The realities of policing diverse communities from minority and police perspectives
From the mid-1990s onwards, Ireland experienced unprecedented growth levels in immigration from around the world, prompted by the country's changing economic fortunes. In turn, the people of a very small and conservative country saw the rapid development of diverse minorities in their midst, especially in the capital, Dublin. From a sociological point of view, such communities posed challenges for the national police force, An Garda Síochána. As part of a strategy to engage with rapidly changing demographics, An Garda Síochána launched the Garda Racial and Intercultural Office (GRIO). In 2001,the author of this book was invited to establish a framework, and practical measures to negotiate the non-discriminatory policing of Ireland's changing society. The author proposed the appointment of Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers (ELOs) to liaise and reassure members of these new minorities, while developing the officers own deeper understanding of difference and vulnerability. These appointed ELOs were trained in cultural awareness and difference by the author, in conjunction with minority representatives, which in turn, influenced their thinking in the delivery of a non-discriminatory front-line police service. The role of the ELO makes the Irish police authorities one of the first in the world with specialist officers dedicated to building relations with minorities. This book has many lessons to offer sociologists, academics, criminologists, lawyers, social policymakers and police institutions dealing with the plight of refugees, asylum seekers, economic migrants and marginalised people the world over."-- $$c Back cover
eBook, English, 2020
Cambridge Scholars Publishing, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, 2020
1 online resource
9781527554351, 152755435X
1159162269
Facing the reality of policing a multicultural society
The challenges associated with the policing of minority communities
Policing multicultural Ireland
The methodology
Findings: ELOs
appointment and role
Findings: impact of ethnic liaison officers on relations with minorities and on the Garda Institution
Case study 1: The Muslim community and an Garda Síohánaoh
Case study 2: Policing indigenous minorities
Garda ELO/Traveller relations
Case study 3: Policing African and African-Irish in a Dublin suburb
Case study 4: Policing "the most discriminated", the Roma community in Ireland