Taser guns and body-worn cameras needed to reduce assaults on gardaí

More than 2,000 gardaí have been injured on duty since the beginning of 2011, figures show.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has responded by urging that every garda should be issued with a Taser stun gun and a body-worn camera as part of efforts to reduce the number of assaults on officers.

The Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) said Garda numbers should be increased from the current 12,800 to 17,000.

The figures show 2,113 gardaí were injured between January 1st, 2011 and July this year. Figures from the Garda press office show 376 officers have been injured so far this year. Three Garda Reserve members have also suffered injuries.

The GRA claimed the figures were “completely under reported”. A spokesman said an assault on a garda was only recorded as such if the officer was off sick for three days following the incident. He said many just returned to work and estimated “1,000 assaults a year is a more accurate figure”.

Calling for the introduction of a Taser stun gun for each garda, he said there had been a steady increase in assaults on gardaí from 2007 onwards. He said in 2006 the antistab vest was introduced, followed in 2007 by a move from a wooden truncheon to an asp or retractable metal baton. In 2008, gardaí were issued with incapacitant or pepper spray.

Less blunt

The GRA said the Taser, which provides an electric shock, was more effective and “less blunt” than an asp baton.

Calling for the introduction of a digital camera to be worn on an officer’s stab vest, the GRA spokesman said their use in other jurisdictions led to a reduced number of assaults, more convictions and stiffer sentences.

Juries were more likely to convict when they saw video evidence, he said.

He also called for specific legislation for assault on gardaí and emergency services personnel.