|
|
Gardaí enforce public health
guidelines
16.04.20
IN supporting the
COVID-19
public health guidelines, An Garda Síochána
has adopted a graduated policing response based on
its tradition of policing by consent. This has seen
Garda members engage, educate, encourage and, as a
last resort, enforce.
This approach continued during Operation Fanacht.
This was a major operation to ensure public
compliance with the travel restrictions introduced
recently as part of COVID-19 public health
guidelines. The Operation ran from Wednesday, April
8 at 12noon until Monday night, April 13.
Every day of Operation Fanacht, An Garda Síochána
conducted 150 permanent checkpoints on major routes,
over 500 shorter and mobile checkpoints, as well as
a large number of high visibility patrols at tourist
locations, natural beauty spots, and parks and
beaches.
During this time, Garda members interacted with
hundreds of thousands of people. The vast majority
were adhering to the public health guidelines. |
 |
|
There was a very high level of
compliance with the public health guidelines over
the Easter weekend. |
In a small number of
cases, despite receiving a number of warnings, some
individuals did not adhere to the guidelines and the
regulations were enforced in seven cases.
As per Garda policy in relation to the regulations,
in all cases where arrests were made under the
regulations, Garda members will consult with the
Director of Public Prosecutions on the decision to
charge individuals.
"There was a very high level of compliance with the
public health guidelines over the Easter weekend. I
want to thank the public for that. This has helped
saved lives. We now need people to continue that
high level of compliance over the coming weeks.
Working together we can reduce the spread of
COVID-19,” said Commissioner Drew Harris.
"Regrettably, there was a small minority who did not
adhere to the guidelines or other legislation and
Garda members had no option but to use the
regulations or other legislation. This demonstrates
the need for the regulations not only from an
enforcement point of view, but also to support those
who are willingly living their lives in line with
the public health guidelines,” added Commissioner
Harris. |
|
