Longford Joint Policing Committee

Strategic Plan 2016 -2022

‘Policing in Partnership’

Working Together to Keep Longford a Safe and Enjoyable Place to Live

Adopted by Longford Joint Policing Committee on 16th May 2016

Contents

Foreword

1.Introduction

2.Background

3.Overview of JPC Revised Guidelines

4.Demographics of County Longford

5.Incidences of Crime in County Longford

6.Mission Statement

7.Our Strategic Priorities

8.County Longford JPC 6 Year Strategic Plan

Priority Area 1: Prevention of Crime Disorder & Anti Social Behaviour

Priority Area 2: Community Policing

Priority Area 3:Public Safety & Security

Priority Area 4: Misuse of Drugs, Alcohol & Related Crimes

Priority Area 5: Victim Support

Priority Area 6: Equality & Human Rights

Priority Area 7: Road Safety

Priority Area 8: Communication

9.Monitoring and Evaluation

Appendix 1

Foreword

County Longford Joint Policing Committee Strategic Plan demonstrates the commitment of An Garda Síochána and Longford County Council to work in partnership, with the wider community to keep County Longford a safe place to live. Personal safety, whether in the home, local communities or on the road is the right of every individual. Community safety is important for all people living, working and visiting Longford. County Longford has a high quality of life to offer and it is vital to the county to maintain this. A sense of feeling safe is key to maintaining a good quality of life.

The excessive consumption of alcohol allied to drug taking is associated with assaults and violent crime, while drink driving and speeding have been associated with death and injury on the roads. In many cases these deaths and injuries could have been avoided. This strategy recognises the importance of prevention measures and has identified substance misuse as a main contributing factor in crime. This committee has also identified road policing as a key priority in ensuring that we can travel safely on our roads.

The prevention of crime, public disorder and anti-social behaviour cannot be achieved by individuals or agencies in isolation and tackling crime is not a matter for the Gardaí alone. The aim of this six year strategy is to improve safety throughout the county through the provision of an enhanced partnership approach to preventing crime. This Strategy for County Longford sets out how the agencies involved can work jointly with residents, businesses and communities to reduce crime and promote safety in the county.

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Cllr Gerry Warnock

Chairperson

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1.Introduction

The aim of Longford JPC is to provide a forum where Longford County Council and the senior Garda officers responsible for the policing of County Longfordcan consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting policing in the countywith the participation of the local Oireachtasmembers and community interests.

The Garda Síochána Act 2005 states that ‘The JPC’s function is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the Local Authority administrative area and in particular to –

A:Keep under review the levels and patterns crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in that area (including the patterns and levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs), and the factors underlying and contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti social behaviour in the area.

B :Advise the local authority concerned and the Garda Síochána on how they might best perform their functions having regard to the need to do everything feasible to improve the safety and quality of life and to prevent crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour within the area,

C: Arrange and host public meetings concerning matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area,

D: Establish, in consultation with the local Garda Superintendents, as the committee considers necessary within specific neighbourhoods of the area, local policing fora to discuss and make recommendations to the committee concerning matters that it is to keep under review under paragraph (a) or on which it is to advise under paragraph (b), in so far as those matters affect their neighbourhoods,

E:Co-ordinate the activities of local policing foraestablished under paragraph (d) or otherwise.

A local authority shall, in performing its functions, have regard to the importance of taking steps to prevent crime, disorder and anti – social behaviour within its area of responsibility.

The Department of Justice and Equality, following a review of the operation of JPC’s, issued Revised Guidelines governing the operation of the Joint Policing Committees in August 2014. Longford Joint Policing Committee has been established in accordance with these guidelines (See Appendix 1 –Membership of LCDC )

This Strategic Plan serves as a statement of our intentions in regard to the manner in which we will address the relevant issues in accordance with our functions as set out in Section 36(2) Garda Síochána Act, 2005.

