FAQs
Got a question about using My Community Alert? On this page you'll find some of our most frequently asked questions.
What personal information do you require?
To sign up to My Community Alert, you are required to complete a short registration form online. This will help us to tailor your alerts. You will need to register with an email address or telephone number.
Will you share my details with other agencies?
During the registration process and in your 'administration' area you have the opportunity to review and select additional licensed information providers who will, if authorised by you, be able to see your data and send you messages. Although all the information providers listed may not be actively using the system at this time, you will be notified as they come on board. You can remove any information provider at any time.
Can I cancel my alerts?
You can opt out of My Community Alert at any time or update your settings to configure the types of messages that you want to receive and remove the ones you don't want. Emails from My Community Alert have a link at the bottom to 'change settings.' Simply click on this link to review your settings and update them.
Why do you ask for my telephone and mobile number?
My Community Alert allows us to send messages via voicemail, text and email. It is most cost effective for us to send messages via email, so if you have an email address this will be the default method of communication. However, if there is an urgent message that we need to alert you about we may then send a text or voicemail.
Can I reply to the email?
Yes, you can reply to the person that sent the message and to your local policing team. However, where we have requested information we ask that you call 101 or 999 as appropriate.
Do others see my email address?
No, other subscribers will not see any of your details.
Can I forward or print out My Community Alert messages and share it with friends, or is it confidential?
Alerts are not confidential and we welcome the sharing of information. We do advise that you remove any personal details you do not wish to share, such as email addresses.
Can I change my contact details if I move house or change my email address?
Yes, use the links at the bottom of the My Community Alert, or visit your account on the My Community Alert website.
Does My Community Alert cost me anything?
No, subscription to My Community Alert is free, no other charges or fees will be incurred.
Is this to replace Neighbourhood Watch?
No, this is not replacing any Neighbourhood Watch scheme. We hope it will complement existing schemes and initiatives. My Community Alert is linked to the national Neighbourhood Watch 'Our Watch' system and will improve the way in which police and Watch schemes are able to communicate with and support each other.
Can I report crime or fire by email?
No, My Community Alert is not intended to receive information to report crimes, you can report a crime by calling 101. In an emergency always dial 999.
Can I use My Community Alert in an emergency?
No, in an emergency you should always dial 999. An emergency is when there is a risk of serious injury, a risk of serious damage to property, where you suspect a crime is in progress or if there is a serious incident which needs immediate police attendance. For non-urgent matters call 101.
Will my data be stored securely?
Yes, My Community Alert is powered by the Neighbourhood Alert system which is accredited to Government security standard: Cyber Essentials Plus. This means the entire system is audited (tested) regularly to ensure all necessary precautions have been taken to keep your data safe. This includes the police vetting of staff, encryption of all data, patching of software and use of Government approved firewalls.
