Joint Policing Committee Minutes

Minutes of meeting of The County Sligo Joint Policing Committee held on Friday 30th September 2022 at 10.30 a.m. in The Council Chamber, County Hall, Riverside, Sligo & Via Ms Teams


IN ATTENDANCE:

  • Councillor Marie Casserly, Vice-Chairperson (via MS Teams)
  • Councillor Martin Connolly (via MS Teams)
  • Councillor Arthur Gibbons
  • Councillor Sinead Maguire
  • Councillor Gino O’Boyle
  • Councillor Dara Mulvey
  • Councillor Paul Taylor
  • Martin Lydon, Chief Executive, Sligo County Council
  • Margaret McConnell, Senior Executive Officer, Sligo County Council (via MS Teams)
  • Chief Superintendent, Aidan Glacken, An Garda Síochána
  • Amanda Gaynor, Superintendent, An Garda Síochána
  • Padraic Burke, Superintendent, An Garda Síochána
  • Paul Kilcoyne, Superintendent, An Garda Síochána
  • John Moran, A/Director of Services, Sligo County Council
  • Aisling Smyth, Administrative Officer, Sligo County Council
  • Jane Golden, Staff Officer, Sligo County Council
  • Eugene McCaffrey, Sligo PPN
  • Gail McGibbon, Sligo PPN
  • David Tuffy, Sligo PPN (via MS Teams)
  • Judy Higgins, Policing Authority – Observer
  • Pat Forde, YAPSL Project
  • Laura Scanlan, YAPSL Project
  • Aoibhín Ryan, YAPSL Project

 

APOLOGIES:

  • Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady, Chairperson
  • Councillor Gerard Mullaney
  • Councillor Donal Gilroy
  • Councillor Thomas Healy
  • Deputy Marian Harkin T.D.
  • Vanessa Clarke, Sligo PPN
  • Michael Collins, Sligo PPN

 

CHAIRPERSON:

In the absence of the Chairperson, Councillor Rosaleen O’ Grady it was proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons and seconded by Councillor G. O’ Boyle that Councillor D. Mulvey would chair the meeting.

 

Councillor D. Mulvey presided and welcomed all present in the Council Chamber and online to the meeting.  Ms. Judy Higgins, Policing Authority was welcomed to the meeting as an observer.

 

1.  TO CONFIRM MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON  24TH JUNE 2022:

Proposed by Councillor A. Gibbons
Seconded by Councillor G. O’Boyle

AND AGREED

“To confirm minutes of meeting of County Sligo JPC held on 24th June 2022.”

 

2.  MATTERS ARISING:

There were no matters arising.

 

3.  SLIGO JPC STRATEGIC PLAN 2017-2022 (UPDATE ON ACTIONS):

Chief Superintendent Glacken and Superintendent Gaynor gave an update as follows:

Crime Figures:

  • Burglaries are down 5% from 57 to 54 with an increase expected over the Winter months
  • Criminal Damage is down 31% from 189 to 149
  • MIT Checkpoints are up 229% from 409 to 1345
  • There have been 4 fatal traffic collisions to date in 2022

Community Stories:

  • Cross Border Joint Agency Task Force – Rural Crime – Operation took place on Thursday, 22nd September 2022 commencing at 16:00hrs – midnight along the border with Northern Ireland in joint partnership with our PSNI colleagues. Multi Agency Checkpoint took place at Glenfarne, Co. Leitrim   
  • OPEN Community Clinic – Community Clinic continues every Monday at Collooney Garda Station. Clinic to be opened in Skreen
  • Property marking initiatives conducted in Sligo, Rosses Point and Enniscrone in August and September
  • Garda Training:
  • 15 Gardai completed a two-day course on fraud delivered by Garda National Economic Crime Bureau – 20th September
  • 20 Garda are trained on Pre- Hospital First Aider Care and AED at North side Community Centre on 20th September
  • DPSU Staff are to be provided with a bespoke training course on 24th October 2022 (Accredited by U.L)
  • 2022 Divisional Youth Awards –Event took place on Sunday 18th September in Glasshouse, Sligo - 9 x winners.  Cliffoney N.S. were amongst the winners for their project on speed in the village which they had previously presented in the Council Chamber
  • 29th July - Operation Twin Tracks Day of Action –Gardai teamed up with Irish Rail and visited train stations in Co. Sligo to provide high visibility patrols to deter anti-social behaviour and give crime prevention advice
  • Centenary – Medal Ceremony’s took place this week:- Sligo – 22nd September, Ballymote – 21st September, Leitrim - 20th September
  • Historical Talk to take place in Ballymote Library on 5th October
  • GAA skills day with Ukrainian refugees at Ballinafad, ongoing engagement across the District at various centres (July/August)
  • Rural crime engagement commenced with farming and rural rep bodies such as ICMSA, IFA, Macra, Muinitir na Tire to assess issues and to address on a collaborative basis - (July/August)

There has been a decrease in Domestic Violence motive related incidents from 496 to 392 during the same period from January to September in 2021 and 2022.

People were encouraged to report incidents so that they could be supported.  There are nine active coercive control active at present.