In seeking to achieve the objectives outlined here, we will help to ensure that County Longford is developed in line with Longford County Council’s mission statement:

‘Longford County Council will lead Economic Social and Community development by engaging with citizens and communities to improve quality of life and deliver customer focused quality services.’

Cllr. Gerry Warnock, Chairperson Longford Joint Policing Committee

Ciaran Murphy, Acting Director of Services, Longford County Council

Superintendent Fergus Treanor, Longford Policing District

Superintendent Sé Mc Cormack,Granard Policing District

2.Background

Joint Policing Committees were introduced under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 as a mechanism for identifying and addressing policing issues where adopting a partnership approach between An Garda Síochána, the Local Authority and the community is desirable to achieve a favourable outcome.

JPC’s are guided by a set of Guidelines issued jointly by the Departmentsof JusticeEqualityand Environment, Community & Local Government. The Guidelines were revised following the 2014 Local Elections, and the new Guidelines focus on the achievement of actions and adding value to the work of the various partner organisations.

The purpose of the Guidelines is to set out in detail the functions, composition and operation of JPC’s in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The Act (section 36) provides for the establishment of a JPC in each local authority administrative area. The purpose of these JPC’s is to provide a forum where a Local Authority and the senior Garda officer responsible for the policing of that area, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interests can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. It is intended that the JPC’s will be partnerships which are co-operative in nature and operate with the minimum of formality to identify, raise awareness of and find solutions for issues impacting on, or causing concerns for the local community. Through the work of a JPC both partners- the local authority and the Garda Síochána- along with Oireachtas members and community interests have the opportunity to contribute to the improved safety and quality of life of the community. It is essential that JPC’s take a strategic approach to their work so that issues arising can be dealt with in a considered and properly co-ordinated manner.

Conversely, the business of a JPC cannot be progressed by simply having an exchange of views on relevant Gardaí or local authority reports. It is imperative that local issues are addressed collectively and strategically and in this regard each JPC must have strategic plans which are focused on achieving co-ordinated actions to support enhanced policing and crime prevention. This Strategic Plan is produced in accordance with the guidance issued by the Department of Justice Equality and the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government.

Longford Joint Policing Committee was established on the 27th February 2009 as a result of the Garda Síochána Act 2005. The purpose of the Committee is to serve as a forum to discuss matters affecting the policing of Longford County Council’s administrative area. The JPC offers local authority representatives, the Gardaí, members of the Oireachtas and the public, an opportunity to work in partnership to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the county.

3.Overview of JPC Revised Guidelines

The former guidelines for the operation of JPC’s were issued in 2008 and heralded the establishment of these important partnership structures in all of the then existing local authority areas, as provided in the Garda Síochána Act 2005. A review of the operation of the committees commenced in 2012, to see if there were ways in which their operation could be enhanced and ensure that they were functioning as intended. The review process included a questionnaire to all existing members of Committees throughout the Country and the production of a discussion document which helped to facilitate a public consultation process. The review was managed in consultation with an Oversight Committee which included representatives of the Department of the Environment, Community Local Government and An Garda Síochána. The revised guidelines for the operation of the JPC were published in August 2014 and copies were made available.

Steering Committee

Each JPC must establish a steering group, consisting of the Chairperson of the JPC, two representatives of An Garda Síochána and the Chief Executive of the Local Authority or a person nominated by him or her. The function of the steering group will be to facilitate the efficient functioning of the JPC and in particular to ensure that it retains a clear focus on strategic and collaborative action. It will also arrange procedures for the appointment of any new or replacement members,draw up the agenda and arrange for documentation for meetings, be the point of contact for co-operation and joint action with other JPC’s and with any subcommittees of the JPC.

4.Demographics of County Longford

Socio-Economic Baseline

A Socio-Economic Baseline Study has been prepared as part of the preparation of the LECP, which provides a profile of County Longford. The Study provides data about County Longford at both County and small area/local electorate division level, thereby enabling a detailed depiction of the County’s social and economic character. It also draws comparison to wider regional and national data results, where applicable.

