Latest news with #Taskforce
Euractiv
30-07-2025
- Health
- Euractiv
Ireland's ‘compassionate' justice and mental health strategy aims to avoid prison return
The Irish government has published the second annual progress report of the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, highlighting a series of cross-departmental initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with mental health and addiction issues who encounter the criminal justice system. The report, released on 28 July, outlines developments between September 2023 and September 2024, including the national rollout of Mental Health First Aid training to An Garda Síochána (Ireland's police force), the launch of the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick, and progress on a dual diagnosis service in Cork Prison. Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill placed particular emphasis on the need for a compassionate, integrated response. 'The High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction recognised the importance of taking a compassionate, whole-person approach to supporting people with mental health and addiction challenges who come into contact with the criminal justice system,' she said. 'Many of the Taskforce's recommendations build on what's already in place, aiming to strengthen the connections between services. This joined-up approach is designed to offer more consistent, meaningful support to individuals navigating both the justice and health systems,' she added. Avoiding incarceration Carroll MacNeill also pointed to the health sector's progress in developing alternatives to incarceration. 'A particular focus has been on creating real, person-centred alternatives through Diversion initiatives, ensuring that care is better integrated and more responsive to the needs of this small but highly vulnerable group,' she noted. The Taskforce, a joint initiative between the Departments of Health and Justice, was established following the publication of its foundational report in 2022. Its Steering Committee includes representatives from the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service, and An Garda Síochána. Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan welcomed the report's publication, noting that it can help 'reduce the likelihood of future offending.' Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler highlighted the expansion of the Central Mental Hospital and the development of Crisis Resolution Teams as key achievements. She also referenced the Mental Health Bill, which concluded its passage through the Dáil on 9 July 2025. The new policing model An Garda Síochána has played a central role in implementing the Taskforce's recommendations, particularly through the CAST pilot in Limerick. The initiative, part of the broader 'Policing Service for the Future' strategy, is designed to support individuals experiencing situational trauma or mental health crises. A Garda spokesperson told Euractiv: 'The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland stated that societal-wide issues such as the mental health of individuals are not the responsibility of An Garda Síochána alone… [recommending] the establishment of multi-agency teams (Crisis Intervention Team) that would include Gardaí to respond to the needs of individuals with mental health issues.' The CAST project, a partnership between An Garda Síochána and HSE Mid-West Mental Health Services, exemplifies this inter-agency approach. It is currently being trialled in the Limerick Garda Division. The Gardaí have also embedded mental health awareness into their operational framework. Over 3,500 personnel have received Mental Health First Aid training under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with Mental Health First Aid Ireland in June 2023. In line with the new Policing Model, Gardaí are equipped to respond to critical incidents involving mental health crises. 'There are trained Garda Negotiators, Operational Commanders in every Garda Region throughout the country,' the spokesperson said. 'In recent years, An Garda Síochána has put a significant emphasis on our role as the first line of defence of the human rights of all people we come into contact with.' Ireland's efforts to reform the intersection of mental health, addiction, and the criminal justice system are being significantly underpinned by European Union policy and funding, aligning national priorities with broader EU objectives on public health, social inclusion, and human rights. The strategic and financial support from Brussels has enabled Ireland to advance initiatives such as the High-Level Taskforce on Mental Health and Addiction, which seeks to divert vulnerable individuals away from incarceration and toward integrated care pathways. Convergence with EU priorities Ireland's national mental health strategy, 'Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone', is closely aligned with EU-level frameworks, including the EU Health Strategy and the European Pillar of Social Rights. These frameworks advocate for universal access to quality healthcare, with mental health increasingly recognised as a core component of public health policy. Ireland has also tapped into several EU funding streams to support its reform agenda. These include: European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), EU4Health Programme: and the Justice Programme. These funds are being used to scale up initiatives such as the Community Access Support Team (CAST) pilot in Limerick and the national rollout of mental health training for Gardaí. As Ireland continues to embed a more humane and coordinated approach to mental health within its justice system, EU policy and funding remain critical enablers. They are reinforcing the country's commitment to reform while anchoring it within a broader European vision of inclusive, rights-based public health at a time of rising drug use in Ireland and a mental health crisis, particularly amongst young people. By Brian Maguire
The National
26-07-2025
- The National
Man arrested after police recover £360,000 worth of cocaine
Officers made a 'significant recovery' of cocaine when police with a search warrant raided a property in Owen Avenue, East Kilbride, on Wednesday, July 23. Police Scotland said they recovered approximately 12kg of the drug, with a street value of up to £360,000. A 34-year-old man has been arrested and charged, the force added. READ MORE: Glasgow's Clyde Tunnel closes due to 'police incident' as drivers told to avoid area Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes said: 'This is a significant recovery and demonstrates our continued commitment to disrupting the supply and distribution of illegal drugs in our communities. 'We are dedicated to the country's Serious and Organised Crime Strategy and work closely with partners as part of the Serious and Organised [[Crime]] Taskforce to identify and target those involved in this type of criminality. 'Information from the public is crucial to our work and I would encourage anyone with concerns or information about drugs activity in their area to contact Police Scotland on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.'
