Cross Border Policing Strategy Published

An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, with the support of the Department of Justice and Law Reform and the Department of Justice have published a Cross Border Policing Strategy.

The Strategy aims to build on existing practical and strategic co-operation, and identify a number of key strands of work where both Police Services feel that co-operation and supporting legislation can become even stronger.

Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy commented on the rationale behind the strategy:

“Terrorism, serious and organised crime, and local crime strike fear into the heart of communities and know no boundaries. It is therefore increasingly important that law enforcement agencies work in partnership to achieve the shared objective of keeping all of our communities safe.

“In recent months, through sharing information and intelligence, and by putting in place joint policing operations, many instances of terrorism, serious and organised crime and local crime have been prevented. This has, undoubtedly saved lives, while ensuring those involved in such activity are identified and brought to justice.”

Chief Constable Matt Baggott added: “I am deeply indebted to my colleagues in An Garda Síochána for the level of support and co-operation the PSNI receives on a daily basis. In the current climate it is even more pertinent for police officers to be able to utilise the experience, knowledge and, technological capabilities available across both jurisdictions, to the best possible effect.

“The Cross Border Policing Strategy seeks to build on the existing co-operation and enhance the policing capabilities of both Police Services. Even stronger alliances in relation to cross border investigations and operations, intelligence sharing and security right through to communication and information technology, training and emergency planning will benefit both organisations. Over the next three years, we will work to implement objectives linked to such aspects.”

Welcoming the strategy Minister for Justice and Law Reform Dermot Ahern TD said: “I want to thank the Garda Commissioner and Chief Constable and their officers for the hard work that has gone into this new initiative, and for the hard work that underpins the North-South policing cooperation that it exemplifies. Those of us who hail from the border area understand better than most the importance of ensuring that the border does not present a barrier to the wellbeing and quality of life of those who reside on either side. I welcome this initiative not just for its breadth and its setting out of targets to be achieved, but for the commitment to accountability and continuous improvement it represents. It is a document which speaks to the professionalism of the organisations involved.”

Welcoming the Cross-Border Policing Strategy, Justice Minister David Ford said:

“The co-operation that exists between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána is stronger than ever. However, determined not to rest on their laurels, the publication of this strategy reinforces their commitment to ensuring that policing cooperation on both sides of the border continues to operate at the highest level.

“It is inevitable that much of the focus is on terrorism, and of course the two police services will continue to work hand in hand to frustrate the efforts of those who want to drag us back to the past. This new Cross-Border Policing Strategy however shows the breadth of co-operation that exists across the full range of policing areas and shows that both services will use all tools available to them to ensure that those who seek to exploit the border for criminal ends will not succeed.”

A copy of the Cross Border Policing Strategy is available on request from the Garda Press Office and will be published on the Garda website www.garda.ie and the Police Service of Northern Ireland website www.psni.police.uk/

Ends//..