First deployment of devices to regular patrol officers in Dublin and Waterford
An Garda Síochána is launching a historic trial scheme today that will see 128 selected uniformed officers in Dublin and Waterford equipped with Tasers for the first time.
The six-month pilot program marks the first time officers on regular patrol have been given the electronic control devices. Until now, Tasers have been limited to Armed Support Units and Emergency Response Units.
The 128 selected officers have all completed three days of specialist training, with authorities emphasizing strict guidelines for use that respect human rights and adhere to legal standards. The devices will be deployed at Store Street, Pearse Street and Kevin Street stations in Dublin, and at Waterford City Garda Station.
The move comes amid a rise in attacks on Garda officers, with figures indicating that 470 officers were assaulted in 2023 alone. Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary described Tasers as “a non-lethal means of defense that should only be used as a last resort.”
Every instance of Taser use will be recorded on officers’ body-worn cameras, with mandatory immediate reporting to the Police Ombudsman (Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission). The oversight measures are designed to ensure accountability and prevent misuse of the devices.
While Garda representative organizations welcomed the decision as an important officer safety measure, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties expressed concerns that such weapons could affect the relationship between police and the public.
The trial will be closely monitored to assess the impact on officer safety, public interactions and the effectiveness of the devices in de-escalating potentially violent situations. Based on the results, the government will decide whether to expand Taser deployment to additional Garda stations across the country.
The introduction of Tasers to regular patrol officers brings Ireland more in line with policing practices in other jurisdictions, though the country has traditionally maintained an unarmed police force except for specialized units. The balance between officer protection and community policing remains a sensitive issue in Irish society.