Minutes:
Chief Superintendent Glacken gave a presentation on the crime statistics for County Leitrim for 2020 compared to 2021 as of 26th September 2021. He outlined burglaries are down 52% from 58 to 28, thefts are down 16% from 87 to 73, minor assaults are down 54% from 23 to 13, drug searches are up 24% from 62 to 47, intoxicated driving vehicle detections are up 50% from 24 to 36 and drugs driving detections are up 79% from 14 to 25.
Chief Superintendent Glacken said that the Sligo Leitrim Divisional Protective Services Unit (DPSU) continues to receive referrals from the three Gardaí Districts, national Garda units’ and other agencies such as TUSLA, SATU and DVAS. The members of the unit currently have 96 active investigations. In addition, the unit continues to engage in various non investigative projects.
Members of the unit carried out joint training with Donegal Sexual Assault Treatment Unit and it is proposed that this training will be rolled out to all supervisors in the coming months. CPD training continues with probationary Gardaí, giving them an insight into the workings of the unit and best practice with regard to initial response to sexual and domestic crime. An Garda Siochana work in conjunction with the other members of the Sexual Assault Response Team, SATU, DVAS and TUSLA and in this regard a training day for professionals took place on 30th September 2021 with the aim being to provide a practical multi-agency approach to sexual violence.
The DPSU continues to actively engage and with the Diversity Strategy. A workshop with Sligo Traveller Support group took place recently and the Gardai look forward to building on the links made with this group. DPSU members also participated in a number of information days with members of the SMILY LGBTQ group, Islamic society, Indian society and residents of Globe House.
Councillor Enda McGloin thanked Chief Superintendent Glacken for his comprehensive report. Councillor Enda McGloin noted the surprisingly high figures in the report for drink drinking. Cllr McGloin sought clarification on the number of Gardai Community Engagement incidents and queried if these figures referred to interactions or actual issues that An Garda Siochána are dealing with.
Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed the figures relate to both.
Councillor Padraig Fallon welcomed that drug searches are occurring in County Leitrim. Councillor Fallon said the figures relating to the DPSU are startling and he asked if it would be possible to have a trained Garda dealing with protective services in Carrick-on-Shannon and Manorhamilton.
Councillor Mary Bohan paid tribute to An Garda Siochana for their report on the DPSU and how these issues are being dealt with. Councillor Bohan acknowledged that this is a specialised area and said it is important the public are made aware of this service. She asked how the members of the JPC can make the public more aware of how and where they can avail of these services.
Councillor Justin Warnock welcomed that burglaries are decreasing.
Chief Superintendent Glacken said the DPSU is a specialised unit and training is to be rolled out to all supervisors in the coming months and the unit will remain in Sligo. Victims of domestic violence will receive call backs within 7 days and are monitored every 30 days. People who ring are advised of all the services available to them. All Gardai are trained in risk assessment and a very comprehensive service is offered by An Garda Siochana who provide support, advice, and trust in response to these incidents.