Community Garda

In Ireland, Community Policing was initiated by An Garda Síochána in November 1987. Under Community Policing, a member of An Garda Síochána is given responsibility for policing a specific area. He or she works in uniform and makes every effort to meet and build up a constructive relationship with the people who live there. Community Policing has three specific aims:

1.To provide the people in an area with their own Garda, someone with whom they can discuss everyday occurrences within that area and build up a strong and supportive personal relationship;
2.To assist the residents of the area to prevent crime by supporting their efforts to promote Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert and other crime prevention initiatives;
3.To work with other social agencies in the area to help curb crime and vandalism.

In addition, the Community Garda liases with local youth groups and gives talks to primary school children

The Community Garda for Baltinglass is Bernard Cloney who can be contacted on 059-6481022