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Gardaí has started what they say is a major high-visibility police operation to support new public health restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Lists are being changed and more than 2,500 Gardaí will be deployed every day at 132 static and mobile checkpoints, for community patrols and to support the elderly and vulnerable.
Training at Garda College has been suspended for the next nine weeks as 260 Gardaí trainees and their tutors, as well as members in administrative roles, are deployed to monitor Level 5 restrictions.
Gardaí said there will be high visibility patrols in parks, places of beauty, beaches and public services.
They will also continue to support victims of domestic abuse.
However, Women’s Aid, a national organization that provides support and information to women experiencing domestic violence, has said it expects the restrictions to lead to an increase in contacts in the coming weeks.
During the previous tightening of restrictions earlier this year, she said she responded to a 43% increase in calls from women who were trapped with abusers at home, many of whom had to come up with ingenious ways to get in touch with the organization.
The women, he said, called from their car, the garden shed and from the bathroom with the shower running to report abuse by their partners.
Women’s Aid Executive Director Sarah Benson said callers report increased anxiety because abusive partners who continue to work from home have more opportunities to abuse and control.
“We get more calls from suicidal women than we normally would and there are more calls at night when the abusive partner is asleep,” Ms. Benson said.
“We are also seeing a lot of messages on the online chat service that some women find easier to access as they can be done silently from laptops and cell phones.”
Gardaí said that under Operation Faoiseamh thousands of contacts have been made with victims of domestic abuse and that in addition to arrests, more than 100 prosecutions have been initiated.
The Garda Commissioner said the public had complied with travel restrictions very well when they were in place before, adding that it is vital that the high level of compliance continues.
“The public health council is clear. This will help save lives,” said Drew Harris.
“In particular, we ask people to think about their travels and not to exercise or travel outside the 5km limit unless they meet the essential criteria.”
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Deputy Commissioner John Twomey said members have and will continue to help the vulnerable and those feeling isolated during the pandemic.
“Gardaí has collected prescriptions, provided pensions and has had socially distanced contacts,” he said.
“If people need this kind of assistance or know someone who needs it, please contact your local garda station. We are here to help.”
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