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The Garda response to coronavirus could change the face of community policing following an increased presence in local areas, a community garda has said.<\/p>\nThe Garda response to coronavirus could change the face of community policing following an increased presence in local areas, a community garda has said.<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed have been at the forefront in helping local communities cope with the unprecedented circumstances and lockdown laws across Ireland.<\/p>\n
Units nationwide have been delivering medication, food and other services to the homes of vulnerable people and the elderly who are \u201ccocooning\u201d.<\/p>\n
This is bringing us right back into the heart of the community to show that we are there to assist them<\/p>\n
For the thousands of people who are following Government advice and not leaving their homes over coronavirus fears, the service has been a lifeline.<\/p>\n
Sergeant John O\u2019Reilly, of community policing in Finglas in Dublin, said the frontline initiative has strengthened the relationship between garda\u00ed and the public.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is huge benefit to be gained from this, we\u2019re very much community-based and this is bringing us right back into the heart of the community to show that we are there to assist them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t always have to involve a criminal nature. The feedback that we\u2019re getting from the community and the people we\u2019re visiting on a daily basis is extremely positive.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a result of that, this is something that will continue to run and I believe it should be a national team for the organisation.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s vitally important that we maintain our links with the community, and this is without a doubt improving our relationships and strengthening our bonds with the community that we serve.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the help of community representatives and Dublin City Council, garda\u00ed in Finglas were able to identify the vulnerable and elderly people living locally.<\/p>\n
Officers collect groceries, meals and prescriptions every day and deliver them to the homes of those who are isolated.<\/p>\n
On some occasions, officers have also been taking elderly people\u2019s dogs for walks.<\/p>\n
Sgt O\u2019Reilly added: \u201cIt\u2019s been very positive and I\u2019m very thankful for being in the community office. We have a different role within the organisation and that\u2019s to be the face of it and to be there as a support mechanism for the community and perhaps being able to spend a bit more time with them than other units might be able to.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really about interacting with the people and to engage with them, it\u2019s not about police work all the time, it\u2019s about helping them and how we can make their life easier during this horrific time.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn a personal level, I find it tough to see how this is affecting people, particularly those who are living on their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo try and combat that we are trying to interact with the most vulnerable on a daily basis and stay with them as long as we possibly can. Whether that just be for a conversation, it\u2019s really about raising people\u2019s spirits and showing that we are there to support them, and anything that might make their life easier, we have no problem following through on that.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe biggest benefit that I have seen is bringing a smile to someone\u2019s face.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gladys Akognon is one of many people using the service.<\/p>\n
Ms Akognon\u2019s young daughter Grace suffers from respiratory issues meaning they cannot leave their home to collect vital medication.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very scary for me to go out because I don\u2019t know what I am bringing back into the house,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of my friends in Finglas used to collect medication for us but at the moment she can\u2019t it so this service is great because it means I don\u2019t have to look for someone to mind Grace.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so happy with it. It takes away that concern that I have as cocooning is very tough.\u201d<\/p>\n
With Government plans to ease restrictions from May 18, garda\u00ed say they can see some members of the public becoming frustrated over the continuing lockdown measures.<\/p>\n
However, Sgt O\u2019Reilly said that most of the public continue to be supportive, particularly at Covid-19 checkpoints.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vast majority of people are adhering to the guidelines, but there is a selected few that are persistent on taking chances,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnybody who has breached the regulations and if they decide to not adhere to the advice, unfortunately, then we left no other option but to act on that.\u201d<\/p>\n