Mixed reactions as LCSP replaces JPC

The government has introduced new Local Community Safety Partnerships nationwide, replacing the old Joint Policing Committees.

Both initiatives aim to provide clarity on community safety issues through engagement with An Garda Síochána and other state bodies.

The Local Community Safety Partnerships will focus more on that community aspect, through engagement with local communities and their representatives.

Councillor Michael Dollard, who was a member of the Joint Policing Committee, remains sceptical about the changes.

“I'm always wary of such a large group meeting, because I often see that having a smaller core can be much more effective.

“Councillors are generally on the ground, and I would have thought councillors know what's happening and can act as a link with the Gardai.”

Councillor Dollard went on to question the changes, but acknowledged that it was better to have something in place rather than nothing.

“What's proposed now is that there will be a lot more state agencies involved, and I'm asking myself, is there much value in that?” Michael concluded.

Dave Raftis, a previous member of the JPC and Midland Regional Drugs Task Force, spoke about JPC and its limitations.

“We were adhering to a fairly formal structure, which made us all a little bit frustrated.

“Although we did work very well with local politicians and councillors because we were all looking for the same thing, more boots on the ground when it came to policing.”