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AN GARDA SÍOCHÁNA will present, starting this morning, a series of measures that include a large number of checkpoints, high visibility community participation patrols and continuous support for the most vulnerable.
The entire country has now entered Covid-19 level 5 restrictions.
The new restrictions will remain in effect for a period of six weeks. They are scheduled to end on December 1.
New Garda Síochána measures are being introduced to ensure compliance with Level 5 public health guidelines and regulations.
As part of the plan, training at Garda College will be suspended for the next nine weeks, except for specialized training activity (firearms and armed support).
This will release the following personnel to front line police:
- 125 attested Garda apprentices are currently undergoing phase one training at Garda College.
- 75 Garda trainees did not report having completed phase one training.
- 60 gardaí working as tutors / instructors at Garda College. This is in addition to the 45 Gardaí who were temporarily transferred from Garda College to the front line at the start of the pandemic and who have remained at the front.
These implementations will go into effect on November 2, 2020.
In addition, throughout the organization, Gardaí in administrative functions will, where possible, be reassigned to operational functions.
The 12-hour contingency list will run until March 31, 2021.
Overall, at any given time, there will be more than 2,500 Gardaí in service, with the primary focus on checkpoints and high-visibility patrols in support of Level 5 compliance.
Operation Fanacht and public participation
Starting today, under Operation Fanacht, there will be an extensive network of checkpoints across the country.
The 132 static checkpoints on the highways introduced earlier this month will be maintained and will be supplemented by hundreds of mobile checkpoints on the main and secondary roads.
According to data from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the volume of private cars on the main routes nationwide has decreased by 14.5% after the introduction of Operation Fanacht compared to traffic levels during the week prior to the start of the Operation.
There will also be high visibility community engagement patrols by gardaí in parks, places of natural beauty and public services.
While the vast majority of Gardaí will focus on public participation, national units in areas such as crime detection, armed support, national security, and organized crime, as well as divisional drug units, will continue to prevent and detect crime.
Speaking today, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said: “There was very good public compliance with travel restrictions when they were in effect before. It is vital that we see that high level of compliance again this time.
The public health council is clear. This will help save lives.
“In particular, we would ask people to think about their travels and not exercise or travel outside the 5km limit unless they meet the essential criteria.”
Harris said An Garda Síochána will continue its “gradual response based on our tradition of consent policing.”
“This is a difficult time for all of us, but if we all work together we can reduce the spread of Covid-19 and protect our families, friends and neighbors,” he said.
Operation Relief
Over the next several weeks, the Garda Office of National Protective Services and Divisional Protective Service Units will continue to support victims of domestic abuse under Operation Faoiseamh.
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Introduced on April 1, 2020, Operation Faoiseamh has experienced an increased level of support, protection, and reassurance for victims of domestic abuse during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the framework of Operation Faoiseamh, thousands of contacts have been made with victims of domestic abuse, as well as arrests and more than 100 prosecutions have been initiated.
In carrying out this operation, gardaí will continue to use the 4E approach of engaging, educating and encouraging, and only where intended and as a last resort, enforcement.
As has been done since the beginning of the pandemic, Gardaí will continue to engage with the most vulnerable in society to provide them with the necessary support.
Garda Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said: “During the pandemic, the Gardaí across the country have been helping the vulnerable and those who feel isolated. Gardaí has collected prescriptions, provided pensions and had socially distanced contacts.
“If people need such help or know someone who needs it, contact your local garda station. We are here to help. ”
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