Public meeting on Laois policing
The people of Laois are being asked to submit their views for the upcoming annual public meeting of the Laois County Joint Policing Committee (JPC).
The function of a Joint Policing Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authority administrative area. Members of the public have the right to make their views known and submit questions to the Joint Policing Committee.
Questions for the meeting will be accepted by the Joint Policing Committee from any individual member of the public, or collectively from any group/organisation.
Questions in relation to the meeting or JPC or any other relevant topic, should be submitted in advance in writing to Ms. Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Development, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise.
The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers, Laois County Council, JFL Avenue, Portlaoise on Monday, November 9 at 3.30pm
To submit questions email to [email protected] or by phone at Tel. (057) 8664060, no later than 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 9.
The committee asks to public note that in certain circumstances, it may not be possible to provide the information requested.
Gardaí say JPCs cannot discuss matters relating to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution, matters relating to the security of the State.
They add that JPCs may not discuss matters which may endanger security of individual(s), relate to an individual, expose information received in confidence, prejudice crime prevention or detection.
It also says that name and contact details of those submitting the question should be supplied but will not necessarily be publicised at the meeting.
GARDA EXPLAINER: What are Joint Policing Committees?
Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) aim to develop greater consultation, cooperation and synergy on policing and crime issues between An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities and elected local representatives. JPCs also facilitate the participation of the community and voluntary sectors in this regard.
A JPC is made up of:-
- Chairperson – Local Authority representative
- Garda Officers nominated by the Garda Commissioner
- Local Authority members
- Members of Oireachtas for area
- Community/Voluntary sector representatives
What are the functions of JPCs?
- Serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on policing and crime issues within Local Authority administrative areas
- Review levels and patterns of crime and related underlying factors
- Establish and coordinate Local Policing Fora
- Meet twice yearly (minimum)
- Annual public meetings
Are JPCs monitored?
Chief Superintendent, Community Relations & Community Policing is in charge of monitoring the JPC process. The functions of the National JPC Monitoring Office include:-
- Coordinating and advising on policy development
- Providing information and literature where appropriate
- Facilitating meetings and seminars
- Attending JPC meetings
- Managing a database of contact details and information about JPC meetings
- Monitoring and reviewing internet information
- Liaising with Police Services and Agencies
What are the responsibilities of JPCs?
All of the partners involved in JPCs have their own distinct perspective and inputs to offer. An Garda Síochána has adopted a proactive approach in developing and maintaining links with key stakeholders. It also provides Central Statistics Office and PULSE crime statistics and publishes a report.
The JPC partners also have their own responsibilities in ensuring that society’s policing needs are effectively met and safe and secure communities maintained.
How many JPCs are in operation?
An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of a JPC in each of the 114 Local Authority administrative areas. Due to the innovative nature of the JPC scheme and the number to be established, a pilot phase is in operation in 29 Local Authority areas.
What matters cannot be discussed by JPCs?
Matters relating to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution or matters relating to the security of the State. (Section 36 (4), An Garda Síochána Act 2005).
JPCs may not discuss matters which may:-
- Endanger security of individual(s)
- Relate to an individual
- Expose information received in confidence
- Prejudice crime prevention or detection
What is the legal basis for JPCs?
Section 35 of An Garda Síochána Act 2005 provides for the establishment of JPCs.