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Ireland To Trial Tasers With 128 Frontline Gardaí

The six-month pilot will be evaluated with body‑camera footage to measure safety plus community impact.

Overview

  • Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is bringing the plan to Cabinet today, with reporting indicating the rollout could begin this week if approved.
  • The pilot covers 128 uniformed officers for six months across the Dublin city centre, Waterford and Kilkenny divisions.
  • It would be the first time tasers move beyond specialist units such as the Emergency Response and Armed Support Units to selected frontline responders.
  • Assessments will review body‑worn camera footage to see if producing a taser helps de‑escalate incidents, alongside ethical, human‑rights and community impact reviews.
  • Officials say the proposal does not involve arming uniformed gardaí with firearms, while the Tánaiste signalled support for limited use and the ICCL voiced strong concerns.