Scotsman
22-07-2025
- Scotsman
More than 40 Edinburgh arrests in three months of Retail Crime Taskforce with several banned from city centre
More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with retail crime offences in Edinburgh during the first three months of the Retail Crime Taskforce. Sign up to the daily Crime UK newsletter. All the latest crime news and trials from across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Between April 1 and uly 14, Taskforce officers, working alongside Edinburgh's Prevention Intervention and Partnerships Unit, and city centre policing teams, charged 44 individuals with 228 crimes, including shoplifting, assault, possession of weapons and breaches of the peace. As a result of these arrests, several people have been given bail conditions prohibiting them from the city centre, meaning any breach of these conditions will see them remanded in custody prior to their court hearing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Significant intelligence has also been gathered by the Taskforce and local policing teams and will be progressed for further enforcement action. More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with retail crime offences in Edinburgh during the first three months of the Retail Crime Taskforce, with several people banned from the city centre. Inspector Emma Wright from the Retail Crime Taskforce said: 'I am really encouraged with the positive start Taskforce officers have made in Edinburgh, as they work alongside divisional colleagues to identify retail crime offenders and bring them to justice. 'We cannot and will not become complacent, however, and will continue to target those involved in crimes of this nature across the country. Our role is to support and empower all local policing areas in addressing retail crime and I look forward to even more success stories in the Capital and throughout Scotland in the coming weeks and months. 'By working together, Police Scotland, the retail sector and other key partners aim to make it clear that retail crime will not be tolerated.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Grant Stewart, Senior Manager - Projects at Essential Edinburgh, the business improvement district in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, added: 'Through our innovative retail crime initiative Check Out and our funding of Shopwatch, we are providing practical help to our retail community to fight the ongoing issues of shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and violence against retail staff. 'We know what a major impact these crimes have on our business community, and we are very encouraged by the results in such a short space of time. 'Our sincere thanks to Police Scotland and our retailers for embracing this partnership project.' Superintendent Paul Gillespie, Edinburgh Division's Acquisitive Crime Lead, said: 'Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit, but we understand the impact retail crime has on not just the retail sector and its employees, but on the city as a whole and we have been working for quite some time to address these issues, alongside businesses within the Capital. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The introduction of the Retail Crime Taskforce has proven invaluable, as it has provided dedicated resource to support the excellent work being undertaken by the Preventions, Interventions and Partnerships Team, as well as Response Officers working within the city centre. 'These combined efforts have seen us develop our intelligence picture, as well as helping us engage more closely with retailers to offer tailored advice on how they can safeguard their premises. 'The support of Essential Edinburgh cannot be overlooked. Their funding of Shopwatch by providing numerous businesses, police, and the City of Edinburgh Council CCTV team with radios, which allow for direct communication about ongoing incidents has been pivotal in speeding up the response in apprehending offenders. 'Other key partners at Retailers Against Crime have been of great importance too when we conduct enforcement activity or undertake high-visibility engagement patrols in the city centre.'
