The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has condemned an attack on a member of the force in Dublin on Monday.
A male guard received medical treatment after he was surrounded by a group of youths and struck with a missile in Ballyfermot.
Gardaí said a number of patrol vehicles also received "significant damage."
GRA President Brendan O'Connor has said a special taskforce to deal with the issue of violence against G ardaí needs to be formed.
"Yet again unfortunately we saw another incident yesterday where one of colleagues was injured and hospitalised, going to the aid of a member of the public who was in danger," he said.
"We saw a hostile mob surrounding and attacking members, we saw damage to patrol vehicles.
"[It's] another disturbing incident which laid bare the dangers that our members are exposed to.
"We repeat our calls for the Minister for Justice to set up a taskforce to tackle the huge challenges facing policing.
"To address the number one problem, which is the shortage of Gardaí," he added.
