MEMBERS OF AN Garda Síochána were coughed at or spat on a total of 31 times in just three weeks, a new report has stated.
From 8 April to 25 April, Gardaí reported 31 incidences of being spat or coughed at by members of the public while policing, a trend which has developed from the coronavirus pandemic.
Gardaí used 'spit-hoods' a total of 15 times during this period in order to protect themselves, a last-resort option when someone threatens to spit or is already spitting at Gardaí.
16,000 spit hoods were ordered for Gardaí at the end of March following a rise in reports of police being spat at by those they were attempting to arrest-- Gardaí have assured the public that the use of spit hoods will be allowed only for the duration of the pandemic.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris called the spitting and coughing attacks "reprehensible", saying they "show the challenges members of An Garda Síochána are facing in keeping people safe in unique circumstances. It is vital that we protect their health and safety.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris Photo: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie"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 our Code of Ethics and human rights.”
During these three weeks, 76 people were arrested for breaching restrictions, implemented to slow the spread of the virus, despite multiple warnings-- two arrests were made on recommendation from a health professional as part of the Health Act 1947- Section 31A- Temporary Restrictions (Covid19) Regulations 2020.
Commissioner Drew Harris said: "There remains a high level of compliance with the public health guidelines. I know this has been difficult for people, but it is critical this high level of compliance continues. This is an important week for the country in challenging Covid-19.
"Unfortunately, there are people who did not adhere to the guidelines and members of An Garda Síochána had no option but to use the regulations or other legislation. It should be stressed though that this is a tiny proportion of the people we have engaged with over this time.
"At the outset of the Covid-19 situation, I said that An Garda Síochána will continue to operate as a community-based policing service with a focus on protecting the vulnerable. This approach will not change.”
