Gardaí to get longer batons for better protection

GARDAÍ are to get up to 15,000 extendable batons to protect members in violent situations.

The batons will be able to expand to 28-30 inches and will replace the wooden 18-inch batons currently used by the force.

Gardaí are also looking to buy 2,000 GSM mobile phones to extend provision of mobiles to senior and middle-ranking officers.