The painful reality facing gardai dealing with the mental health crisis was laid bare in Wednesday night’s episode of ‘The Guards: Inside the K.’
The unflinching depiction of life on the frontline delved deep into the darkness, as the camera crew follow members of the force on a series of difficult call-outs.
And fourth episode of the Virgin Media documentary series provoked a huge reaction on social media, with viewers describing the show as "eye opening".
It also saw top cops urge the State to stump up the cash for health services to stop those who are most vulnerable slipping through the cracks.
Chief Superintendent, Finbarr Murphy, said: “A lot of people who end up in prison have mental health issues and I think there is a need for more support around those people, not in the criminal justice end of things, but just in a health end.”
He also revealed that there are over 320 gardai in the K, which is the policing district that covers Blanchardstown, Finglas and Cabra, Dublin.
Garda Rebekah Fahy was shown approaching a man in a distressed state on a public road and trying to encourage him to a safe place.
She told the man: “I know you think we’re the enemies at the best of times, but when something like this happens we are not.
“We are here to help you and wrestle with you the odd time, but today we’re here to help.”
Later, she is shown traveling to the home of a young male in his 20s, who had sent photos to his GP of cuts on his hands and stomach.
Garda Rebekah Gaffey said: “I feel sick, why do I feel sick? I don’t have a good feeling about this.”
Members of the Dublin Fire Service broke down the door and the man was restrained.
In another case, gardai in riot gear had to physically restrain a male with mental health problems and sedate him in the cell before he was taken to hospital.
And the episode provoked a huge reaction on social media.
One viewer said the show was "an important eye opener", while another said the footage was "hugely upsetting".
One fan also claimed that the series was "one of the best pieces of Irish television made in years".
Here is the best of the social media reaction after last night's episode:
