The launch takes place today (Friday ) of the Joint Policing Committees for Westmeath, Mullingar, and Athlone.
Representatives from An Garda Siochana, town and county councils, and community interest groups are to meet in the Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar at 12.10pm for the first meeting of the recently formed committees.
The Joint Policing Committees (JPCs ) are being established to provide forums for the local authority and senior Garda officers, with the participation of Oireachtas members and community interest groups, to consult, discuss, and make recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the area.
The Garda Siochana Act 2005 provides for the setting up of a joint policing committee in every local authority area.
A particular focus is to be placed on reviewing the levels and patterns of crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour, including the misuse of alcohol and drugs, and the factors underlying and contributing to them.
