Gardaí to get US-style metal batons

Gardaí are currently being trained to use 21 inch metal batons which should be available to officers on the streets during the busy Christmas and New Year period.

The equipment, which replaces the old style wooden truncheon, is now standard issue for modern police forces across the world.

Members of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) and the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) are taking part in one-day training courses in the US-made ASP baton.

GRA president John Egan said: “Officers are being trained in all aspects of using the baton by the manufacturers. They must reach a required standard of competency or else they will go back for further training.

“It is lightweight enough to carry and offers increased personal protection for officers in potentially dangerous situations.”

The ASP baton measures 7.5 inches in its closed state but can extend telescopically to around 21 inches with the flick of a wrist.

Its neat design ensures it doesn’t get in the way during a foot pursuit or when getting in and out of a patrol car.

A weighted metal ball is attached to the end of the striking end of the baton.

In riot situations, the baton can deliver a sharp blow to the leg or arm of a rioter to momentarily incapacitate him while the officer makes an arrest.

The new equipment will complement the anti-stab vests issued to all officers on the beat earlier this year.

Last month the AGSI requested that Garda management provide training in the use of the batons.

The current AGSI newsletter sent to members says: “Garda management has replied to correspondence on this issue to say that the manufacturers of the baton had no difficulty with a one-day training course in its use.

“Management stated that the course includes verbalisation. Feedback from the evaluation forms is generally positive.

“If members do not reach the required standard, they will be reverted for further development at a later stage.”

The GRA is also calling for pepper spray to be supplied to its members but the Garda Commissioner has not yet decided to introduce defensive sprays to the force.

This year’s GRA conference heard calls for the introduction of the ASP baton as well as bullet-proof vests.