An Garda Síochána has implemented a high visibility, nationwide policing plan focused on support for the vulnerable and crime prevention, today, Friday 16th of October.
The policing plan, which comes into effect from 7am Friday, 16 October 2020 to midnight Sunday, 18 October 2020, is in support of public health guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the community. The plan will supplement the work being done under Operation Fanacht and Operation Navigation, which both continue this weekend.
The weekend’s policing plan is focused on ensuring engagement by An Garda Síochána with the public through three key strands:
1.Community Engagement
As has been the case throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, community Gardaí will work with individuals, community groups, statutory agencies, charities and local businesses to provide a range of services to assist and protect the most vulnerable.
Garda members will also continue to engage with people to ensure compliance with public health guidelines and regulations through the 4Es approach of engage, educate and encourage, and only where provided for and as a last resort, enforcement.
2. Crime Prevention Patrols
Crime prevention patrols will be increased nationwide, particularly at locations such as public amenities, parks, and natural beauty spots.
3. Checkpoints Focusing on Crime Detection Checkpoints with an enhanced focus on crime prevention and detection will take place over the weekend.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security, John Twomey said:
“Since the start of the pandemic, Garda members throughout the country have being helping the vulnerable and those who feel isolated. This involved simple, but important tasks such as collecting their prescription, delivering their pension, or even socially distanced contact. If people need such assistance or know someone who does, please contact your local Garda station. We are here to help.”
Gardaí in the Southern Region are appealing to the public to continue following public health regulations and guidelines this weekend.
An Garda Síochána in counties Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary are asking everyone to play their part in preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Assistant Commissioner for the Southern Region, Michael Finn said;
We all need play our part in this pandemic. That means limiting your contact with people, wearing face mask when required, following coughing etiquette, and washing your hands thoroughly.
As level 3 restrictions are still in place in the Garda Southern Region, we will not only continue our Operation Fanacht checkpoints, but we will be increasing them and conducting checkpoints on secondary roads as well as primary. We understand that it can be frustrating to be delayed at these checkpoints, but we are trying to save lives. It is not our intention to delay you. Please stay within your county. Ask yourself, is my journey essential? From midnight on Thursday you are also being asked not to visit other people’s homes or allow others into yours. We all need to do our part in this.”
I want to also assure the public that whilst we are increasing our checkpoints, normal policing still resumes. Our units will be out there patrolling and helping where needed. If you need help, don’t think twice about calling us. Remember, we are all in this together, so stay safe.
