DUBLIN: Over 100 frontline Gardaí are set to be armed with Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs), commonly known as Tasers, as part of a new six-month pilot project beginning this month. The Justice Minister is due to inform the Cabinet today that this move is aimed at giving frontline officers “less-lethal” tactical options to manage “high-risk” and potentially violent encounters.
The pilot will involve 128 specially-trained Gardaí who will be the first responders to emergency calls. The specific model chosen is the Taser X26P, which the force has used previously.
The introduction of Tasers is being rolled out in areas where body-worn cameras are already in use, ensuring accountability and recording of incidents. These areas include:
- Dublin South Central
- Dublin North Central
- Waterford
- Kilkenny
Minister O’Callaghan will argue that currently, frontline Gardaí have limited options, primarily verbal de-escalation or requesting armed assistance. The goal of introducing CEDs is to reduce the need for more forceful interventions.
The decision follows concerns raised by Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly earlier this year about the significant pressure on Gardaí, noting weekly reports of injuries. From 2014 to 2024, an average of 299 Gardaí were assaulted each year.
The use of Tasers will coincide with the existing deployment of body cams (supplied by Axon, Reveal, and Motorola) which are expected to improve officer safety, reduce misconduct complaints, save time in court, and increase both professionalism and accountability within An Garda Síochána.
