Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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127. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality the extent to which community policing remains available to the various Garda Síochána divisions; the extent to which this continues to be a feature of policing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13801/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will appreciate that the deployment of Garda resources and the implementation of policing strategies are matters in the first instance for the Garda Commissioner.

An Garda Síochána places great emphasis on the importance of the partnership between An Garda Síochána and the community in preventing and detecting crime, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. In this regard the Garda National Model of Community Policing plays a key part in responding to crime by taking into account and responding to local conditions and needs. Within this framework, An Garda Síochána continues to tackle local crime issues including public disorder and anti-social behaviour by working with communities and business groups, including the hospitality industry, to reduce crime and enhance community safety. This approach includes a strong focus on quality of life issues and collaboration with local authorities to help address the causes of anti-social behaviour and related criminality. I am advised that there is a community policing team in each Garda District.

Particular developments in recent years include, the national ‘Garda Supporting Safer Communities Campaign’ which reaffirms the community policing ethos through the hosting of various local activities and as part of which Gardaí give important Crime Prevention and Road Safety Advice. In addition, Garda Community Crime Prevention Guidelines, which build on the work of existing partnership programmes such as Neighbourhood Watch and Community Alert, were published in January 2013. The guidelines give information and advice to help establish new community “watch” groups and also to revitalise existing groups where necessary.

Furthermore, the Garda Text Alert Scheme was launched in September 2013 and it provides a further mechanism for Gardaí to provide crime prevention information to community contacts who in turn forward the information to all members of a community groups. This initiative has developed as an important crime prevention mechanism with over 600 local groups involving in excess of 120,000 subscribers and with an estimated 200,000 text messages sent each month under the scheme. I am informed that every Garda Division, rural and urban, now offers the text alert service and An Garda Síochána have published guidelines to assist in the establishment and operation of local groups.

In August last year, in line with the commitments in the Programme for Government, I published new guidelines for the operation of Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) which have an important role in supporting local community policing partnerships. The guidelines were finalised following a wide ranging consultation process and take account of the general reforms in local government structures.

I can assure the Deputy that I share the Commissioner's commitment to proactive engagement with communities in addressing crime prevention and community safety issues, and that the arrangements and measures in place are under continuous review and development.