The Policing Authority (PA) has reported on the policing performance of An Garda Síochána during the COVID-19 crisis, given the importance of policing oversight at a time of increased police powers.

The PA says its interim report appreciates the work of the Garda Síochána, recognising the importance of human rights, the need for proportionality and the central importance of a consistent approach throughout the state.

Exceptional

It says it is satisfied that the Garda Síochána fully understands the temporary and exceptional nature of the new powers and the importance that any use of the new powers is appropriately and fully recorded.

“The success of its oversight will depend on the fullest information and arrangements being in place for real-time reporting of any issues of public interest to the chair or chief executive and for weekly reporting to the Authority on the use of the new powers,” the authority says.

It says that while it is not certain that the reporting of arrests alone fully reflects the incidence of the use of the new policing powers, it will engage further to have a more settled and complete information base for its next report to the Minister.

Spit-hoods

Any use by the Garda Síochána of the spit-hoods which were introduced in the last few weeks is being reported directly to the Authority and it is intended to seek more complete information on their, so far, limited use.

The PA welcomes the Commissioner’s focus throughout on community safety, on a graduated response and on the critical importance of community consent.

The Garda Síochána’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 emergency will form a central part of the next meeting between the PA and the Garda Commissioner, which is scheduled to take place on 29 April.

Statistics

Meanwhile, justice minister Charlie Flanagan welcomed publication by the Garda Commissioner of up-to-date statistics on the use of the new powers.

He said: “We all recognise that the temporary powers given to gardaí in support of the public health restrictions on movement and gatherings are far-reaching.

“Because of this, I requested the Commissioner to compile and publish a record of any use of these powers, with a view to ensuring transparency and public confidence.  I welcome the Commissioner’s response in publishing this data on a weekly basis.”

Inhibit spread of virus

The Minister welcomed the high level of compliance by the public with the guidance and temporary public health measures in place to inhibit the spread of Covid-19.

Commenting further on the report, the Minister said: “There were many thousands of interactions between Gardaí and members of the public during this period, and I note that Gardaí have used their new arrest powers sparingly – on only 34 occasions to date.

Compliance

“This is a welcome demonstration that there continues to be a high level of public compliance with the temporary public health measures in place to inhibit the spread of Covid-19. 

“It is also confirmation that the graduated policing response adopted by Gardaí – engaging, educating, encouraging and only as a last resort enforcing – is understood by the public and is working.

“I thank the Policing Authority for its rapid work in preparing the first in this series of reports on this important issue.”

'Extraordinary times'

Minister Flanagan said: “These are extraordinary times. 

"However, I am confident that as a society and a State, we will emerge from this crisis stronger, in large part thanks to the dedication of our frontline services including An Garda Síochána, as well as the shared sense of community and cooperation which can now be seen across the country.

The Regulations came into effect on 8 April initially until 12 April and were subsequently extended further to 5 May.