Conference to discuss alternatives to baton rounds

A major International Law Enforcement conference has discussed the progress towards finding an alternative to the baton round.

Representatives from police services and other law enforcement agencies across the world attended today's conference in London which had Article 2 of the UN Basic Principles on the use of Force and Firearms as its theme. This requires Governments and law enforcement agencies to develop a broad range of equipment.

Speakers included Police Ombudsman, Nuala O'Loan, Vice-chairman of the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Denis Bradley and Security Minister, Jane Kennedy.

Ms Kennedy said: "The Northern Ireland Office has been at the forefront of worldwide research into finding an acceptable alternative to the baton round, and that work continues.

"It is our judgement that there is still no commercially available product that is an acceptable, more safe and effective alternative to the current baton round although we will continue to monitor all developments. Against this background, two alternatives to the current baton round are currently being developed which the Government believes has the potential to fulfil this criteria.

"As part of the ongoing research programme, we are consulting as widely as possible and today's conference has been a major success in bringing together both Government and interested bodies for a full exchange of views on the progress to date in the development of alternatives to less lethal weapons and the management of conflict."

Last week the Northern Ireland Office published its fourth report detailing the ongoing research to find an acceptable alternative in line with Patten to the baton round and gave a commitment to consult widely on the issue.

Today's conference is part on of the ongoing consultation process, the Minister added.

(MB)