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Galway Gardai await policy on text alert schemes
The increasing trend of community alert text message schemes has been given a cautious welcome by members of the County Joint Policing Committee.
At a recent meeting of the committee, Chairperson, Councillor Peter Roche asked for clarification about the text schemes which are in operation in many rural communities.
The system operates whereby someone sends a text message out if they spot something suspicious and that message is distributed through the network.
Superintendent Marie Skehill of Galway Garda Division says that Gardaí are not involved in these schemes at present.
She told members of the committee that they are waiting for the Garda Commissioner to sign off on a policy in relation to community text schemes.
Councillor Michael Connolly says there has been a big push by local G.A.A clubs and IFA branches to become involved in making people more aware of preventing crime.
Crime Prevention Officer for Galway, Sergeant Pat Flanagan told the meeting that Gardaí are ‘unique’ and are an envied police force because they have the support of the community.
Superintendent Marie Skehill says that while community involvement is growing, Gardaí are still not connected to the text alert schemes