Edinburgh Reporter
21-07-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Retail Crime Taskforce make 44 arrests in Edinburgh furing firth three months
More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with retail crime offences in Edinburgh during the first three months of the Retail Crime Taskforce supporting local officers to address retail crime. Between 1 April and 14 July 2025, Taskforce officers, working alongside Edinburgh's Prevention Intervention and Partnerships Unit, and city centre policing teams, have charged 44 individuals with 228 crimes, including shoplifting, assault, possession of weapons and breaches of the peace. As a result of these arrests, several people have been given bail conditions prohibiting them from the city centre, meaning any breach of these conditions will see them remanded in custody prior to their court hearing. Significant intelligence has also been gathered by the Taskforce and local policing teams and will be progressed for further enforcement action. Inspector Emma Wright from the Retail Crime Taskforce said: 'I am really encouraged with the positive start Taskforce officers have made in Edinburgh, as they work alongside divisional colleagues to identify retail crime offenders and bring them to justice. 'We cannot and will not become complacent, however, and will continue to target those involved in crimes of this nature across the country. Our role is to support and empower all local policing areas in addressing retail crime and I look forward to even more success stories in the Capital and throughout Scotland in the coming weeks and months. 'By working together, Police Scotland, the retail sector and other key partners aim to make it clear that retail crime will not be tolerated.' Grant Stewart, Senior Manager – Projects at Essential Edinburgh, the business improvement district in the heart of Edinburgh city centre, added: 'Through our innovative retail crime initiative Check Out and our funding of Shopwatch, we are providing practical help to our retail community to fight the ongoing issues of shoplifting, antisocial behaviour and violence against retail staff. 'We know what a major impact these crimes have on our business community, and we are very encouraged by the results in such a short space of time. 'Our sincere thanks to Police Scotland and our retailers for embracing this partnership project.' Superintendent Paul Gillespie, Edinburgh Division's Acquisitive Crime Lead, said: 'Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit, but we understand the impact retail crime has on not just the retail sector and its employees, but on the city as a whole and we have been working for quite some time to address these issues, alongside businesses within the Capital. 'The introduction of the Retail Crime Taskforce has proven invaluable, as it has provided dedicated resource to support the excellent work being undertaken by the Preventions, Interventions and Partnerships Team, as well as Response Officers working within the city centre. 'These combined efforts have seen us develop our intelligence picture, as well as helping us engage more closely with retailers to offer tailored advice on how they can safeguard their premises. 'The support of Essential Edinburgh cannot be overlooked. Their funding of Shopwatch by providing numerous businesses, police, and the City of Edinburgh Council CCTV team with radios, which allow for direct communication about ongoing incidents has been pivotal in speeding up the response in apprehending offenders. 'Other key partners at Retailers Against Crime have been of great importance too when we conduct enforcement activity or undertake high-visibility engagement patrols in the city centre.' Like this: Like Related
Scoop
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
SFO Leads AntiCorruption Taskforce Pilot To Strengthen Public Sector Resilience
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO), supported by the NewZealand Police and the Public Service Commission, today announced a joint AntiCorruption Taskforce and pilot programme to build a clearer, systemwide picture of the corruption and fraud risks across the public service. The Taskforce will be led by the SFO and draw on specialist counter fraud and enforcement expertise to assess the extent of the corruption and fraud risk. The Taskforce will work with a representative group of six public service agencies, Inland Revenue, Accident Compensation Corporation, the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Social Development, Land Information New Zealand, and Sport New Zealand, to complete an indepth selfassessment of their fraud and corruption control maturity. The six agencies will also report on the volume of corruption and fraud detected and prevented. SFO Chief Executive Karen Chang says, 'Tackling publicsector fraud and corruption is about safeguarding taxpayer funds and protecting New Zealanders' trust in government. By bringing frontline agencies and enforcement partners together, this will help build a clearer intelligence picture that can be used to lift system resilience and ensure we stay ahead of emerging threats such as insider threats, foreign interference and AIenabled fraud.' 'Many of the organisations in this pilot are already proactive members of our Counter Fraud Centre community. Their willingness to lift the hood and share data shows a strong tonefromthetop commitment to integrity. Together we'll create a baseline that informs more targeted prevention, better detection and, ultimately, stronger enforcement.' Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Rochesays, 'New Zealand's reputation for integrity in government is hard-earned and must be protected. This taskforce will further strengthen our ability to detect and prevent fraud and corruption wherever and whenever it happens in the public sector.' NewZealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, says 'Corruption and serious fraud threaten the trust and integrity that underpin our society. By working together with agencies across government, this Taskforce will help us identify risks early and apply our collective enforcement expertise to keep the system strong and accountable.' The SFO acknowledges the leadership of Police Minister HonMark Mitchell and Public Service Minister HonJudith Collins in championing the Taskforce, and thanks the chief executives of the six pilot agencies for their partnership. More information The pilot will run for six months and consist of two phases Phase one has already begun (July-September) and involves the Taskforce working with the six agencies to gather data and test the assessment and reporting processes Phase two (October-December), will involve the Taskforce reviewing the data and preparing a public report and advice to Ministers on next steps Anti-CorruptionTaskforce Pilot explained. About the SFO The SFO is responsible for investigating and prosecuting serious or complex fraud, including bribery, and corruption in New Zealand. With a focus on maintaining integrity and trust in the financial system, the SFO has developed strategic areas of focus to ensure it has the greatest impact with the cases it takes in. SFO Strategic Areas of Focus
