A public meeting of Wicklow County Council Joint Policing Committee (JPC) was held in Little Bray Family Resource Centre, Bray, on Thursday last (10th November).
The purpose of the JPC is to provide a forum where the Local Authority, Senior Garda Officers, Public Representatives and Community Representatives can consult, discuss and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of their area.
Cllr Gerry Walsh, Chair of Wicklow County Council Joint Policing Committee, welcomed and thanked all present for taking the time to attend the meeting and for their engagement during a lengthy questions and answers session.
Superintendent Pat Connell gave a presentation outlining the specialist services provided in the Bray District which included Roads Policing Unit, Forensic Collision Investigator, Community Policing Unit, Detective Unit, Crime Prevention Unit, Scenes of Crime Unit, Immigration Unit, Victim Service Office, Juvenile Liaison Office, Criminal Intelligence Office, Family Liaison, Ethnic Liaison & Crime Prevention Officers, Continuous Professional Development and National Support.
He noted the importance of community engagement saying some of the highlights during 2022 were the Bray Garda station open day, Bray Air Show, Purple House Run- Greystones to Bray and the Garda centenary event.
During the questions and answers, session issues were raised related to community policing, community engagement, e-scooters, drug trends, drug services, speed limits, domestic violence and Halloween activities.
Superintendent Pat Connell and Inspector Padraig Roberts provided comprehensive responses to all questions raised. Many attendees also paid tribute to the Community Gardaí in Bray, Sgt John Fitzpatrick and Garda Adam Nolan, who provided an excellent service to the local community.
Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, thanked everyone for their attendance and engagement saying public JPC meetings are an excellent example of community, Gardaí and the Council working together through a collective approach to the benefit of all members of our local communities.