COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, June 12, 2017

HEADED ITEM NO.6a)

HEADED ITEM: C. Performance and Change Management Directorate

 

b) JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT

South Dublin County

Joint Policing Committee

Annual Report 2016

                                        

 

 Agreed by South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee on 26th May 2017

                                                                               

              

                                                                                                         

South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee

Annual Report 2016

 

  1. Introduction

The South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee was established on the 26th October 2007. The Committee continues to provide a forum for representatives from An Garda Síochána, South Dublin County Council, Óireachtas members and Community representatives, to make an important contribution to addressing issues relating to crime locally, to get together in a regular and structured way, to consult with each other and to discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of South Dublin County. The JPC is a partnership, co-operative in nature and operating with the minimum of formality to identify, raise awareness of and find solutions to issues impacting on, or causing concerns for the local community.

South Dublin Joint Policing Committee continues to be a partnership between an Garda Síochána, South Dublin County Council and the residents of South Dublin County.   Members of the Joint Policing Committee work together to help prevent crime and solve neighbourhood problems by:

The work of the LPF Management Committees and LPF Public Meetings convened by the four Local Policing Fora and their role and reporting relationship to the JPC increases community involvement and trust in the work of the committee. Over the past year the JPC has widened its membership to include representatives from the Public Participation Network (PPN), the Chairs of both Tallaght and Clondalkin Drug Task Forces and to have representation from the Garda Diversion Projects.

 

  1. Structure

 2.1       Membership of the JPC

The beginning of 2015 saw representation from the Public Participation Network (PPN), Drug & Alcohol Task Forces and the Garda Diversion Programme. The following diagram illustrates the membership of the JPC.

2.2       Garda Síochána Districts

           South Dublin County JPC is covered by two Garda Regions:

 The Regions are split into Districts and Sub Districts:

Sub District

District

Superintendent

Divisional HQ

Chief Superintendent

Clondalkin

Clondalkin

Brendan Connolly

Blanchardstown

Lorraine Wheatley

Rathcoole

Clondalkin

Brendan Connolly

Blanchardstown

Lorraine Wheatley

Ballyfermot

Clondalkin

Brendan Connolly

Blanchardstown

Lorraine Wheatley

Ronanstown

Lucan

Dermot Mann

Blanchardstown

Lorraine Wheatley

Lucan

Lucan

Dermot Mann

Blanchardstown

Lorraine Wheatley

Rathfarnham

Tallaght

Peter Duff

Crumlin

Orla McPartlin

Tallaght

Tallaght

Peter Duff

Crumlin

Orla McPartlin

Crumlin

Crumlin

Michael Cryan

Crumlin

Orla McPartlin

Terenure

Terenure

Pat Conlon

Crumlin

Orla McPartlin

 The following map sets out the five Garda Districts that cover South Dublin County, note some Districts cut across the County boundary.

3             South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee Work Plan

 

Priority Issue

Actions taken in relation to each priority issue

Responsibility

Timescale for Action

 

Summarise Progress Achieved

1

To promote positive crime prevention and community safety initiatives through the media and the JPC web page on the South Dublin County website

 

To increase activity by including information on community safety initiatives and projects

·   JPC Executive (Supported by SDCC

Ongoing

Available at http://www.sdcc.ie/services/community/joint-policing-committee/

 

2

Deter crime and anti- social behaviour in public parks

 

Subgroup with support from Parks Department SDCC ended in 2016 and the implementation of the findings in the report ‘Reclaiming our Parks’ now considered by the JPC

 

·   JPC Committee

Ongoing

 

3

To support Community CCTV Programmes in South Dublin County

 

To provide ongoing support and 24/7 monitoring for the following schemes:

·   North Clondalkin

·   Jobstown

·   Fettercairn and Brookfield

·   Killinarden

 

·   Gardaí

·   Local Authority

Ongoing

CCTV continues to be   monitored and to act as a resource for Gardaí in tackling crime in these areas

4

To provide continued support for Pro-social initiatives in the County

·   Support inter agency projects such as the Drug & Alcohol Task Forces, Late Night Football Leagues, Tallaght West Childhood Development Initiative, Social Integration projects etc.

