The Garda Commissioner is being urged to arm some members of the force with tasers.
Image via Twitter (@gardainfo)The 285 assaults on gardaí last year has prompted the call, at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors conference in Galway today.
They propose introducing the so-called “less lethal devices” on a graduated basis, beginning with frontline gardaí, like Roads Policing Units.
Edward Monaghan from the Dublin Metropolitan Region says while body-worn cameras would also be welcome, tasers are needed.
'It's most certainly necessary, I work in front line policing myself and society is definitely becoming more violent I mean you see an instance in Ballyfermot yesterday where a gang effectively took over the streets and that's extremely intimidating not just for the public but also for members of AN Garda Siochana who are surrounded by people with no good intent.'
