Assistant Commissioner Mick Feehan Dublin Region
Thoughts from the Literature a primary objective of the police has always been the prevention of crime. However, since some of the factors affecting crime lie outside the control or direct influence of the police, crime prevention can not be left to them alone. Every individual citizen and all those agencies whose policies and practices can influence the extent of crime should make their contribution. Home Office 1984
Thoughts from the Literature 2 given two equally effective community policing agencies, the agency that makes the greatest use of resources beyond its direct control should be viewed as the most efficient. These resources include those of other government and private organisation and citizen groups. Eck and Rosenbaum (1994: 17)
Thoughts from the Literature 3 the community must have a voice in the forums that define community policing itself, must be a ready and knowledgeable ally to the forces of reform, and in the neighbourhood where the benefits are supposed to be delivered, must have a serious part in implementing solutions as well as nominating the problems. Friedman (1994: 263)
Thoughts from the Literature 3 tackling crime is not a job for the police alone. Nor is it just for the police, local government, the Criminal Justice System or other public services acting together, important as that is the role of the public is equally if not more important. Casey (2008: 70) on UK Neighbourhood Policing
Garda Corporate Strategy The present mission statement as outlined in the Garda Strategy statement 2010-2012 is working with communities to protect and serve
National Model of Community Policing Defines community policing as a partnership based, pro-active, community-oriented style of policing which is focused on crime prevention, problem-solving and law enforcement, with a view to building trust and enhancing the quality of life of the entire community,
Community Policing Pillars (National Model) One of these pillars is entitled Garda-Community Partnerships, the main objective of which is the determination through consultation, of community needs and policing priorities, and to promote Garda accountability, transparency and effectiveness
Community Policing Pillars (National Model) A second Pillar is listed in the policy as Collaborative Engagement through which Community Gardai will engage in community partnership building, to enhance delivery of the Garda service within communities. The policy suggests that such engagement will be a collaborative process requiring An Gárda Síochána and Community Stakeholders, working together, to improve the quality of life of people in those areas and to reflect their needs and priorities.
Community Policing Pillars (National Model) Empowerment is listed as a third Pillar the policy states that with the establishment of Joint Policing Committees under Sec. 36 of the Gárda Síochána Act, 2005, the principle of public empowerment has essentially been placed on a statutory basis. That policy goes on to suggest that:- it is important however to look beyond what is legislated for and ensure that ownership, participation and shared responsibility exist at every level, and that the Gardai interact with the public through Community Policing to encourage and motivate communities to contribute responsibly to Community Policing, it is therefore imperative that they are given real ownership.
Garda National Model of Community Policing the establishment of partnerships at local level, should be seen as a cooperative effort to facilitate problemsolving as the problems presented to and faced by, an Gárda Síochána cannot be solved by the Gardai working alone. Crime and the prevention of crime is everybody s business.
Local Policing Fora The policy describes Local Policing Fora as one of the mechanisms which will bring about accountability and the shared or common goals of reducing crime and the fear of crime, reducing anti-social behaviour, and improving the quality of life of the community. National Drug Strategy establish Local Policing Fora in each LDTF area. Suggest that these fora, set up on the principles as