Ethnic Liaison Officers

The aim of the Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office (GRIDO), and its team of Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers, is to liaise with ethnic minority communities and reassure them of the police services available to them without discrimination. These police officers liaise with the Muslim community in general and at their places of worship (Mosques and Prayer Houses) throughout the state. The central function of GRIDO and Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers is to build trust and confidence with individuals within the Muslim community, and to be attuned to the heightened vulnerabilities pertaining to this community especially at times of terrorist threats and attack worldwide. The effects of negative media reporting in respect of Muslims can encourage prejudice and stereotyping of this community. To this end, Police (Garda) Liaison Officers through their knowledge and excellent relations with the Muslim community can act to dispel negative media commentary that leads to prejudice and stereotyping of the ‘whole’ community. In such instances Police Liaison Officers also act as an aid to the police organisation to ensure that instances of negative profiling by the police is prevented during times of heightened alert and nervousness. The Garda Ethnic Liaison Officer endeavours to learn about this community through self-development from constant communication and contact; also between local and regional authorities. Police liaison officers may eventually become privy to information that assists in preventing individuals from becoming radicalised. Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers also are available to any member of the community who wishes to report in confidence any matter that could endanger the Muslim community in general. GRIDO and Garda Ethnic Liaison Officers provide presentations to the Muslim community on security and safe use of the Internet.

Contact details:

Garda Racial, Intercultural and Diversity Office
Garda Community Relations Bureau
Harcourt Square, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2
Ireland

Sergeant Dave McInerney
Email: david.mcinerney@garda.ie 
Tel: (+353) 868282574