Organised Crime:  

The tackling of identified crime gangs, mainly involved in the sale/supply of drugs in the area is ongoing.  Ten people have been arrested to date, one of these has been charged with directing a criminal organisation and has been tried at the Special Criminal Court.  A file was prepared for the DDPP IN September in relation to organised crime.

Considerable resources are being committed to dealing with organised crime and this continues to be a substantial undertaking.

Councillor Mulvey thanked Chief Superintendent Glacken and Superintendent Gaynor for their updates.

 

4.  UPDATE ON TEXT ALERT SYSTEM:

Ms. Smyth gave an update on the Text Alert System and highlighted the following:

Sligo County Council sought tenders from suitable providers to address putting in place a Countywide Community Safety Text Alert System/Platform.  Key points of the solution sought included the following:

  • The system should be map based so that users can identify alerts for multiple areas of choice.
  • The system could be linked up with An Garda Siochana to allow the issuing of alerts into the system by SMS or email (i.e. the current Garda Text Alert guidelines)
  • The provision of functionality for non-local authority approved users for issuing alerts – i.e. Neighborhood Watch or Community Alert Groups. These messages should only be able to be issued to members of their own group and not on a county wide basis 
  • There should be an option to set rules for some alerts by switching off SMS to reduce costs
  • The system should be set up to enable community groups to top up SMS texts as they will be responsible for the cost of their own SMS

This brief was published on etenders and at close of tenders on 20th April 2022, two tenders had been submitted.  A number of assessments meetings were held by Council staff to review tenders and clarifications was sought.  Currently there remains one interested tenderer.  The indicative cost of the project is €9,225 per annum for 3 years.

Ms. Smyth stated that the feasibility of the proposal is being considered in the context of budgeting, resourcing and the level of engagement required with the prospective service users.

Councillor D. Mulvey thanked Ms Smyth for the update and queried if the costs would be once off or ongoing?  Ms. Smyth confirmed that the groups would be responsible for their own SMS costs and that there would not be a national roll out of the project.

 

5.  PRESENTATION ON YAPSL - YOUTH ACTION PROJECT SLIGO LEITRIM:

Councillor D. Mulvey welcomed representatives from the Youth Action Project Sligo/Leitrim (YAPSL), Youth Diversion Project to the JPC Meeting.

Superintendent Kilcoyne gave a background to the project stating that it was a community based, multiagency youth crime prevention initiative which aims to divert young people away from the criminal justice system, antisocial and negative behaviours.  The project is managed by CBO Youth Work Ireland – North Connaught and is guided by crime figures and referrals.  The project is co-funded by the Department of Justice & Equality and the European Union.

Mr. P. Forde spoke about the importance of giving people a second chance and that every area had complex needs.  The necessity to work closely with the Mental Health Services was highlighted.

Ms. L. Scanlon reported on work on prevention and diversion within schools.  The importance of supporting young people as they transition from Primary to Post Primary school was highlighted along with the promotion of young people’s accountability for their actions.  Advocacy and family support within schools was seen as important.

Ms. A. Ryan spoke about the risk factors and breaking the cycle of pre criminal attitudes.  The lack of resources for young people is resulting in a lack of positive recreational facilities for young people which is a risk factor.  The project provides activities for young people to counteract this.

Mr. P. Ford reported on information leaflets on the YAPSL Project, Understanding Bail Conditions, Get the Facts about Knives and the Use your Brain, Not your Fists initiatives.  Information leaflets on the issue of intimidation, particularly in relation to social media are being developed and will be piloted in the Sligo/Leitrim and Mayo Divisions in the New Year.

Councillor D. Mulvey and members complimented everyone on their presentation and supported the work of the project.

Chief Superintendent Glacken highlighted the importance of these early interventions with young people and the importance of agencies working together to break the cycle.

 

6.  NOTICE RECEIVED OF ISSUES TO BE RAISED:

  1. (Deferred from March Meeting) Received from Councillor Sinead Maguire:
    “To enquire if An Garda Siochana have any information for young people with regard to sexual assault and do they run any public/ educational sessions to inform young people of the seriousness of these offences”?

    Chief Superintendent Glacken stressed the importance of moderating the use of digital devices by young people.  The sexualisation of young people through social media was an emerging concern.  An Garda Síochána work closely with CYPSC and the ATU on training, awareness and the issue of consent.

    Investment in education in schools was seen as important, with a much more substantial piece of work required across the board.  An Garda Síochána continue to invest in these initiatives.

    Councillor S. Maguire concurred that there is ignorance around consent as an issue, child pornography is becoming more prevalent and children are becoming desensitised.  Educational Programmes are required national at Primary School level and An Garda Síochána are well placed to do this.

    Chief Superintendent Glacken agreed that An Garda Síochána had a substantial role to play, however, they are not the only players that need to be involved.  It was agreed that social media companies need to take more responsibility and are challenged to do so.  Members supported the motion and highlighted the importance of the role of parents.
  2. Received from Councillor T. Healy:
    “To call on the Garda to carry out a speed check on the R290 from Collooney to Ballisodare and on the Ballisodare to Crowna Church on the N59.  Both are a major concern to residents regarding speed coming into Ballisodare village”
    This motion was deferred.
  3. Received from Councillor M. Casserly:
    “Over the past three years how many coercive control cases have being reported and are currently being dealt with in the Sligo Leitrim Division?”

    Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that there had been 31 incidents of coercive control since the legalisation had been brought in.  There are 9 active investigations ongoing at present with additional resources being allocated to this issue along with a dedicated full time detective sergeant.  The increase in the reporting of coercive control was welcomed and people were encouraged to come forward to get support.
    Councillor M. Casserly thanked Chief Superintendent for his response and the work of DVAS was complimented.
  4. Received from Councillor M. Casserly: 
    “Following on from the Commissioner's recent comments re staffing levels and the need nationally for more members and support staff, what are the current extra staffing requirements in the Sligo Leitrim Division particularly in the ability to respond to rural crime”

    Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that there had been an 8% increase in the number of staff members in Sligo since 2015, where there had been 317 in 2015 rising to 341 in 2021.

    Councillor M. Casserly thanked Chief Superintendent Glacken for the update.

    Councillor G. O’ Boyle requested an update on numbers of first responders.  Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that there were sufficient resources in place with response times, however, additional resources are always welcome.

    Councillor G. O’Boyle requested a report for local level re: unanswered DV calls for the next meeting.  Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed that the report to be issued from the Policing Authority would report on a national basis and that he would bring any updates regarding the issue to the next meeting.
  5. Received from Councillor D. Mulvey: 
    “To ask An Garda Síochána to address the concerns from residents in the Skreen area asking when a replacement will be appointed for the recently retired former Garda John Mc Guinness”

    Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed that there would be a replacement for Garda John McGuinness.

    Councillor D. Mulvey welcomed this update and wished Garda John McGuinness well on his retirement.
  6. Received from Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “Is there a plan of action in place to tackle the abuse of the one-way system in Sligo?  In particular traffic exiting from the Market Yard onto Dominick Street, and other places where similar reckless actions are taking place by small number of reckless drivers”

    Chief Superintendent Glacken concurred that this street was a narrow one-way street with 22 vehicles in contravention of the one-way system in recent times.

    Mr. M. Lydon stated that these issues will be looked at through Roads Planning and Management with consultants to be appointed.

    Councillor A. Gibbons requested that extra attention be given to this issue.
  7. Received from Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “What plans are in place, if any, to have extra Garda on foot-patrol on our streets to deal with incidences of antisocial behaviour within our city.  Not just for the tourist season but all year”

    Superintendent Gaynor stated that Operation Rockwood was ongoing and that Garda were on active patrol in these areas.  There are wider issues involved.

    Councillor A. Gibbons highlighted that intimidating behaviour was happening in this area on a regular basis and that additional resources were required.

    Ms. G. McGibbon acknowledged the work of An Garda Síochána, Sligo County Council, and BID members and reported that a lot of work was going on in the background.  Actions of the few should not hinder the enjoyment of others of this area. 
  8. Received from Councillor A. Gibbons:
    “Is bicycle theft classed as a crime? and if so, how many reports of bicycle theft have you received from January 2021 to August 2022?  How many successful convictions have there been for bicycle theft for years January 2021 to August 2022”?

    Chief Superintendent Glacken confirmed that bicycle theft was a crime and that 32 bicycles had been reported stolen since 1st January 2022.  Three people have been brought before the courts and charged.

    It was agreed that the recording the serial number of bicycles, along with taking photographs and using social media were all positive methods of assisting with the issue of bicycle theft.

 

Councillor A. Gibbons left the meeting at 12.15pm.

 

7.  CORRESPONDENCE:

Mr. J. Moran gave an update on the recent Policing Authority Meeting of Chairpersons of the Joint Policing Committees and the Chief Executives of the Local Authorities held on Monday 19th September in Dublin.

New Joint Policing Committee Guidelines have been launched which will be more community led.   

Local Community Safety Partnerships will build on and replace the existing Joint Policing Committees (JPCs) and will provide a forum for State agencies and local community representatives to work together to act on community concerns.

Each Partnership will develop and oversee a tailored and prioritised Local Community Safety Plan which will be informed by the community itself in conjunction with public services.

Currently three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships have been established in Longford, Waterford and Dublin North Inner City.

 

7.  ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NEXT MEETING:

The next JPC Meeting will be held on Friday 16th December 2022 at 10.30am in the Council Chamber.

 

8.  A.O.B:

Ms. G. McGibbon gave an update on The Purple Flag assessment which was positive and said that the report would be circulated.  An update was also given on The Cannonball event which passed through Sligo recently.  This two-hour event resulted in €250,000 revenue for Sligo.  Everyone involved in both events were thanked.

Councillor O’Boyle enquired about the possible legislation to bring in opening hours for pubs up to 6am.  Chief Superintendent Glacken stated that he had not seen the legislation and it would be for each individual business to decide what they wanted to do.

Ms. G. McGibbon stated that there was a push towards a European Model, however, this model might not suit the Sligo market.

Councillor D. Mulvey thanked everyone for attending and concluded the meeting at 12.20pm.

 

 


Meeting Date 30/09/2022