GARDAÍ HAVE reported being spat or coughed at by members of the public 100 times since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Ireland.
In the past two months, uniformed members of An Garda Síochána have been attacked in this way while advising the public on social distancing measures or attempting to make an arrest.
However, the Gardaí maintain that the use of 'spit hoods' will be used by officers only as a last resort, and the use of the hoods will last only as long as the threat of the coronavirus pandemic remains in the country.
Speaking on Tuesday, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris thanked the vast majority of the public who were continuing to adhere by social distancing measures as the country began to ease its way out of lockdown, and said "we all need to continue to play our part".
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris had previously condemned the "disgusting and despicable" spitting attacks on members of Gardaí. Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ieHe revealed that from 8 April until 13 June, there were 100 incidents of spitting or coughing attacks, with officers forced to use spit guards a total of 75 times, a trend which Commissioner Harris described as a "serious concern".
He said:
"Gardaí continue to be subject of disgusting spitting and coughing attacks.
"This remains a serious concern for the organisation. These are a significant health and safety risk to our members in the current environment. We must protect them from such attacks,"
"This includes having the option of using anti-spit guards in very limited circumstances. We have made it clear these anti-spit guards are only to be used as last resort and in line with the Garda Decision Making Model, which includes at its centre human rights and our Code of Ethics.”
The Garda policy and use of anti-spit guards are set to be reviewed by An Garda Síochána this coming September.
