Putting Garda Photos On Posters Suggested To Strengthen Relationship With Community

The number of gardaí in Laois is currently at its highest ever level.

Putting gardaí's photos on posters is being suggested as a way of familiarising people with their local officers.

The number of gardaí in Laois is currently at its highest ever level - but visibility remains an issue, according to local TD Brian Stanley.

At the latest meeting of Laois Joint Policing Committee this week, he suggested having more gardaí on the beat; better publicised opening hours for garda stations; and splitting towns into sub-divisions and assigning gardaí to each section so residents can get to know their local garda.

The Sinn Féin deputy also thinks an approach used in the UK could work here:

At the JPC meeting, Chief Superintendent John Scanlan revealed that there were seven extra gardaí and six extra sergeants for the county - one in Mountrath, one in Rathdowney, one in Portarlington, and the rest in Portlaoise. This means there are three sergeants in Portarlington now, and one living in Mountrath. He also said there would be more inspectors.  

"When I came here ten years ago, I had one inspector in Portlaoise, three in Laois and Offaly, and we now have ten in the two counties. Laois continues to get a share of new recruits. Will I ever say I have enough? No, I won't, but we are significantly greater in number now than we have ever been in 100 years, with more people on the ground than ever before," Chief Supt Scanlan said. 

Deputy Stanley welcomed the increase in the number of gardaí, but he said there needed to be an improved connection between local gardaí and the local community.  

However, Chief Supt. Scanlan wasn't too taken with the idea of posters going up in shop windows;

"I would prefer to be on radio, I wouldn't regard myself as someone who should have their photo in the window."  

He went on to say that he is "more than known in my community" and pointed out that many gardaí are on the board of management of schools or involved in GAA clubs.  

"I transact more garda business at my front door than would be transacted at most garda stations. We should be known in the community because we live there," said Chief Supt Scanlan, going on to acknowledge that this was not the case in larger areas. 

Deputy Stanley said that it was not just that people can see the photo, they can see the officer on patrol, too.  

Chief Supt. Scanlan did agree that the opening times should be on all garda stations. He said that all local garda stations will be retained, and he will constantly be looking for more gardaí.