Community policing is at the heart of An Garda Síochána as it recognises that every community, either urban or rural, has its own concerns and expectations. The role of a Community Garda is not a specialist role in An Garda Síochána; rather it is the case that all Gardaí have a role to play in community policing in carrying out their duties. The official categorisation of Community Garda simply refers to those who are exclusively assigned to building relationships with local communities and civil society including giving talks to schools, community groups and others. It is a matter for the Divisional Chief Superintendent to determine the optimum distribution of duties among the personnel available to him or her having regard to the profile of the area and its specific needs.
As part of the Community Policing Model, An Garda Síochána work in partnership with local communities, to prevent and deter crime through initiatives such as Neighbourhood Watch, Community Alert, Text Alert and the Garda Schools Programme as well as through more formal structures such as Joint Policing Committees.
Taking into account the recommendations of the Commission on Future Policing Garda management are developing a new model of community policing based on delivering localised policing services to meet the differing needs of different communities. It will result in policing systems and structures being reorganised with the aim of providing a police service that engages with the communities be they rural or urban and recognises their specific needs.
The allocation of Community Gardaí by Division from 2008 to present is outlined in the below link.
