Longford's See Something Say Something ‘is a real opportunity’

A Longford County Council led initiative aimed at increasing information available to Gardaí was discussed at the December meeting of Longford County Council.
The ‘See Something Say Something’ initiative is a free and confidential text alert service, allowing members of the public report incidents to Gardaí.

The system allows members of the public to report suspicious activity anonymously to Gardaí by text.
Details of a public engagement initiative designed “to help people feel safe and secure in Longford” were outlined to members by Janine Bartley, the Community Safety Partnership Coordinator.

“This is a system set up and run by An Garda Síochána,” Ms Bartley said, “The local management of An Garda Síochána have fought hard to ensure it was launched in Longford. Longford Community Safety Partnership is supporting its roll out and will make posters, flyers stickers and steel signs available to communities around the County in the New Year to promote this scheme.”

The 'See Something Say Something' programme was initiated in the Kerry town of Tralee in 2018 in collaboration with Tralee Chamber Alliance. It’s assisted in a reduction of public order incidents in Tralee by 22%.
It allows members of the public to report anti-social or suspicious behaviour anonymously via text message, and the nearest available Garda patrol is dispatched.

“It's free and anonymous so we hope people will use it to report nuisance behaviour like on street drinking, loitering or begging, Anti Social Behaviour or other suspicious behaviour that they observe and impacts their sense of safety,” Ms Bartley told the councillors.
The Community Safety Coordinator said it augments existing supports: “The system does not replace dialling 999 or 112 in the event of an emergency or urgent response.

“It's a tool to allow An Garda Síochána to hear directly from the community and help ensure Longford is a safe place for people to live, work and visit. It's a simple and effective way to report issues that are affecting you and your area.”
Ms Bartley said the initial plans to have the scheme operate only in Longford town were altered whe the elected members insisted it be a countywide programme.

The 'See Something Say Something' project has been operating locally since November 28, allowing members of the public to report anti-social or suspicious behaviour anonymously and for free by texting LONGFORD to 50555.

Cllr Paul Ross said the beauty of the initiative was it's simplicity: “It's a great initiative, and one that will improve the image of Longford.”
Cllr Gerry Warnock said the anonymity of the scheme was very important: “We know there are areas where people will be more comfortable texting in anonymously about anti social behaviour. This is a real opportunity.”