Gardaí are seeking the introduction of an agreed policy aimed at tackling individuals who issue direct and personal threats against members of An Garda Síochána.
The Garda Representative Association (GRA) said that both online and in-person abuse directed at gardaí has risen sharply in recent years, reports RTE.
Delegates attending the association’s annual conference in Westport have also called for the presence of garda medics at public order events, a comprehensive review of the current suspension policy, and the introduction of a separate working driver’s licence for officers on duty.
Gardaí have expressed concerns about pursuing suspects in certain areas due to fears of disciplinary action or even prosecution, while community officers feel restricted in using discretion when assisting vulnerable individuals, reports RTE.
According to the GRA, these pressures have contributed to significant losses within the force, with more than 370 members leaving through retirement or resignation last year.
GRA President Mark O’Meara said excessive oversight, bureaucracy, and a perceived lack of support have led many gardaí to second-guess their policing decisions, reports RTE.
Following the acquittal of five gardaí in Limerick and the State’s decision to award compensation to an officer suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference is expected to hear renewed calls for a full review of suspension policies.
Gardaí are also seeking clearer guidelines on pursuit driving and the introduction of a dedicated working driving licence to ensure their professional actions do not negatively impact their personal lives, reports RTE.
Officers from Sligo, Leitrim, Meath and Dublin West have highlighted the need for protections when driving in high-risk or urgent situations, suggesting that a working licence would reduce legal exposure when acting within training and policy guidelines.
Gardaí in Dublin are additionally urging Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to ensure all officers are trained in the use of stinger devices and that all patrol vehicles are equipped with them, reports RTE.
A stinger device is a spiked strip used to deflate the tyres of vehicles that pass over it.
With abuse continuing to rise, gardaí are again calling for a clear policy to address those making direct threats, alongside the deployment of specialised garda medics at protests and public order situations, reports RTE.
The GRA also warned that staffing levels remain below required strength, with ongoing recruitment and retention challenges increasing pressure on frontline members.
One motion at the conference calls for the introduction of drones as a policing tool, with appropriate training for officers to tackle issues such as scramblers, motorbikes, and stolen vehicles, reports RTE.
However, the Garda Commissioner has already established a dedicated Drone Unit and indicated that drones are expected to be used in routine policing by late this year or early 2027.
He also said legislative changes are required to allow gardaí to break traffic laws, such as running red lights, when pursuing suspects.
The GRA’s Vice President Niall Hodgins has also called for laws to address doxing, where personal details such as home addresses of gardaí are shared online, reports RTE.
He said officers are prepared to face threats themselves but draw the line when family members are targeted.
“Media manipulation has gone on for a long, long, long time and we need legislation to deal with this issue,” he said, reports RTE.
Mr Hodgins added that the digital unit within An Garda Síochána requires stronger legislative backing, and reiterated the association’s call for a full review of the current suspension policy, reports RTE.
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