A new survey shows up to 85 per cent of gardaí fear for their safety while at work.
The independent survey for the Garda Representative Association (GRA), which is due to be released next month, reports a low level of morale within the force.
Gardaí say they are becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of back-up in violent situations and the risk of contracting fatal diseases in the line of duty.
More than 60 per cent of respondents said they were regularly exposed to potentially fatal diseases on duty such as HIV and Hepatitis C, while around 70 per cent claimed they did not have adequate protection when dealing with prisoners.
The survey revealed that younger members of the force were more concerned about the level of violence than older members. It described the security at the majority of Garda Stations as "deficient".
The GRA, which commissioned the survey, said it would not comment until the full results were published next month.
According to the Department of Justice, there are around 1,100 Garda applications for compensation for malicious injuries going through the courts at any one time.
PA