The Roscommon County Council Joint Policing Committee (JPC) has been established under the Garda Siochana Act 2005 and the committee includes representatives from the elected members of Roscommon County Council, Oireachtas Members, Garda representatives, representatives from the community and voluntary sector and officials of Roscommon County Council. The function of the Committee is to serve as a forum for consultations, discussions and recommendations on matters affecting the policing of the local authoritys administrative area

The County Roscommon Joint Policing Committee (JPC) adopted its work plan at a meeting on the 18th January 2010. The work plan has eight objectives and includes such issues as maximising the potential for crime prevention and minimising drug use throughout the county. In addition, the plan includes the monitoring and addressing of anti social behaviour

The community is seen as a vital part of this whole process and the plan will be looking at developing the role of local communities in crime prevention and anti-social behaviour. The work plan takes cognisance of the important input that young people have to make in policing issues. The promotion of the safe and efficient use of the road infrastructure within County Roscommon by all road users is also an integral part of the work plan

The JPC was established in May 2009 and will meet five times this year. Members of the public and the media are invited to all meetings, subject to available space, and there is a public meeting scheduled for September 20th 2010

The County Roscommon JPC, which is chaired by Cllr Tom Crosby, is a forum where matters that affect policing in County Roscommon can be discussed. The JPC is a partnership between the elected members and staff of Roscommon County Council, Oireachtas members, An Garda Siochana, and the community

The West Regional Drugs Taskforce recently made a presentation to the JPC. Among the issues discussed was the opening of the new Head Shop in Roscommon town. It was acknowledged that this issue should be looked at nationally and that the introduction of regulations in this area needed to be investigated. Other presentations planned from local community groups, which will help to inform the work of the JPC, are from the Comhairle na nOg, the Roscommon Community Forum and Muintir na Tire

The County Roscommon JPC has the potential to make a major contribution to the improved policing of County Roscommon to the benefit of all its citizens