Agenda and minutes

On thePROPOSALofJanice Raine Conick

            SECONDED byLar Power

It was AGREED to adopt the Minutes of the Joint Policing Committee Meeting of 7^th February 2022.

1.               Letter of acknowledgement received from the Office of the Minister of Health dated 15^th February 2022 on foot of a Resolution passed by Leitrim County Council regarding proposed media campaign to highlight drug abuse.

2.               Resolution from Cork County Council received 13^th May 2022 asking the Chairperson of each JPC in the country to consider issuing a co-ordinated media release/ campaign on the dangers of increasing incidents of phishing and cybercrime.

Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed Ms Nicola McManus, Economic Development Section, Leitrim County Council and Mr John O’Riordan from J&N Security to give a presentation to the meeting on the Carrick-on-Shannon CCTV Phase 2 revised proposal.  Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin welcomed Mr Joe Dolan on behalf of Carrick-on-Shannon CCTV Company to the meeting.

Ms Nicola McManus, Economic Development, Leitrim County Council and Mr John O’Riordan, J& N Security gave a presentation to the meeting which appears as Appendix 1 to the minutes of this meeting.

Mr Joe Dolan of Carrick Community CCTV Ltd, said the proposed extension of the scheme covers newly developed areas in the town.  Mr Dolan said CCTV is not only about public order as it can prove very helpful in the case of incidents, or persons missing, on the river. Mr Dolan said the CCTV really enhances the visitor experience and because of its success the town has hosted many other communities wishing to replicate the scheme. Mr Dolan asked the Joint Policing Committee to endorse this proposal.

Councillor Sean McDermott supported the proposal and referred to a motion that Manorhamilton Municipal District Members have put forward for CCTV in Manorhamilton and he said that CCTV schemes should be rolled out to other towns and villages in the future.

On the Proposal of Councillor Justin Warnock

             Seconded by Sean McDermott

It was AGREED to support the Carrick-on-Shannon Community CCTV Phase 2 revised proposal.

Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin paid tribute to Mr Joe Dolan, the members of the Carrick CCTV company for their efforts in implementing the system.  Councillor Enda McGloin   wished Joe & Rosie Dolan all the best in their retirement from the Bush Hotel and he thanked Joe Dolan for his civic contribution.

Chief Superintendent, Aidan Glacken endorsed the Phase 2 proposal for Carrick-on-Shannon CCTV System, and he outlined how beneficial the initial scheme is to the community and how useful the system is for An Garda Siochana.

Superintendent Grogan informed members that the LA 16 Collision report has been sent to Mr. Darragh O’Boyle, Senior Executive Engineer for completion in regard to a fatal accident that occurred on the 3^rd March 2022 at Drumcong.

Chief Superintendent, Aidan Glacken outlined that An Garda Siochana participated in or hosted the following events in recent weeks

• Urkrainian Show case in Leitrim Village
• Drumsna Boxing Club
• The National Bike Week
• Transition Year & Youth Reach Education Awareness Quiz
• Human Trafficking Information Event
• Business Security Information Event
• Open Day at Carrick Garda Station
• Garda Schools Programme
• International African day in Market Yard
• Community Day in Manorhamilton
• Movie Night in Carrick Cinemaplex for new arrived Ukrainian nationals

Inspector Curry advised the Committee that there will be further property marking events hosted by the Community Engagement Unit based, Drumshanbo in communities across the county in the coming months.  Cathaoirleach, Councillor Enda McGloin asked Leitrim County Council to publish information on this initiative on social media and this request was agreed to.

Chief Superintendent Glacken gave a report that outlined yearly comparative statistics for various crimes such as burglaries, sexual offences, domestics incidents, criminal damage (Not by Fire), general road offence detections for the period up to 22^nd May.

Chief Superintendent Glacken outlined that more of a focus is being put on organised crime and targeting groups and individuals behind the sale and delivery of drugs into Leitrim. An Garda Siochana are also working with agencies to create an awareness amongst young people, around consent and healthy and unhealthy relationships which is believed to be lowering the types of crimes. 

Chief Superintendent Glacken outlined that 2 additional officers are being assigned to Carrick-on-Shannon station on a full-time basis specifically for drug related crimes in Leitrim. He also advised that 5 new Sergeants are being appointed to Leitrim.

