Forbairt Chomhtháite Pobail

A Joint Policing Committee (JPC) is a body established under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 to serve as a forum where local authority representatives, Oireachtas members and community and voluntary interests, together with senior Garda Officers responsible for the policing of the area, can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area. Through the work of the JPC all parties have the opportunity to contribute to the improved safety and quality of life of the community. 

1. The functions of a JPC include keeping under review:  

• the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in the area (including the patterns levels of misuse of alcohol and drugs) 

• the factors underlying and contributing to the levels of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area. 

2. Advising 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. 

3. Arranging and hosting public meetings concerning matters affecting the policing of the local authority’s administrative area. 

 

The Joint Policing Committee meets at regular intervals, generally four times per year.  At each meeting the Gardai present a report on crime, public disorder and other policing issues relevant to the area of the JPC.  The Council executive also presents a report relating to Council activities. 

The JPC takes a strategic approach to its work to support enhanced policing and crime prevention. It will prepare a 6-year strategic plan which will link with the Local Economic and Community Plan for the area. It will also prepare an Annual Work plan which will include relevant objectives from the Garda Annual Policing Plan for the area. 

The JPC is a forum for discussion and a means of building confidence and trust, bringing communities together in a way in which all participants feel comfortable.  It is intended that the JPC should engage with local community groups to the greatest degree possible as these groups are an important resource in tackling many of the issues addressed by the JPCs. 

 

The Mayo JPC has 31 members including: 

• 14 Elected members  

• Oireachtas members 

• Local Authority official (The Chief Executive or his nominee) 

• 2 Garda officers nominated by the Garda Commissioner 

• 6 Community/voluntary sector representatives 

 

Any matter relating to a function of the JPC can be discussed including issues such as: - 

• Illegal drugs, anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, drinking in public places

• Safer Neighbourhoods, Public Order, Vandalism

• CCTV, community-based crime prevention initiatives

• Planning of major events attracting large crowds

• Traffic management, Casual trading, Litter

• Road Safety 

• Estate management

A JPC may not discuss a matter if it: 

• Relates to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution 

• Relates to the security of the State. 

• Would endanger the security of individuals 

• Relates to an individual 

• Involves information received in confidence 

• Would prejudice crime prevention/detection  

• Is deemed prejudicial to a Garda operational matter 

 

Please visit the links below for further information on the Mayo JPC: 

• Minutes and Agendas 

• Publications 

Further information is also available at http://www.justice.ie/en/JELR/Pages/Joint_Policing_Committees 

Contact the Mayo Joint Policing Committee Here