On balance you would have to say that the advent of the mobile phone has been hugely beneficial to individuals and communities. This being the case, it's logical to use the available technology to provide people with security and peace of mind.
That's the background to the community text alert system that's now operating effectively throughout the country - a variation of the system is a business alert facility that 'red flags' the arrival of undesirable elements to a village or town.
While the community text alert project is heavily dependent on civilian participation and support for its operational success, it needs to be stressed that investigative and any subsequent actions are entirely the remit of An Garda Siochana.
This country's police force are enthusiastic backers of the text alert system and two of their member, Garda John Curtin (Ballylanders) and Garda John Hennessy (Mitchelstown) were in Knockadea Community & Sports Centre last Friday night to launch the system in an area that straddles the Cork/Limerick border. Also at the top table were Diarmuid Cronin (Muintir na Tire), Peter Butler (TASK) and Gerry Walsh the local co-ordinator.
Gerry and his committee were delighted with the near 100 strong crowd that packed into the centre to hear the various speakers. The meeting heard how almost 260 households are signed up to the system which is fundamentally about preventing crime. Members of the public were told to be especially vigilant about noting and taking the registration of suspicious vehicles. With regard to the possibility of a law abiding person being reported via the text alert systems, those present were told that the gardai would quickly identify the ordinary man going about his business with those who were up to no good.
There was also lots of sound advice on personal security, protecting your property, various types of alarms and practical measures people could take to prevent themselves becoming victims of crime. All the speakers were concise and informative and any questions that members of the audience posed were responded to in great detail.
The central message emanating from the meeting was that in general, serious crimes against the person are relatively rare in this part of the country but that vigilance and being a good neighbour were critical to making communities safer.   

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