THE GARDA COMMISSIONER HAS published the force’s policing plan for 2011, which sets out its key objectives and priorities for the coming year.

The plan lists protection against terrorist or extremist groups, organised crime, and road safety among its priorities for 2011.

It also highlights domestic violence, sex offenders and crimes of a sexual nature, and said the gardaí will work with the HSE to investigate crimes against children.

It promises gardaí will “support and protect all victims of crime and treat them with dignity” and says victims will be kept informed about the progress of their cases.

Launching the plan, Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan said gardaí would maximise their resources for 2011 by “engaging in intelligence-led and targeted operations and investigations as well as high visibility patrolling.” He added:

National security and the reduction of crime and fear of crime are part of our core business. This year’s plan identifies a number of key actions including the continued targeting of organised criminality as well as a renewed focus on crimes against the person and high volume property crime such as theft and burglary.

The plan says gardaí will tackle organised criminal gangs by identifying and targeting human and drug trafficking networks, as well as targeting the proceeds of crime. Armed patrols will continue to be deployed “to disrupt the activities” of such gangs around the country.