Press Release

On 26th January 2009 Garda Commissioner, Mr. Fachtna Murphy, and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr. Dermot Ahern TD launched a new National Model of Community Policing at the official opening of a new Garda Divisional Headquarters in Ballymun.

Speaking at the opening, the Garda Commissioner highlighted the central role community policing must have in the daily work of An Garda Síochána. He said: 

"As an organisation, An Garda Síochána has a long-established tradition of fostering and developing close relationships within the communities it serves. I am a consistent and strong advocate of the concept of ‘Community Policing’ as I see it as central to An Garda Síochána’s ability to deliver a professional, effective and responsive policing service. 

It is essential that the community remains at the heart of everything we do, as they are our greatest ally in our work in preventing and detecting crime and protecting the safety of the people we serve". 

The Commissioner has nominated Deputy Commissioner Nacie Rice to act as the organisation’s Community Policing Champion to ensure that the culture and ethos of community policing is led from a high level in the organisation. A national community policing office will be established within Garda Community Relations Section and every district officer throughout the country will take ownership of community policing within their area of responsibility. 

Commissioner Murphy continued: 

"This new model builds on the success of existing good Community Policing practice and aims to create a policing environment where collaborative ‘Partnerships’ are fostered between An Garda Síochána and the community in order to find local solutions to local problems and increase safety and security in our society. 

Importantly, the model is built around ten core components or ‘Pillars’ which serve to inform everything Gardaí do in their interaction with the community. 

The ten “pillars” are partnership, enforcement, problem-solving, crime prevention and reduction, accountability, visibility, accessibility, collaborative engagement, empowerment and improved response." 

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD said: 

"I fully endorse the Garda Commissioner’s objective that community policing is an ethos that must be embedded throughout the entire Garda service. An Garda Síochána has carried out a detailed analysis and has consulted widely in preparing the plans and the Commissioner has placed an ambitious target for full implementation by the end of this year. I look forward to the realisation of these plans".