This profile is largely based on data collated from the Census 2011, including the CSO POWSCAR database. The data is also supplemented where appropriate with other CSO reports and available departmental statistical results, such as the Live Register and Quarterly National Household Survey and Department of Social Protection data, the Pobal HP Deprivation index, Fáilte Ireland datasets and the Longford GeoDirectory. The Socio-Economic Baseline Study is available to view and download on

In light of the fact that the Census 2016 was being conducted during the development of this plan, we will undertake a review of the Socio Demographic indicators within 18-24 months.

Analysis by County Settlement taken from the LECP baseline study 2015

Longford Town (Summary)

  • Population of 9,601 persons in 2011; a 6% increase on 2006, making it the largest town in the county by a significant margin.
  • A higher than average young population, with 20.6% aged 12 and under.
  • The proportion of people aged 25-34 years is higher than the national average.
  • 29.2% of households in the area are single person households.
  • 26.3% of the population is non-Irish nationals, with Polish accounting for 9.8%.
  • 6.4% of the town cannot speak English well or at all.
  • Deprivation in the town varies depending on proximity to the town centre; with the centre of the town classified as very disadvantaged, the surrounding areas disadvantaged, the outskirts marginally below average, and the surrounding rural area marginally above average.
  • 3 no. small areas which were classified as very disadvantaged had a high proportion of people with primary education only.
  • Between 2006 and 2011, the level of unemployment in the town increased significantly from 18% to 35%, giving it the largest proportion of unemployment for any of the main towns in the County.
  • 68% of residents work within the town, while 4% commute to Edgeworthstown, the second highest place of employment for Longford Town residents.
  • Of those working in the town, residents from the surrounding area account for 58% of the workforce, while the remainder commute from locations across the county and other regional settlements such as Mullingar, Athlone, Carrick-on-Shannon and Tullamore.

Edgeworthstown (Summary)

  • Population of 2,008 persons in 2011.
  • 26% of the population is under 15 years, which far exceeds the national average.
  • Nearly half the population was aged between 15 and 40 years.
  • The proportion of people aged 45-74 years is significantly lower than the national average.
  • 33% of the population was non-Irish nationals, with 12.7% consisting of Latvian and Polish nationals.
  • 7.8% of people stated their ability to speak English was poor.
  • Edgeworthstown has an unemployment rate of 32.2%, the second highest of the main towns in the county.
  • The majority of the town is classified as marginally below average and disadvantaged, with one area of the town classified as extremely disadvantaged. This area has a level of unemployment twice the county average, and a high proportion of people with disabilities.

Granard (Summary)

  • Population of 1,317 persons in 2011; an increase of 6% since 2006.
  • A large population in the 25-34 age cohort; approximately 5% higher than the County average.
  • Significant low population in the 35-49 age cohort in comparison to the state average.
  • 26% of the population is non-Irish nationals; the lowest proportion of the settlements analysed, but significantly higher than the state average of 12%.
  • The highest proportion of non-Irish nationals comprised of Polish nationals making up 14% of the population with 149 no. persons.
  • 24% (252 persons) of the population were identified as speaking a language other than Irish or English at home, while 9% have either poor or no English language skills.
  • The unemployment rate was 27.9%; 3.2% above the county average and almost 9% above the State average.
  • Affluence and deprivation vary, with the town centre classified as very disadvantaged and the surrounding land classified as marginally below average.
  • One small area in the town has a very high proportion of disabled people (21.2%).
  • Granard’s employee base is localized in the environs of its urban area, however, over 320 no. people in-commute for employment. This is nearly a 100% increase in the amount of persons working in the town, and significantly higher than other settlements.

