Elite armed gardaí are beginning work today as part of a new regional strategy to tackle shootings and hostage situations.
The 24-member squad, which will have its own uniforms and vehicles, will provide instant back-up to frontline gardaí.
It is the first of five Regional Support Units (RSU) which were pledged in the Garda’s 2008 Policing Plan.
The southern unit covering Cork City, Cork North, Cork West, Kerry and Limerick will initially operate as a pilot and be reviewed on a continuing basis.
“Regional Support Units will provide tactical and firearms support for our frontline officers responding to critical incidents and will enhance the overall level and extent of service that we provide to the communities we have sworn to serve, through a multi-purpose, skilled and well equipped group of personnel,” said Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy
RSU officers have undergone 13-week training period which included instruction in resolution/negotiation techniques, tactical driving, first aid and the use of firearms and less lethal weapons.
RSU officers will patrol as regular uniform Gardaí but when a potentially violent situation occurs they will change into tactical gear and will have access to firearms and less lethal weapons, similar to the Emergency Response Unit (ERU).
Each RSU will comprise 24 hand-picked officers, including supervisors. However, strengths can be increased if deemed necessary.
A basic RSU patrol will consist of two or three officers in a specially adapted marked patrol car.
The general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Joe Dirwan gave a cautious welcome to the new units. "We do need that type of response and we do need our detectives trained up to that level," he said.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Irelandtoday, he said the association had called for armed response units to be immediately available around the clock. However, he warned the crossover between the units and unarmed gardaí could create other targets for criminals.
Additional reporting: PA