Agenda and minutes

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr Enda Stenson

             SECONDED by Cllr Justin Warnock

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Joint Policing Committee Meeting of 29th March 2021

1 . Information leaflet produced by YAPS Garda Youth Diversion Project and the Garda Juvenile Liaison Office, An Garda Siochana Sligo/Leitrim on “Get the facts about Knives”.

2.  Launch of Public consultation on Policing Priorities for An Garda Siochana for 2022  

Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed Pat Forde, Regional Director, Youth Work Ireland North Connaught and Sergeant Orla McGrath to the meeting.

Pat Forde gave a presentation as set out in Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting on the Youth Education and Awareness Programmes.

Sergeant Orla McGrath delivered the second half of the presentation as set out in Appendix 1 to the Minutes of this meeting on “Use your Brain not your fists” Programme.

Councillor Enda McGloin thanked both Pat Forde and Sergeant McGrath for their presentations and invited questions from the Members.

Janice Raine Conick paid tribute to both presentations received and queried how many more schools in Leitrim have to complete the programme and where can one access the information leaflets entitled “Get the facts about Knives”.

Sgt Orla McGrath said St Clare’s Secondary School in Manorhamilton was unable to come into the programme and the information leaflets are available from Leitrim County Council, An Garda Síochána and North Connaught Youth Services.

Councillor Justin Warnock sought clarification regarding the responsibility of, and interaction with, parents of children aged 12-18 years of age that are found in possession of a  knife.

Mr Forde said An Garda Síochána use their discretion and talk to the young people and their parents.  Mr Forde said a lot of people are unaware that carrying a knife is an offence.

Sergeant McGrath said that when underage children are found in possession of a knife the parents and the young person are engaged in discussion.

Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to Pat Forde, Regional Director, Youth Work Ireland North Connaught, Sergeant McGrath, An Garda Síochána and Suzanne Duffy, Leitrim County Council and all those involved in these very useful programmes for the Youth.

Councillor Mary Bohan said she is sure that St Clare’s Secondary School will undertake the programme in due course, and she acknowledged all the programmes that schools and teachers are currently delivering.

Councillor Enda Stenson complemented the young people who have engaged and participated in this programme as peer-to-peer communication with young people is the correct way to progress this programme.

Councillor Justin Warnock asked if younger children could be engaged in these programmes.

Mr Forde said this programme is not generally rolled out to children in primary schools.  Generally, children aged 8-11 engaged in the programme are those with family members on the fringes of the Criminal Justice System.

The LA 16 Collision report and evaluation procedure form is completed by An Garda Síochána with the purpose of collecting data at road traffic collision sites where a fatality has occurred or that are likely to become fatal. Inspector Curry said thankfully no such incidents have occurred year-to-date in Leitrim.

Superintendent Christopher Grogan said this was his first meeting at the Joint Policing Committee. He was appointed in December 2020 but due to a serious injury he sustained was unable to take up the role officially until May 2021. He paid tribute to Inspectors Curry, Collins and Tracey for all their help.

Superintendent Grogan said that An Garda Siochana are down 4 members in the Leitrim District and the Chief Superintendent is continuing to seek more resources.

Superintendent Grogan gave a presentation on the crime statistics for County Leitrim for 2021 up to 17th March compared with 2020. He said that 334 drug searches have taken place to date this year which are up 118% from 45 to 98.  Burglaries are down 55% from 33 to 15, Thefts are down 13% from 24 to 21, Assault Minor is down 24% from 26 to 19, Assault Causing Harm is down 50% from 10 to 5.

There are increased patrols on coastal and inland waterways. 186 Covid Fines were issued for the period 1st January 2021 to 30th April 2021, 135 of these fines were for movement of people and 49 for events. Domestic violence incidents are up over 60% this year. Superintendent Grogan paid tribute to Sergeant McGrath and assisted by Pat Forde, Regional Director Youth Ireland North Connaught on Youth Education and Awareness Programmes which are a good starting point for young people.

Superintendent Grogan said Mohill Garda Station will be refurbished in a few weeks with Gardai being temporarily relocated to Carrick-on-Shannon or Drumshanbo while the works are ongoing. Mobile gardai clinics will being made available for the duration of the works. Kinlough Garda Station is also due for refurbishment works.

Superintendent Grogan said there were 13 drink driving offences, 12 drug driving offices, 3 traffic collisions resulting in serious injuries and no fatal traffic accidents.  217 checkpoints have been in place to date and 496 patrols have been carried out.  A road safety campaign aimed saving lives will be held from 14th to 18th June 2021.  A drink driving campaign will take place from the  5th to 7th June 2021.

Councillor Enda McGloin thanked Superintendent Grogan for his comprehensive report.

Councillor Mary Bohan congratulated Superintendent Grogan on his appointment and thanked him for his report.

Councillor Mary Bohan sought clarification if the increase in the domestic abuse related to the entire division or was this a figure specific to county Leitrim and she asked what agencies are involved in dealing with this problem as this is a very worrying trend.

In welcoming Superintendent Grogan, Councillor Justin Warnock extended an invitation to visit Kinlough.  Councillor Warnock paid tribute to An Garda Siochana for their activity in Kinlough and he noted that the citizens are happy with the increased presence.  Councillor Warnock said he would like to see the staff in Kinlough Garda Station going up from 5 to 6.  Councillor Warnock queried if there will be a mobile unit in Kinlough when refurbishment works are taking place on the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Can I ask for a update on the focus of the Gardai, as a community based organisation, with community engagement. This would be very reassuring especially for the rural areas of the country.

Can I ask for an update on the focus of the Gardai, as a community-based organisation, with community engagement. This would be very reassuring especially for the rural areas of the country.

Inspector Curry said there have been 496 patrols year to date through the community.  There has been phenomenal engagement by the Gardai with communities over the past year, with welfare engagements, and programmes such as a light up campaign, Christmas Card and Easter Egg campaign being very much appreciated by the older and vulnerable in communities.  The Crime Prevention Officer is available and if members have any concerns to link in with Sergeant McGrath in this regard.

Are there any additional bye-laws or other powers that the Gardai may require to address any potential issues with on street drinking in light of public health Covid guidance which recommends outdoor dining and hospitality?

Are there any additional byelaws or other powers that the Gardai may require to address any potential issues with on street drinking in light of public health Covid guidance which recommends outdoor dining and hospitality?

Superintendent Grogan said the Public Order Act is the legislation that An Garda Siochana rely on in this regard and he acknowledged that there are currently no bye-laws in Leitrim. The introduction of byelaws is a matter for Leitrim County Council to consider and if they are introduced An Gardai Siochana will enforce them.   Each situation is dealt with on its own merits and where byelaws exist, they are an additional resource for the gardai to use.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Joint Policing Committee will be held at 11 am on Monday, 4th October 2021.

The date in quarter 3 for the public meeting will be confirmed later in the year. Councillor Enda McGloin proposed that this meeting take place in North Leitrim depending on the public health advice in place at that time.

Councillor Enda McGloin thanked everyone for their attendance and participation.