The treatment of persons in custody in Garda stations is governed by the Criminal Justice Act 1984 (Treatment of Persons in Custody in Garda Síochána Stations) Regulations, 1987. The objective of the regulations is to ensure that members of the Garda Síochána act with due respect for the dignity and personal rights of persons in custody. The regulations include provision for the assignment of a member of the Garda Síochána in each Garda station to be responsible for ensuring that the treatment of persons in custody is in accordance with those regulations.
The responsibilities conferred by the regulations on members include provisions which are designed to ensure the welfare of persons in custody and to ensure that persons receive medical treatment from a doctor where necessary (Regulation 21).