Should funding for local police departments be redirected to social and community based programs?

As there is a shortage of gardai, there should be more funding directed both to them and communit6y initiatives

i do not believe that it should be redirected but, there should be more funding for community based programs

No, but increase funding in initives that will help to prevent crime

Not the entirety of the funding and it depends on the area long with what the programs are

Integrate policing into a wider community support network

Fund both, both are valuable assets to society at large.

The programs should be funded, but not from police funding

No, but there should be an addition of unarmed community based responders for non-violent calls

We need to look at making the local police departments & social and community based programs work along side each other

Increase funding and the policing budget

No, funding should be provided but not at the risk of reducing effectiveness of our police.

Some, but not all should.

Still fund the police but less, and redirect these new funds created to social and community based programs.

Both institutions should receive similar funding

The police should receive longer and more in depth training which involves increased emphasis on conflict resolution and social sciences. There should be stricter requirements as to who can become a police officer.

Yes, but only in small part.

No, but high crime clusters should automatically trigger social service intervention and regeneration efforts by the government.

Police should not be overfunded.

It should be partially but not completely redirected

No, because both should be well funded with police being actively involved in community based programs.

We need funding for social and community based programs & for local police departments

Partially redirected

What alternative strategies can you think of that might make your community feel safer and more supported?

In what ways have you observed police presence affecting your community, positively or negatively?

Do you think investing in housing and job programs could reduce crime more effectively than increased policing?

How important do you believe mental health services are in reducing the need for traditional policing?

What are your thoughts on the role of police in schools versus more counselors or youth programs?

Can you imagine a situation where a social worker, rather than a police officer, could be more effective in responding?

How do you feel about the balance between public safety and community support in your own neighborhood?

What kind of community services do you think could benefit from increased funding to prevent crime?

Have you or someone you know ever needed help that the police weren't equipped to provide?

How would your community change if more money was spent on social programs instead of on policing?

Split the funding in half.

some amount should, but don't entirely defund the police

no, however give police more training and testing

Increase funding for social and community programmes without cutting police funding