Policing meeting in Blanchardstown

LOCALS in Dublin 15 are being invited to have their say on the future of policing at a public meeting being held in the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown, from 6-8pm on Wednesday (January 24).

The Commission on the Future of Policing is encouraging people from the area to get involved in the event, which is part of a programme of public events taking place across the country.

The Commission was established last year to develop a blueprint for policing in Ireland into the future.

It’s currently undertaking an independent, comprehensive examination of all aspects of policing in Ireland, including functions currently carried out by An Garda Síochána, as well as the full range of oversight bodies.

The Blanchardstown open evening is an opportunity for the public to drop in and meet Commission members in an informal setting to discuss their priorities for the future of policing in Ireland, and to ask questions and get information on the Commission’s work.

Chairperson of the Commission, Kathleen O’Toole said she was looking forward to engaging with locals in Dublin 15.

“Dublin 15 is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities, and I’m delighted that the Commission will be in Blanchardstown on Wednesday as part of our nationwide meet and greet programme on our important work,” she added.

“All members of the public, interested groups and stakeholders right across Dublin and beyond are invited to come and meet with us on the night.

“As we work towards a blueprint for policing in Ireland it is essential that we hear directly from the very communities that a police service seeks to serve and protect.”

The Commission is made up of members who have been drawn from diverse backgrounds including overseas police bodies, academia, consultancy, advocacy and the private sector.

Consultation is central to informing the Commission’s work and O’Toole says it’s important to get as wide a range of views as possible on the future of policing.

“Through these public meetings and our call for submissions, the Commission wants to stimulate a genuine national conversation on the future of policing in Ireland – so we would encourage everyone with an interest in the issue to come to our open evening in Blanchardstown and send us their views and opinions,” she added.

“All of these perspectives will help to inform our work.”

Anybody who can’t make Wednesday’s meeting and wants to make a submission to the Commission can do so by post or by email, via its website www.policereform.ie.

The deadline for submissions is January 31. The Commission is due to report in September 2018.