Ballymahon (Summary)

  • 2011 population of 2,327; an increase of 23% since 2006.
  • Has a younger population with 9.5% of people aged 0-4 and 13% aged 5-12 years.
  • 11.8% of the population speak Irish on a daily basis
  • 28% of the population is non-Irish nationals; significantly higher than the county average of 14.1%.
  • Polish people make up 15.8% of the population.
  • 9.5% of the town has poor English language skills.
  • Unemployment rate of 30.7%; 11.7% above the State average.
  • Affluence and deprivation varies across the town, with the town centre classified as very disadvantaged and disadvantaged, the surrounding lands classified as marginally above average to the west, and marginally below average to the east.

Lanesborough-Ballyleague (Summary)

  • 2011 population of 1,377; an increase of 19% since 2006.
  • Older population with 18.7% aged 65 years or over; the oldest proportion of this age cohort of all settlements analysed.
  • 17.3% of the population is in the 0-12 year old cohort.
  • 29% of households are single person households.
  • Number of children per family is 1.2; lower than the national average of 1.4.
  • 16.8% of the population are non-Irish nationals and lower than other towns.
  • 4.8% of the population could not speak English well or at all.
  • Unemployment rate of 21.3%; one of the lowest for any settlement in the county.
  • Similar to other towns, affluence and deprivation varies, with the town centre classified very disadvantaged and surrounding land marginally above average.
  • Unemployment is higher in the town centre.

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5.Incidences of Crime in County Longford

Source: An Garda Síochána, Longford

6.Mission Statement

The mission of Longford Joint Policing Committee is:

County Longford JPC will endeavour to support the delivery of a ‘safe’ environment through the collaborative actions of members of the community, statutory agencies and the Gardaí.

7.Our Strategic Priorities

In preparation of the JPC 6 year Strategic Plan an advertisement was placed in the Longford Leader seeking submissions and the Members identified the following key strategic priorities for inclusion in the Plan. The strategic priorities reflect the concerns of the JPC and the broader community and encompass 8 key themes. The implementation of the Strategic Priorities for the JPC is formulated by the identification of key objectives to be delivered over the life time of the Plan as detailed below. The JPC will oversee the implementation and delivery of the strategic objectives and a progress report will be prepared on an annual basis. Under each objective key actions have been identified and have been assigned to a lead agency, a number of objectives will be delivered in a collaborative partnership approach by a number of stakeholders.

  • Prevention of crime, disorder and anti social behaviour
  • Community Policing
  • Public safety and security
  • Misuse of drugs, alcohol and related crimes
  • Victim support
  • Equality & Human Rights
  • Road Safety
  • Communication

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8.County Longford JPC 6 Year Strategic Plan

The implementation of the actions outlined in the Plan is subject to the necessary resources being made available.

Priority Area 1: Prevention of Crime Disorder & Anti Social Behaviour

Objective / Action / Lead Agencies& Partners / Timeframe
To reduce the number of crimes committed. / 1. Audit of current status of CCTV in Longford Town and encourage the provision of CCTV in other towns / An Garda Síochána, Longford County Council. / June 2016 – December 2022
2. Encourage all businesses to install CCTV. / Longford County Council, An Garda Síochána, Chamber of Commerce, Local Enterprise Office / June 2016 – December 2016
3. Highlight through the media the key precautions & simple steps that should be taken by homeowners / Longford County Council, An Garda Síochána. / June 2016 – December 2017
4. Identify areas where additional public lighting is required. / Longford County Council, An Garda Síochána / September 2016 – December 2022
5. Encourage the reporting of anti social behaviour / An Garda Síochána, Public Participation Network (PPN) / June 2016 – December 2022
6. Ensure that there is a visible policing presence in areas associated with anti social behaviour / An Garda Síochána / June 2016 – December 2022
7. Develop guidelines to create safe and secure design and layout of urban areas / Longford County Council, An Garda Síochána, / January 2017 – December 2018
8. Facilitate crime diversionary programmes throughout County Longford as an outreach provision from Longford town / An Garda Síochána, Foroige, Youth Services. / June 2016 – December 2022
9.Target local crime reduction and prevention initiatives, working with communities and business groups / An Garda Síochána / June 2016 – December 2022

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