·   Develop a close liaison between the JPC and its members and inter agency projects in the County.

·   Report to the JPC on initiatives throughout the County.

·   Provide support for pro-social projects by improved coordination between Gardaí, SDCC and Community Representatives

 

·   JPC members

·   Children’s Services Committee,

·   CDI

·   Local Partnerships

·   Community/Voluntary Sector

·   Local Drugs & Alcohol Task Forces

·   FAI

 

Ongoing

South Dublin County continues to have a large number of pro-social initiatives which are managed and directed by inter-agency working groups. This has resulted in the continued partnerships on Night-Time Leagues, new Halloween events, social integration projects, and community safety initiatives.

 

5

To plan for events attracting large crowds

 

·   Ensure that events attracting large crowds are a safe and enjoyable experience for all those who live, work and visit South Dublin County.

·   Build on the good working relationship between the Gardaí, South Dublin County Council, the Community and other stakeholders in co-ordinating events

 

·   SDCC

·   Gardaí

·   Public Transport providers

·   Local Communities

·   Local Businesses

 

Ongoing

Festivals were held in many villages in 2016 and these were organised in partnership between an Garda Síochána, SDCC and the local community.

 

6

Improve the process of engagement and interaction between local community reps. An Garda Síochána, Elected Representatives, South Dublin County Council, Local Drug & Alcohol Task Forces on matters concerning community safety.

 

·   Support the work of the Local Policing Fora in the County, with each LPF making a report at each JPC meeting

·   Consider recommendations of the Local Policing Fora

·   Support public and other meetings organised by the Local Policing Fora

 

·   Joint Policing Committee

Ongoing

This work has continued in 2016 with public meetings organised in three of the LPF areas

7

Support the recommendations contained in the National Commission on Restorative Justice by increasing relations with the Restorative Justice Service in Tallaght

 

Establish relationship between JPC Committee and Restorative Justice Services as outlined in the National Commission on Restorative Justice

 

·   Gardaí

·   SDCC

·   Restorative Justice Service

·   CDI West Tallaght

·   Community Mediation

·   Local Community

 

Ongoing

Contact remains with restorative justice and community mediation services. The Garda Síochána SARA continues to be available as a problem solving tool for local communities.

 

8

Consult with Young People in the County regarding community safety

Contact is ongoing with South Dublin Comhairle na nÓg

·   Gardaí

·   SDCC

·   Comhairle na nÓg

·   Youth Services

·   Local Community

Ongoing

Arrangements are in place for regular reporting and contact between the JPC and the Comhairle.

 

9

Support South Dublin County as an Age Friendly County which is a safe place for older persons

Continue to support the Age Friendly Network and continue to work on any safety issues identified by the Forum Age Friendly Alliance

Work with the Network and other partners on the Text Alert Scheme

·   SDCC

·   Gardaí

·   Age Friendly Network

Ongoing

An Garda Síochána are on the Steering Committee.   Arrangements are in place for reporting to the JPC. Crime prevention advice is available to older persons groups throughout the County. A Community Safety brochure is being developed. A new lock scheme was introduced in 2016

 

10

Support the implementation of the South Dublin County Integration Strategy

Work on any actions identified that can improve the quality of life and safety of residents in the County

·   SDCC

·   Gardaí

·   Local community

Ongoing

Work is ongoing with organisations to encourage reporting of incidents. Local organisations are also aware of officials in various organisations who have special responsibility for integration.   SDCC/Garda clinics are available in a number of community centres.

 

11

Support the work of the Intimidation Sub-group of the JPC

 

Continue to provide support to the Group

·   SDCC

·   Gardaí

·   JPC

·   Local Drug & Alcohol Task Forces

 

Ongoing

The group continued to meet and a seminar was held in May 2016 that made a number of recommendations.

 

4          Advice/Recommendations provided by the Joint Policing Committee to the local authority and the Gardaí during the year

The JPC has discussed many different issues at their meetings and in 2016 these included:

 In South Dublin County, the Gardaí and the Local Authority have a good working relationship. Contact is made both at Senior Level, through the JPC and other inter-agency committees and also at operational level with the Community and Housing Departments and the Community and Juvenile Liaison Sections of the Gardaí. Crime Prevention and Traffic problems/blackspots were examples of issues discussed at JPC meetings.

