymun meetings to facilitate engagement Ensure informal liaison between community and Community Garda, Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Invite all Ballymun residents to Safer Ballymun meetings Provide regular reports to Joint Policing Committee through nominated representatives Brief Safer Ballymun representatives to Joint Policing Committee re concerns of community Organise a series of exchange visits between Safer Ballymun and other community safety forums Coordinator, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Community Garda, Ballymun Neighbourhood Council Ongoing Newsletters produced Community Safety Clinics organised Coordinator Ongoing Presentations given to forums Community Garda, Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council Ditto Ongoing Regular visits and walkabouts taking place Ditto Coordinator/Facilitator Ongoing Pre-, mid- and post-meetings taking place Coordinator/Facilitator Ongoing Informal liaison taking place Coordinator, Ballymun Neighbourhood Council Ongoing Increased attendance at meetings Steering group Ongoing Reports presented regularly Steering group Ongoing Joint Policing Committee briefed Coordinator Ongoing Exchange visits organised

44 Strategy Context 34 Facilitating Transition To assist the community of Ballymun through the transition period of regeneration in the safest way

45 Strategy 35 7 F a c i l i t a t i n g T r a n s i t i o n Objectives Actions Responsibility Timeframe Performance Indicators 7.1 To ensure that community safety is considered an integral part in planning design and development of new town 7.2 To ensure implementation of best-practice management principles by all new private developments within Ballymun 7.3 To ensure integration of area management between Dublin City Council and Ballymun Regeneration Ltd in relation to taking in charge: housing - public lighting - water works - drainage - parks - waste management 7.4 To ensure that impact of development on individuals and local environment is managed to maximise community safety and quality of life 7.5 To ensure that a comprehensive, joined-up CCTV system is put in place as part of the Regeneration programme for public open spaces, town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods Ensure internal security of buildings is addressed during the design of all new developments. Ensure that security of residents is considered in the design of new developments Assign liaison person to provide support to residents in new developments Develop taking-in-charge procedures for services and facilities Deploy adequate resources to support ongoing construction works Ensure regular maintenance of building sites and removal of builders rubble. Ensure compliance with Health and Safety regulations by builders Design, install and monitor centralised CCTV system in collaboration with other partners in steering group Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Internal security improved in new developments Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Security of residents improved in new developments Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, An Garda Síochána, Dublin City Council 2007 Liaison person appointed 2007 Procedure developed Ongoing Decrease in numbers of incidents on building sites Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Incidents relating to rubble decreased Ballymun Regeneration Ltd Ongoing Health and Safety legislation implemented Ballymun Regeneration Ltd, Dublin City Council, An Garda Síochána Centrally controlled CCTV system, installed by Ballymun Regeneration Ltd and Dublin City Council