Gardaí gearing up for wage riots and plan for patrols around supermarkets
GARDAÍ are preparing for widescale riots in two weeks time, because of pent-up anger from workers who will not see an end-of-themonth pay slip.
‘The reality is that not everyone is going to be getting paid. There have already been layoffs in the hospitality and other sectors. People will be fearful, angry, desperate and broke,’ a well-placed source said.
‘If this continues we are looking at a recession in this country, which always has a huge impact on policing.’
Senior Garda management have already held meetings about ‘significantly’ stepping up patrols around supermarkets and chemists, in a fortnight as the financial pinch starts to hurt.
Commissioner Drew Harris is also in discussions with the Attorney General about new legislation to give the force powers to arrest infected people who refuse to isolate themselves.
A senior source told the Irish Daily Mail: ‘A lot of people are worried about what is happening right now but we are far more concerned about what the situation will be in a couple of weeks’ time... Money will be tight, people are extremely stressed-out already and that will get worse.
‘There is a real potential for riots. We saw what happened with that Lidl in Jobstown during the snow a few years ago. Except this has the potential to be far worse. This could be every town in the country.’
The well-placed source said the Garda, with Army support, will identify areas early on where ‘tensions are running high’ so that they can have a visible Garda presence at ‘flashpoints’.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Drew Harris wrote to all members of the force late last week outlining the new policing plans in these ‘exceptional’ times.
The lengthy letter, obtained by the Mail, reveals that Garda management is in discussions with the Attorney General about drafting new laws to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.
‘Liaison is ongoing with the Office of the Attorney General with a view to drafting additional contingency legislation,’ Commissioner Harris wrote, in a letter sent to all members on Thursday.
A senior source said that, while gardaí already have the power to detain people who refuse to self-isolate, these legislative powers could be ‘strengthened’. Gardaí currently
have powers to arrest people for ‘endangerment’ if they fail to self-isolate when instructed.
However, it is understood that ‘specific laws relating to Garda powers concerning Covid-19’ to detain these individuals is currently being considered. Such measures were previously rolled out during the Foot and Mouth crisis.
Commissioner Harris also revealed that the gardaí have set up a Covid-19 Coordination Unit at Garda Headquarters.
‘This unit will fall under the remit of Detective Chief Superintendent, Liaison and Protection, and will be staffed by the necessary skilled personnel to ensure a coordinated approach when dealing with issues around the Covid-19 virus.
‘This unit is based in the Schengen Building, Garda Headquarters and has responsibility for An Garda Síochána’s overall strategic response to the Covid-19 virus, including the provision of updates to all personnel.
The unit will operate on a 24-hour basis seven days a week. Any queries or concerns you may have should be channelled to this unit,’ the commissioner’s letter stated.
His letter also outlines how officers should deal with prisoners taken into custody in light of concerns over spreading the virus.
‘Divisional officers should consider the use of smaller Garda stations with detention facilities to help prevent the unnecessary exposure of Garda personnel and Garda staff to the Covid-19 virus.’
The Commissioner also praised his 14,500strong force and outlined how important policing now is in light of the coronavirus.
‘An Garda Síochána will play a crucial role in protecting and supporting individuals and society. Now, more than ever, we will be called upon to do all that is required to help our fellow citizens and the country.
‘I have every confidence that we will meet this challenge. As this is a rapidly changing situation, further operational adjustments are very likely to be required,’ he wrote.
Commissioner Harris also told all members of the Garda force how this pandemic is being managed.
He wrote: ‘I am declaring the ongoing situation as an exceptional event, in accordance with the Working Time Agreement, which provides – “Exceptional event” – In the event of natural or technological disasters, attacks, serious accidents or similar events, the gravity and scale of which requires the adoption of measures indispensable for the protection of life, health and safety of the community at large.’