Frequently Asked Questions

Why JPC’s?

• To provide a forum where a local authority and the senior Garda officers responsibility 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.
• “…with the minimum of formality to identify, raise awareness of and find solutions for issues impacting on, or causing concerns for, the local community.”
• “…an opportunity to contribute to the improved safety and quality of life of the community.”
• “As a result of the work of the JPC’s, decisions which are made by any of the interests represented on the JPC should be better informed ones as a result of the discussion of local needs & circumstances.”

What are the functions of JPCs?

• To serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on policing and crime issues within Local Authority administrative areas
• To review levels and patterns of crime and related underlying factors
• To establish and coordinate Local Policing Fora
• To meet twice yearly (minimum)
• To run annual public meetings

What matters cannot be discussed by JPCs?
 Matters relating to a specific criminal investigation or prosecution or matters relating to the security of the State. (Section 36 (4), An Garda Síochána Act 2005).

JPCs may not discuss matters which may:-

• Endanger security of individual(s)
• Relate to an individual
• Expose information received in confidence
• Prejudice crime prevention or detection

Who may raise matters of concern?

• Any member of the public has the right to submit a question to the JPC. These must be submitted in writing in advance of the meeting, so that the JPC members may prepare a response.  It may not always be possible to provide an answer, due to the sensitive nature of the material, prohibitive costs etc.
• The Committee may invite a non-member to speak at a meeting on a specific agenda item. This will enable people with specific expertise to be included in the work of the JPC.

How might the JPC approach issues of concern?
They may take any, or a combination of a number, of the following:

• they may request a response to a question posed by the JPC
• eg ask the responsible organisation to provide a written report on progress in an area under their remit, or
• ask the organisation to attend a meeting of the JPC to answer questions
• they may commission their own research
• studies & reports
• attitude surveys
• invite submissions from the public
• they may provide space for the issue to be discussed    
• at a JPC meeting
• through public meetings
• via radio debate
• using other relevant organisations, such as Comhairle na nOg or Monaghan Community Forum

What are the standing items on the agenda?

• A Garda representative is required to present a report. This should cover local data relating to the committal of crime and crime prevention measures.
• A Local Authority official is required also to report on LA functions and how they relate to the JPC

It’s about making better-informed decisions:

• by pooling all knowledge and data held on an area/ issue, and
• by involving stakeholders in the discussion & identification of a better solution,
• we enable agencies to target resources to the areas/ times most in need