| Looking out for your community When people think of neighbourhood and community watches it can conjure up images of busy-body neighbours poking their noses into other people’s business. This is an unfair assertion, as the basis for a neighbourhood watch scheme is that the community comes together to help look after itself. Neighbourhood watches help to bring communities closer together.
Why a neighbourhood watch scheme is a good idea People often wonder what the purpose of a neighbourhood watch is. Some might think that it is merely an alert function should burglars be seen in the area. |
| They might think that someone would call the Gardaí in that situation anyway so the neighbourhood watch does not serve much of a purpose. In reality the neighbourhood watch system is a formalised setup of something that has existed in communities for as long as there has been a police force. Neighbourhood watches are not just about calling the Gardaí; rather they are about bringing a community together to work with the Gardaí to make the community a better place. |  |
| Garda Liaison One of the key reasons behind forming a neighbourhood watch is that it gives the Gardaí a point of contact within a community. Where the police force is involved on regular basis with the community the outcome can only be positive in establishing behaviours in the locality. |
 | As part of a neighbourhood watch scheme, a member of the Gardaí will be assigned to your community and any issues or concerns that need attention are funnelled through them. Without the existence of a neighbourhood watch scheme there can be a lack of focus and relationship between the community and the Garda Síochána. When there is a single group talking and dealing with the Gardaí it streamlines the whole process and ensures time is spent sorting out issues rather than trying to figure out what the issues are. |
| Setting up the group The important part of setting up a neighbour watch scheme is to ensure you have the co-operation of the people within the community. The Garda Síochána will be happy to work with any group of people; whether they are a single closed street or an entire estate. The Gardaí also encourage the involvement of school children and teenagers in the scheme to teach them about safe behaviour and what to do in different scenarios. A neighbourhood watch scheme is a formal example of something a proactive community should do anyway; behave responsibly within the community, look out for their neighbours and work with the local Garda to ensure everyone has a peaceful, happy life in their own homes. |
Posted By: Eoin O'Donnell 25th September