The Policing Authority has warned that the level of compliance with Covid-19 restrictions is "fraying" and that there is "an inevitable level of weariness" which has consequences for policing.
In its latest report on the Garda's policing performance during the pandemic, the Authority says it has been told that relations between the gardaí and young people in some disadvantaged areas is deteriorating during the current lockdown.
The Authority says organisations working with young people have reported that relations are being damaged by what they perceive to be an increase in random stops and searches.
It also says that student representatives have reported negative and intimidating experiences of policing.
The Authority says those aged 18 to 25 received the highest number of fines in the period up to 11 March, accounting for 53% of all fines issued.
It has also warned that there is "a great deal of misinformation" being widely distributed through social media.
It described the protests on Grafton Street in Dublin two-and-a-half weeks ago and the violence that ensured as marking "a low point in the policing of the public health emergency" and condemned the attacks on gardaí which is said "can never be justified".
The Policing Authority also said some people at funerals are acting outside the law, gathering together in large numbers and ignoring the restrictions observed by other grieving families.
Chairman Bob Collins said this behaviour not only adds to the distress of those who obey the rules, but risks further spreading the coronavirus and represents a burden and a real dilemma for the gardaí.
