Gardai have called for help for officers faced with threats and attacks as they keep the peace at violent evictions.
Sgt Paul McDermott, a crime prevention officer based in the Roscommon/Longford division, said guards have suffered as they police the protests.
He asked for better guidance for officers faced with the task of making sure court-ordered evictions are carried out peacefully.
Sgt McDermott added: “I would have experienced members who would have received threats following these types of incidents.
“There have been other incidents as well where people have been identified, not in our area, put up on social media and threats were put up.
“It’s a stressful thing. That is our job and we don’t shy back from taking those difficult decisions. That’s what we have to do.” His comments came in the wake of an alleged violent attack at an eviction site in Strokestown, Co Roscommon.
Man, 50s, arrested in connection with eviction in Strokestown, Co Roscommon
At that incident a number of private security officers were targeted as they guarded the disputed house.
Sgt McDermott was speaking at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors annual conference in Cavan.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris responded said he and his management team were working to manage the issue. He added: “In February of this year we did provide further guidance to the service in respect of our role where there are court orders in force.
“I recognise the issues that AGSI have highlighted here but I would say we still have a responsibility to prevent public order offences and prevent a breach of the peace.” Meanwhile, the conference yesterday also heard gardai have been blocked for promotion because of complaints made against them.
It was claimed four gardai have been affected even though they have not been found guilty of wrongdoing.
Nearly 2,000 people march to show support for evicted Roscommon siblings
Sgt Pat Brennan, an Armed Support Unit officer based in Limerick, said his own promotion has been delayed because of a Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission probe.
He added: “There’s a presumption of innocence given to every citizen and for some unknown reason it’s not afforded to members of AGS of whatever rank and there’s no due process.”
Mr Harris said he will examine each case on its merits.
He added: “It’s not to say these promotions will not happen, they are delayed for the moment until I am in possession of more facts and I can come to a judgment as to whether an individual can be promoted.”
