Martin Ferris (Kerry North, Sinn Fein)
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Question 395: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the broken windows theory of crime prevention; and if the Garda has given it consideration or planned to implement it on a trial basis. [32489/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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A basic point made by Wilson and Kelling in their 1982 article Broken Windows is that fixing problems when they are small is the most successful strategy. I believe that the Joint Policing Committees provided for in the Garda Síochána Act 2005 can make a significant contribution to addressing problems which communities face. The Committees provide a forum where An Garda Síochána and the local authority — the two organisations which make the most significant contribution to preventing and tackling crime in a specific area — can get together in a regular and structured way, with the participation of members of the Oireachtas and community and voluntary interests, to consult with each other, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the area.

On 24 September I launched, with my colleague the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the roll out of the Committees from the current pilot phase in 29 local authority areas to all 114 local authority areas. An Garda Síochána and the relevant local authorities will now commence establishing the Committees in accordance with new Guidelines. I strongly believe that the Committees meet an identified need and have great potential to ensure that policing is responsive to local needs.

I am informed that the work of an internal Garda working group established by the Commissioner to develop a model of community policing for both urban and rural community policing is well advanced. Engagement with the community is a key priority of An Garda Síochána, and community policing is constantly being reviewed and developed.