Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and to collect information about how you use this site to improve our service to you. By not accepting cookies some elements of the site, such as video, will not work. Please visit our Cookie Policy page for more information on how we use cookies.

Community Alert

An area that has a Community Alert scheme in place

What is Community Alert? 

Community Alert is a community safety programme for rural areas with an emphasis on older and vulnerable people. It operates as a partnership between the community, An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre. It works on the principle of shared responsibility for crime prevention and reduction.  

What are the Aims of the Community Alert Programme?

  • To foster the process of community development
  • To reduce opportunities for crimes to occur
  • To unite communities in a spirit of neighbourliness and community service        
  • To devise programmes to improve the quality of life for all in rural communities 

How do I set up a Community Alert Group? 

To set up a group in your area, contact your local Garda Station or your local the Muintir na Tíre Community Alert Development Officer (Tel: 062-51163 or view a  list of Development Officers). The group may be set up in response to community demand or as a result of Garda contact. It is important to canvass local residents with a view to securing their support and involvement before introducing a group in the area. 

 What are the different roles in a Community Alert Group? 

Normally these would include:-

  • Community Alert Committee - Manages the Group and should comprise a community member from each townland within the group.
  • Community Alert Area Coordinator - The Coordinator is appointed or elected by the Community Alert Committee and will maintain close contact with the Liaison Garda.
  • Community Alert Member - Community Alert will work successfully with the active input of all members. Your actions and support will ensure its success. Don't leave it to others!

What is the Garda Input into Community Alert Schemes? 

While Community Alert is a partnership programme between An Garda Síochána and Muintir na Tíre, An Garda Síochána will give an added commitment at every level to promote and support the establishment and operation of Community Alert groups.

  • We will include Community Alert in District and Divisional Annual Policing Plans with performance indicators to realise the full potential of this partnership programme.
  • All resource material (booklets, window stickers, survey forms and associated administration forms) will be provided by An Garda Síochána along with appropriate promotion material.
  • An Garda Síochána is committed to a further national review of Community Alert in 2011
  • Senior Garda managers, in consultation with the relevant Community Alert Development Officer, will establish District and Divisional Community Alert Committees.