Gardai roll out 10 new 'Community Engagement Vans' nationwide

An Garda Síochána said it's started using 10 new 'Community Engagement Vans' this month, saying the vehicles would effectively operate as "mobile Garda stations".

A statement issued by the Garda press office this morning (Thursday) said the vans would "enhance the high-visibility presence of Gardaí in their locality, and will operate as mobile Garda Stations where a range of services can be provided" to the public.

The vans are equipped with "audio visual equipment which will allow Gardaí to communicate to those attending public gatherings and outdoor events," and each van will also be able to transport two Garda mountain bikes.

Commenting on the initiative, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: "I am delighted to see the roll out of 10 bespoke community engagement vehicles which will operate as mobile Garda clinics on a regional basis.

"They will greatly enhance Garda visibility wherever they are deployed but will also enhance community engagement and outreach with the audiovisual equipment and the ability to sit in and have a chat with local Gardaí.

"These are a valuable investment and I look forward to seeing them in action across the country," said the Minister.

Paul Cleary, Assistant Commissioner for An Garda Siochana, Eastern Region, said: "Community engagement is at the centre of policing in Ireland, and these vans will further strengthen our ability to remain visible and accessible to those we serve.

"As the vans arrive in their regions they will be used by Gardaí to extend our proactive, positive, community based approach to help people feel safe and well supported by An Garda Síochána.

"Our Community Engagement Vans will be used for a variety of purposes but all will extend Garda visibility.

"We hope that people will spot the vans in their area and know that they can come speak with us there whether for a chat about a matter that we can assist with or to raise any issue."