Gardaí are to be advised never to reveal themselves as officers on social networking sites because they risk being targeted by criminals.

A working group headed by Chief Superintendent Brendan Cloonan has been reviewing An Garda Síochána's internet-usage policy and will publish a document shortly advising members on the security implications of their identity as gardaí being disclosed.

The force has become aware that with the explosion of social networking sites such as Bebo, Facebook and YouTube, some members are posting blogs and messages on online message boards as well as accessing social networking sites and are openly identifying themselves as gardaí.

It is understood that some officers and members of their families have been abused online after it was revealed that they are gardaí or are related to gardaí.

There is also widespread criticism of the gardaí on YouTube which contains several videos of gardaí in the course of their duty.

The main concern for gardaí is that criminals would target officers or their family on the internet and attempt to find out where they live.

The policy document will advice all members of the force to ensure their spouses and children never reveal personal information as it could be used for criminal purposes.

If someone wishes to target gardaí, they can simply enter the word 'garda' into the search engine Facebook and over 120 matches emerge. The same applies to Bebo and MySpace.

One YouTube video, entitled 'garda cock-up' shows officers taking an illegal turn. Another, 'Pikey Garda', shows an officer using a member of the Travelling community's horse and cart.

There is also footage of the garda response to the Reclaim The Streets march on Mayday 2002 when rioting broke out.

The policy document will also remind gardaí of the importance of maintaining the highest levels of professional conduct at all times and reminds officers that technological advances have made it possible for members of the public to video them in the course of their work.