University of Limerick Research Uncovers Marginalised Voices on Safety

A recent report from the University of Limerick has shed light on the perspectives of marginalised communities in Ireland regarding policing and community safety. Titled ‘Hidden Voices, Marginalised Community Perspectives on Policing and Community Safety,’ this research, conducted by the School of Medicine, aims to amplify the voices of those most affected by policing practices, both in Ireland and globally.

The findings highlight that community safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement but also relies on the trust and collaboration between police and community members. The report emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to address intergenerational poverty and social exclusion. It calls for strong cooperation between various agencies, including law enforcement and health services, to create a more effective community policing strategy.

Insights from Marginalised Communities

The report outlines several key issues. It identifies a pervasive mistrust of policing, the phenomenon of over-policing, and the detrimental effects on communities that arise from underreporting of crimes. It also emphasizes the complex nature of policing, which is influenced by factors such as racism, stigma, and misinformation, particularly in the age of social media.

Despite the overrepresentation of marginalised groups in the Irish criminal justice system and their increased likelihood of being victims of crime, their perspectives had been largely overlooked in past research. The study delves into the experiences of various groups, including asylum seekers, refugees, immigrants, individuals from ethnic minorities, and those with disabilities or mental health issues. The report also consulted members of the LGBTQ+, Traveller, and Roma communities to gain a comprehensive understanding of their experiences.

Leading the research, Professor Colum Dunne of UL’s School of Medicine expressed the importance of understanding these experiences without making assumptions. He stated, “Our ambition was to base this on real lived experience, and to avoid both assumption and speculation. As a result, the report is unique and will, we hope, help to guide decision-making and policy going forward.”

Collaboration and Future Implications

The research was the result of collaboration with several Irish universities and various stakeholders, including An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive’s National Social Inclusion Office, and organisations like Pavee Point and the Peter McVerry Trust. Professor Gautam Gulati, also from UL’s School of Medicine, acknowledged the contributions of all organisations involved, as well as the individuals who shared their personal experiences.

He noted, “These insights will help us to understand policing and community safety in Ireland. We hope this research will meaningfully foster ongoing dialogue and inform Irish policing perspectives in the years to come.”

Dr. Andrew Lacey, Superintendent of Henry Street Garda Station in Limerick, praised the report as a significant resource for front-line practitioners. He remarked, “Hidden Voices is an exemplary example of meaningful research which provides front-line practitioners with contextual learnings and perspectives. It is important to reflect on what we can do better. These partnerships, along with this meaningful research, aim to bring together the full range of stakeholders in each community and make hidden voices become heard voices.”

The report aims to provide policymakers and practitioners with qualitative data that can inform future policy development and improve service provision in the realm of community safety, highlighting that this is indeed a shared responsibility in Ireland. The research was funded by Research Ireland and the Policing and Community Safety Authority.