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Shomrim (from the Hebrew word “shomrim,” meaning “guards” or “watchers”) refers to volunteer neighbourhood patrol groups in some Jewish communities. What Shomrim does Shomrim organisations are typically made up of local volunteers who help with: • Community safety patrols • Responding to minor incidents (e.g., suspicious activity, missing persons) • Assisting victims before police arrive • Helping with lost property or welfare checks They’re not police, but they often act as a first point of contact and may coordinate with law enforcement when needed. Where they operate Shomrim groups are most commonly found in: • The UK (especially in London neighbourhoods like Stamford Hill) • The US (e.g., Brooklyn, New York) Each group is usually independent and community-run, though they share a similar model. Controversies and criticisms Shomrim groups have sometimes faced scrutiny, including: • Concerns about lack of formal training or oversight • Accusations of bias or handling incidents intern...