Councillor Justin Warnock asked if An Garda Siochana have sniffer dogs that they can deploy in the public realm and on public transport, and have they enough resources to do this, as unfortunately drugs is a serious issue now in our communities.

Chief Superintendent Glacken said the Regional Drugs Unit is based in Galway and the Sligo/Leitrim Division have access to dogs when required and are deployed if and when needed and usually with cause. Chief Superintendent Glacken said drug use is on the increase and this can be seen in some of the driving and public order offences it is a societal, community and educational issue and this needs to be addressed collectively.

Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin thanked Chief Superintendent Glacken and

Superintendent Grogan for their update and he paid tribute to An Garda Siochana who had to deal with difficult investigations in Sligo in recent weeks and he welcomed that an arrest was made in this regard.

Can a solution be found regarding the ongoing issue of the use of CCTV systems been in place to prevent crimes and the ongoing problems local authorities are having of not been allowed to rollout CCTV systems.

Can a solution be found regarding the ongoing issue of the use of CCTV systems been in place to prevent crimes and the ongoing problems local authorities are having of not been allowed to rollout CCTV systems?

Councillor McDermott said this issue has been raised by Sligo County Council and he asked that alternative means of deploying CCTV is considered.

Chief Superintendent Glacken acknowledged that this issue was raised by the JPC in Sligo.  He outlined that CCTV is underpinned by Section 38 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005, and that applications for CCTV must be supplied with crime statics.  He acknowledged there is an issue around Data Protection, and this imposes certain restrictions on the local authority.

Ms Mary Quinn, Director of Services outlined that a clear lawful basis and necessary and proportionate need for the use of CCTV must be demonstrated, through the completion of a Data Privacy Impact Assessment. Leitrim County Council must act appropriately and comply with the current legislative framework.  CCTV can be implemented, however there is a process for each community to go through and they have to be compliant with Data Protection legislation.

Mr Lar Power confirmed the current system for the use of CCTV is very strict and the Data Protection Commissioner is very keen to ensure that existing and new CCTV systems are compliant with Data Protection legislation. Footage from CCTV cameras can only be used for the purpose for which it was approved and authorised.

Could I have an update on the proposed refurbishment works at Kinlough Garda Station and when is it envisaged to have designated opening times for the public at this station?

Could I have an update on the proposed refurbishment works at Kinlough Garda Station and when is it envisaged to have designated opening times for the public at this station?

Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed there is a programme of works scheduled for the upgrading of garda stations.  An Garda Siochana are engaging with the OPW in this regard and he outlined that An Garda Siochana don’t own these properties and he is awaiting the OPW to revert back with plans in this regard.

Chief Superintendent Glacken said it is his preference to have An Garda Siochana out on visible patrols rather than sitting in Garda Stations.

Councillor Justin Warnock said the public deserve to have Garda Stations open for at least 2 hours a week to enable people to deal with issues e.g., gun licenses, passports etc. Councillor Warnock also queried how often An Garda Siochana visit schools.

In response, Chief Superintendent Glacken said schools are scheduled to be visited twice a year.

Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin acknowledged that Carrick-on-Shannon Garda Station is open full time and he said operational stations should be open 1-2 hours a week.

As the number of refugees from Ukraine keeps growing in the Sligo / Leitrim Garda Division, has An Garda Siochána for this area, a designated interpreter and have they access to the resources necessary to deal with any policing issues which may arise?

As the number of refugees from Ukraine keeps growing in the Sligo / Leitrim Garda Division, has An Garda Siochána for this area, a designated interpreter and have they access to the resources necessary to deal with any policing issues which may arise?

Chief Superintendent Glacken referred to the Community Response Forum established to deal with Urkrainian people coming to Ireland and he confirmed An Garda Siochana have a designated interpreter. 

Chief Superintendent Glacken said An Garda Siochana have a phrasebook available to them that has been developed by the Sligo/Leitrim Division for translating certain phrases from English to Ukrainian.  Ms Janice Raine Conick asked if this phrasebook is available to members of the public to use and he confirmed it can be accessed by a QR Code. It was agreed that the QR code will be circulated to all members of the JPC.

Chairperson, Councillor Enda McGloin said there is an App available called “Say Hi” which is very good for translation purposes.

It was agreed the next Joint Policing Committee would take place on Monday, 3^rd October 2022 at 11 am.

Mr Kieran Brett confirmed the date for the public meeting will be 14^th September 2022 in the Ballroom of Romance in Glenfarne.