Châtel-Guyon Seeks Neighborhood Referents to Enhance Security

The municipality is launching an appeal for volunteers to become citizen referents, a free prevention initiative in coordination with law enforcement.

Generic image of a stone town hall facade under a blue sky.
AI

Generic image of a stone town hall facade under a blue sky.

The town of Châtel-Guyon is calling for applications to recruit neighborhood referents. This free initiative aims to strengthen crime prevention and local vigilance.

The municipality of Châtel-Guyon is implementing the official and free « Citizen Participation » program. This initiative aims to enhance proximity prevention and vigilance, in close collaboration with the National Police and the Municipal Police. The town is actively seeking volunteer residents to take on the role of referent in their neighborhood. Applications are open until October 30, 2026.
This program, established in 2011 by the Ministry of the Interior, is a partnership between law enforcement, elected officials, and the public. Its objectives include developing crime prevention, ensuring rapid reporting of useful information, and fostering closer ties between residents and security forces. It complements existing initiatives such as Operation Tranquility Vacation and video surveillance.
The role of the citizen referent involves observing their surroundings and relaying specific facts to the authorities. They disseminate prevention messages while remaining discreet and available. It is emphasized that referents do not patrol, pursue, control, or investigate anyone. In cases of ongoing crimes or offenses, the primary action is to call 17.
Any resident wishing to contribute to neighborhood prevention, who knows their area well, is available to maintain simple contact with the town hall and police, and demonstrates good judgment, discretion, and a sense of responsibility can become a referent. The town initially aims to recruit 12 referents, distributed across six sectors of the municipality.
To apply, simply send an email before October 30, 2026, to participationcitoyenne@chatel-guyon.fr, including your name, age, exact address, contact details, and availability. The National Police or Municipal Police will then contact applicants in November.
Based on information from the official source: Mairie de Châtel-Guyon (01/10/2026)