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While people are frustrated, there is still regard for gardaí, the chairwoman of the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland has said.
Speaking at a commission public forum in the Civic Centre in Athlone, Co Westmeath, on Thursday evening, Kathleen O'Toole said people want to work with gardaí to get things right.
“This is a huge opportunity, and every crisis presents an opportunity. Public trust has been shaken to some extent, and it’s time to get back on track,” she told those in attendance.
The forum is part of a series of events around the country planned by the commission.
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Ms O’Toole said public consultation was important for encouraging submissions. “The people know best what their expectations of the police are, and we want our report to reflect that,” she said.
“What works in Athlone may not work in Galway or the country, so we are asking for views around Ireland, and we want our work to be a reflection of the community.”
Action required
Mayor of Athlone Aengus O’Rourke told those in attendance he believed the report on the Commission of the Future of Policing in Ireland would demand significant investment from the Government.
“Action will be required, and I’ve absolutely no doubt on that,” he said.
“It needs to be upgraded because there is a hopeless situation locally where attendances at a Garda station are recorded by hand on a sheet of paper. In this day and age, that is unbelievable.”
The mayor also said there is a need for a return to a traditional policing model where gardaí are on the streets.
“They need to be on the beat, touching in with families and schools, and talking to parents of children, and coaches in clubs,” Mr O’Rourke said.
“These are things we have lost which were happening when I was young. It is one of the consequences of the recession – that move away from community policing.”
The submission deadline is January 21st, 2018, and a report from the commission is due next September.