Frontline policing to be strengthened to prevent looting

AN Garda Síochána is due to announce new policing measures today, including special patrols, to ensure public order, does not spiral out of control during the coronavirus pandemic.

Following a series of contingency crisis talks by senior management, it is also understood that deskbased gardaí are due to be moved to more frontline policing, as it is feared that looting and other crimes could spread amidst the ‘virus panic’.

It is also understood that all Garda training courses have been cancelled with immediate effect.

Additionally, gardaí and the Army are on stand-by, as the Irish Prison Service is compelled to restrict visitors to the nation’s jails. Authorities are ‘braced and prepared’ for resistance from inmates over a curtailment on their visiting rights.

Statutory instruments are already in existence that can prosecute people who ignore advice about the spread of Covid-19. Those who do not act in the best interests of public health can face criminal prosecution resulting in fines and imprisonment of up to six months.

Over three weeks ago, public health staff were given the power to detain a person suspected of suffering from coronavirus so they can be put into isolation. A person can be detained against their will at an institution if a view is formed by medical staff that home isolation is insufficient or not possible.

The Health Act 1947 states that ‘force may, if necessary, be used’, and that Garda personnel and Garda powers can be used to support medical officers carrying out their duties and enforcing their decisions and instructions.

Furthermore, if a person attempts to resist being taken into isolation or aids another person to resist, or if they try to escape from isolation or help another person’s escape, they will be guilty of a crime punishable by up to three months imprisonment.

Medical staff, supported by gardaí, also have the power to enter premises for the purposes of checking if those inside have the virus.

Meanwhile, Defence Forces personnel were yesterday instructed to report to barracks from Monday to be deployed where necessary to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

A notice sent by Commandant Pat Dunlea, the officer commanding B company of 6 Infantry Batallion based in

Athlone, has told personnel to be ready for an immediate notice to move.

The troops attached to the company have been asked to report with a full kit for deployment in the field for 72 hours.

This includes wet gear, a sleeping blanket, roll mat, warm gear and 72 hours of rations.

Personnel have been told to pack kit with reference to aiding the civil authorities and inspections will be carried out to ensure all personnel have this completed.

Such a deployment happens very rarely in peacetime and it only ever previously happened during the foot and mouth crisis of 2001 and during the most turbulent days of the Troubles.

The Defence Forces have confirmed they were aware of the message circulating on social media.

In a statement the Department of Defence confirmed it has ‘notified our personnel of the impending change to our force posture and all non-essential activities have been suspended’.

‘Our focus now is to maximise our preparedness to respond to requests for assistance from the civil authorities,’ it said.

‘Protecting our personnel is our priority and is key to maintaining our capability to provide support to communities and civil authorities, when requested.’

Army gets ready to deploy