 4.1       Intimidation

Following repeated reports from members of the JPC and recommendations from the South Dublin County Community Platform, the JPC set up a small working group to consider this topic. Both the Gardaí and Local Authority officials are very involved together with members of the Drug & Alcohol Task Forces. The group continues to meet. Two Seminars on the issue were held; in 2011 (Community Platform) and 2012 (JPC), there was a poster campaign started in 2013 that continued into 2014. In 2016 a further Seminar to review progress on the issue was held. At this seminar a number of suggestions were made including:

4.2       Age Friendly County

There are currently a wide range of projects and initiatives in place which help to improve community safety and reduce levels of fear. These have included attendance by Gardaí at post offices on Friday and visibility at places of worship and community meetings. The Gardaí are also committed to raising awareness with young people of the impacts of antisocial behaviour on older neighbours. Crime Prevention Officers from an Garda Síochána continue to meet regularly with older persons groups throughout the County. The JPC supported the initiative to have a Home Security Lock Scheme which fitted over 500 locks for older people in 2016.

 4.3       Integration Strategy

An integration strategy was prepared for South Dublin County. The JPC continues to support the implementation of the community safety actions contained in the strategy.  

 4.4       Safety in Parks

The Joint Policing Committee set up a Parks Working Group in November 2009 to look at safety in public parks. This group provided a comprehensive report to the Joint Policing Committee which listed 52 recommendations. Following consideration of the report, the JPC set up a small working group to monitor progress on the implementation of the recommendations; this involves both the Gardaí and the Local Authority. The JPC agreed that the work of this group should now be considered by the JPC and the Parks Working Group has now finished its work.

4.5       CCTV

The Joint Policing Committee considers that CCTV is an important tool in combating crime and anti-social behaviour. The Community CCTV schemes in Tallaght and Clondalkin are now monitored 24/7 in Tallaght and Ronanstown Garda Stations. Both the County Council and the Gardaí are working closely together to ensure that the CCTV schemes in this County are successful in terms of safety, prevention and intervention.

 4.6       Halloween 2016

An interagency approach which included the Council, Gardaí, Fire Brigade and Dublin Bus continued to promote a Safe Halloween through radio, school visits, and the early collection of bonfire material and co-operation from local communities. North Clondalkin Halloween Festival ran over 4 days, Monday 31st October to Friday 4th November. All events were very well attended and the number of children and adults attending events increased significantly on last year’s activities.

 4.7       Late Night Leagues

The late night leagues continue to be successful throughout the County with new venues and age groups added in 2014. The initiative is based around the concept of using football as a tool for social inclusion and learning, divert youths from Crime and anti-social behaviour and encouraging at risk young people to participate in meaningful activities, thus reducing anti-social behaviour. These leagues were run twice in 2014 in the following venues

Date

 

Venue

Teams

Comment

Winter 2015

 

Collinstown – North Clondalkin

 

 4 teams

Numbers down due to storm conditions

Winter 2015

 

Lucan – Weston Hockey Pitch

 

 13 teams

Up on last year’s attendance

Winter 2015

 

Tallaght – Astro Park

 21 teams

Up on last year’s attendance

 

Winter 2015

 

Clondalkin – Clondalkin Leisure Centre

 

 9 teams

Numbers down due to storm conditions

 

Finals Irishtown

 

 

 

Attendance at each venue ranged from 60 players to 100 players weekly with some venues having up to 80 spectators

5          Local Policing Fora and Public Meetings

South Dublin County Joint Policing Committee set up three Local Policing Fora which are located in Tallaght, Clondalkin and North Clondalkin. In addition South Dublin County covers part of the D12 Local Policing Forum. Public meetings are organised by the Local Policing Fora and supported by the Joint Policing Committee. Each Local Policing Fora is made up of representatives of the Local Authority, Garda Síochána, Elected Representatives, Local Drugs Task Force and local residents. The relevant Superintendents/Chief Superintendents with Inspectors and Community Garda attend these meetings together with senior managers from the Housing and Community Department of Dublin County Council. This commitment by the most senior Gardaí and Local Authority officials has been recognised by the Local Policing Fora members and the local community. This also allows the most senior staff in both organisations to hear the difficulties, fears and concerns first hand from residents. The Local Policing Fora also allow for input and discussion with other local safety initiatives such as the Dublin Bus/LUAS Fora.

