Joint policing bodies to be set up by local authorities

EVERY LOCAL authority in the country is to set up a Joint Policing Committee (JPC) which has proved a success on a pilot basis.

The JPC will provide a forum where gardaí, local representatives and the community can develop a joint policing policy which reflects the concerns of local communities.

Some 114 JPCs will be set up. Already 29, including ones in all the major cities, have been operating on a pilot basis for the last two years. Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said the importance of JPCs was illustrated by recent powers given to local authorities through the Intoxicating Liquor Act.

"There has been huge powers given to local authorities over the last couple of years to move on issues of public order and intoxicating liquor, and this structured way of meeting will, hopefully, allow them to understand what the guards require and what the local authorities require the gardaí to do in their area," he said.

"I believe they will be as successful as the people who operate them allow them to be successful."

He said while serious crime gained much of the headlines, less serious crimes such as anti-social behaviour could have a serious impact on the quality of life in local communities. The JPCs could play a role in addressing these issues.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Eibhlin Byrne, said the alcohol abuse sub-group, which was set up as part of a pilot JPC in Dublin City Council, had helped shape the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2008 in relation to off-licences, opening hours of licensed premises and the late night licensing of pubs and clubs.

The council had also established a number of local taskforces compromised of local residents, gardaí, councillors and council officials to tackle anti-social behaviour in 10 local parks in the Dublin area.

The new JPC guidelines, issued to all 114 new JPCs, take on board the experience gained in the pilot phase and allow for the roll-out of the committees to all local authorities.

The functions of a JPC will include monitoring two broad areas.

Firstly, the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in its area, including patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs.

Secondly, it will address the broader issue of the factors underlying and contributing to the crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.