Waterford Gardaí may trial taser stun guns before Christmas

Taser stun guns could be used in policing on the streets of Waterford, Kilkenny, and Dublin over the Christmas period.

That’s a decision dependent on Cabinet approval, expected to be discussed today, December 2nd.

Until now, tasers have only been used by the Emergency Response Unit, and the Armed Support Unit.

With Waterford, Dublin, and Kilkenny part of a body-camera trial, the taser stun guns are proposed to be added to the trial.

There is, however, no consideration being given to arming frontline Gardaí with firearms.

The trial would involve about 130 serving members of An Garda Síochána.

According to The Irish Times, senior Gardaí and Department of Justice officials want to observe how tasers impact members.

Specifically, they want to assess the impact on their relationship with the public.

Consequently, they believe areas where the body-cameras are in use would be best placed to judge the impact of the tasers.

The proposal will be brought to cabinet today by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.

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