Joint Policing Committee

Background

Joint Policing Committees were established under Section 36 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.  They offer local authority elected members, An Garda Síochána, members of the Public and members of the Oireachtas, the opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality of life within communities, by working together as a collective body.

The Sligo Borough Council Joint Policing Committee established in July 2006 as one of 22 pilots nationally, while a Joint Policing Committee was established in the Sligo County Council Administrative area in December 2008.

Membership of the Joint Policing Committees

Sligo Borough Council Joint Policing Committee

• All 12 local authority elected members of the Borough Council.
• 3 members of the Oireachtas.
• 2 officials nominated by the county manager, one of whom may be the county manager.
• 2 Garda officers nominated by the Commissioner and accompanied by other Garda Officers as need arises.
• 3 persons representing the Community and Voluntary sector in the borough.

Sligo County Council Joint Policing Committee

• 13 local authority elected members with at least 2 from each local electoral area.  Each political grouping on the County Council must be represented on the Joint Policing Committee. The Cathaoirleach is an ex-officio member. 
• 5 members of the Oireachtas.  Each political grouping represented by Oireachtas members should have representation among the five.
• The County Manager who is an ex-officio member and a person nominated by him. 
• 2 Garda officers nominated by the Commissioner and accompanied by other Garda Officers as need arises.
• 3 persons representing the Community and Voluntary sector in the county.

Functions of the Joint Policing Committee

To serve as a forum for consultation, discussion and recommendation on matters affecting the policing of both Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council administrative areas by:

1. Keeping under review:

   • levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in that area.
   • factors underlying and contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.
2.  Advising the Local Authority and the Gardaí on how best they might perform their functions.
3. Arranging and hosting public meetings concerning matters affecting the policing of the Local Authority’s administrative area.

How the Joint Policing Committee works

The Joint Policing Committees meet four times per year.   At each meeting the Gardai present a report on crime, public disorder and other policing issues relevant to the Joint Policing Committee.  The Council executive presents a report relating to council activities.

Other speakers may make a presentation, at the invitation of the Committee.

The Joint Policing Committee also agrees an Annual Work plan.

The committee must also hold one public meeting per year for which members of the public are invited to submit written questions to be addressed at the public meeting.

Issues for Consideration by the Joint Policing Committee

According to the Joint Policing Committee guidelines issued by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, issues for consideration by the Joint Policing Committee include:

• Illegal drugs; Traffic management; CCTV;
• Youth diversion; Public Order; Vandalism;
• Safer Neighbourhoods; Casual trading; Litter;
• Community-based crime prevention initiatives;
• Planning of major events attracting large crowds;
• Consideration of drink licensing applications;
• Estate management.

Joint Policing Committees are a facilitating body and a forum for discussion.  They are intended as a means of building trust and confidence, bringing communities together in a way in which all participants feel comfortable.  It is intended that the Joint Policing Committeess should engage with local community groups to the greatest degree possible as these groups are an important resource in tackling many of the issues addressed by the Joint Policing Committees.

For further information please contact Geraldine Timlin at 071 9111808 or by e-mail: gtimlin@sligococo.ie