Gardaí across the country are being asked to actively identify those persons most at need, particularly those with limited local family or social support. In these cases An Garda Síochána will assist.
Gardaí continue to urge families, neighbours and community groups to engage with people in line with ‘social distancing’ guidelines.
An Garda Síochána has established a COVID-19 National Co-Ordination Unit operating from Garda Headquarters under Deputy Commissioner Twomey, Policing and Security to co-ordinate and manage a strategic Garda response to this dynamic situation. Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security currently chairs daily meetings with Regional Commanders and Heads of Section monitoring the evolving position.
Pic: Courtesy Garda Press Office
They are in the process of hiring up to 210 additional vehicles to provide additional mobility to our members nationwide to provide increased community support and community engagement across the country.
Speaking today Deputy Commissioner Twomey stated that “As a community at this time we need more than ever to support the most vulnerable in our society, particularly our elderly and isolated. An Garda Síochána has always worked closely with our communities and we continue to do so in these extraordinary times”.
Pic: Garda Press Office
These ‘contingency’ vehicles will be used to maintain personal interactions and where needed to assist and support people, which may include collecting medical prescriptions, attending hospital appointments and other supports they may need. They are not ‘primary response vehicles.’
An Garda Síochána will also use these opportunities to link identified people into local, national and state services where appropriate.
Any person with these concerns for themselves or for a neighbour should contact their local Garda station, contact details, including email contact, for all Garda stations can be found on the Garda website or in any phonebook.
An Garda Síochána has established a COVID-19 National Co-Ordination Unit operating from Garda Headquarters under Deputy Commissioner Twomey, Policing and Security to co-ordinate and manage a strategic Garda response to this dynamic situation. Deputy Commissioner, Policing and Security currently chairs daily meetings with Regional Commanders and Heads of Section monitoring the evolving position.
Pic: Garda Press Office