  

LPF Management Committees met regularly throughout 2016 and public meetings were held in three areas. Reports from the public and management meetings have been presented to all meetings of the JPC in 2016.

 The following issues have been raised in 2016 at public meetings and again at Local Policing Fora management meetings in the four areas:

 

 

Clondalkin:   

D12: 

 

North Clondalkin Lucan, Palmerstown Local Policing Forum:

Tallaght:

5.1       LPF Relationship with the JPC

The Local Policing Fora provide a report to each meeting of the Joint Policing Committee and the agenda allows for consideration and discussion on the items raised.

 The following chart shows the relationship between the LPFs and the JPC. Two areas South West Clondalkin and North Clondalkin have Community Safety Forums covering part of the LPF area. The Community Safety Forums have representatives on the LPF Management Committees to ensure a flow of information.

  

5.2       Dates of JPC & LPF Meetings 2016

 

 

Jan

 

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

JPC

29

 

 

 

27

 

 

 

23

 

25

 

JPC Intimidation Sub Cttee.

14

17

29

27

11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clondalkin LPF Man. Cttee.

21

 

24

 

 

 

21

 

22

 

 

08

Clondalkin LPF Public Mtg.

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

 

29

 

 

 

D12 LPF Man Cttee.

13

 

21

18

19

28

27

 

7

20

 

 

D12 LPF Public Mtg.

 

 

 

20

 

 

7

 

 

26

 

 

N Clondalkin LPF Man. Cttee.

7

11

10

14

12

9

14

 

8

13

 

08

N Clondalkin LPF Public Mtg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10

 

W Tallaght LPF Man. Cttee.

Y

 

Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

W Tallaght LPF Public Mtg.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

5

2

4

3

3

2

4

0

5

3

3

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6          Attendance Record for JPC Meetings held in 2016

 

Name

29

01

16

27

05

16

23

09

16

25

11

16

Cllr. Colm Brophy

 

-

-

-

Cllr. Nicky Coules

A

 

 

 

Cllr. Maire Devine

P

-

-

-

Cllr. Paula Donovan

P

A

P

P

Cllr. Louise Dunne

-

P

A

P

Cllr. Kenneth Egan

P

 

 

P

Cllr. Brendan Ferron

-

A

P

P

Cllr. Paul Foley

P

P

P

P

Cllr. Paul Gogarty

A

P

P

P

Cllr. Sarah Holland

P

P

D

D

Cllr. Pamela Kearns

 

 

 

P

Cllr. Cathal King

P

P

 

P

Cllr. Brian Lawlor

-

A

 

 

Cllr. Kieran Mahon

 

 

 

 

Cllr. Ed. O’Brien

 

A

P

P

Cllr. Deirdre O’Donovan   (Chair)

P

P

P

P

Cllr. Liona O’Toole

P

P

P

P

Cllr. Guss O’Connell (Mayor)

-

-

A

 

Sean Crowe T.D.

 

 

A

P

John Curran T.D.

-

-

P

P

Senator Cait Keane

 

-

-

-

John Lahart T.D.

-

-

 

P

Eamon Maloney T.D.

 

-

-

-

Joanna Tuffy T.D.

 

-

-

-

Billy Coman (SDCC)

P

P

P

P

Chief Superintendent Orla McPartlin

P

P

P

P

Chief Superintendent Pat Clavin

P

P

-

-

Chief Superintendent Lorraine Wheatley

-

-

D

P

Ann Corrigan (PPN)

A

P

P

P

Tara Deasy (PPN)

P

P

A

P

Jim Lawlor (PPN)

 

P

P

P

Michael Noonan (PPN)

P

A

P

P

Eamon Dolan (D&ATF)

 

 

A

P

Ray McGrath (D&ATF)

 

 

 

 

Gemma Carton (Garda Diversion)

 

P

P

 

                Total

13

14

16

23

P-            Present

D-            Deputy attended

-               Not or no longer a member of the JPC