The concept of a community-based police force emerged with the foundation of An Garda Síochána, though it wasn’t until the 1980s that the philosophy was to take hold in an effort to keep An Garda Síochána connected with members of the public.1 Community policing is focused on the prevention of crime by building trust and strong relationships between Gardaí and people in the community, engaging in partnership groups and cooperating together to improve the area.