Over 100 frontline Gardaí to be armed with taser guns in new pilot scheme

Tasers are being rolled out in areas that already use body-worn cameras.

Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan will speak to the Cabinet today about the introduction of Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs) (the brand name for tasers) in areas like Dublin South Central and North Central, Waterford and Kilkenny.

The Minister will argue that frontline gardaí currently have 'limited tactical options' when faced with in potentially violent situations.

CEDs were presented as a 'less-lethal' tool for gardaí to deal with high-risk incidents, helping to limit a need to rely on stronger forms of force.

Minister O’Callaghan is expected to say that Taser X26P, a brand previously used by An Garda Síochána will provide the weapon to 128 frontline gardaí who will be specially-trained on their use.

The six-month trial kicks off this month, with taser-equipped gardaí responding first to emergency calls.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said he’s considering tasers due to high pressure on gardaí, who face weekly reports of injuries, stating that between 2014 and 2024, an average of 299 gardaí were assaulted annually.

Body-worn cameras have been introduced in several areas, with Axon, Reveal, and Motorola supplying them in Dublin, Limerick, and Waterford.

They are expected to boost officer safety, cut complaints and costs, as well as improving policing and accountability.