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25/03/2005
PSNI to get new plastic baton round
The PSNI is to adopt a new plastic baton round following backing from the Northern Ireland Policing Board.
In a statement released on Friday the board said the decision to replace the baton round with an 'attenuated energy projectile' was subject to conditions which include consultations with the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and other bodies.
Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said the use of plastic baton rounds was of real importance to many people across Northern Ireland, “not least those who have in the past suffered loss or harm to their family members and friends, and the board acknowledges this.” The new plastic baton round presented "less risk of causing serious or fatal harm," he added.
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said that his party had opposed the decision saying there had been "inadequate medical assessments on the impact of this weapon on children".
However, Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly accused the SDLP “of once again acquiescing to the continuing use of plastic bullets by the PSNI”.
“The SDLP in public have consistently claimed to be opposed to the use of plastic bullets,” Mr Kelly said. “They told us that through membership of the Policing Board they would ensure the removal of plastic bullets.
“Yet on the Policing Board they have previously rubber stamped the purchase of thousands of these devices. Yesterday the Policing Board voted to introduce a new plastic bullet, the SDLP made noise but were ultimately powerless to prevent this and will without doubt go along with the decision of the Board.”
(MB/SP)
In a statement released on Friday the board said the decision to replace the baton round with an 'attenuated energy projectile' was subject to conditions which include consultations with the Children's Commissioner for Northern Ireland and other bodies.
Board Chairman Professor Sir Desmond Rea said the use of plastic baton rounds was of real importance to many people across Northern Ireland, “not least those who have in the past suffered loss or harm to their family members and friends, and the board acknowledges this.” The new plastic baton round presented "less risk of causing serious or fatal harm," he added.
SDLP board member Alex Attwood said that his party had opposed the decision saying there had been "inadequate medical assessments on the impact of this weapon on children".
However, Sinn Fein’s Gerry Kelly accused the SDLP “of once again acquiescing to the continuing use of plastic bullets by the PSNI”.
“The SDLP in public have consistently claimed to be opposed to the use of plastic bullets,” Mr Kelly said. “They told us that through membership of the Policing Board they would ensure the removal of plastic bullets.
“Yet on the Policing Board they have previously rubber stamped the purchase of thousands of these devices. Yesterday the Policing Board voted to introduce a new plastic bullet, the SDLP made noise but were ultimately powerless to prevent this and will without doubt go along with the decision of the Board.”
(MB/SP)
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Fourth report on baton round alternatives published
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18 August 2009
MLA Criticises Ardoyne 'Riot' Parents
An NI Policing Board member has responded to claims the PSNI shot baton rounds "indiscriminately" during riots in Ardoyne last month. The mother of one 13-year-old boy, who was struck by a plastic bullet, questioned the police's handling of the situation in yesterday's Irish News.
MLA Criticises Ardoyne 'Riot' Parents
An NI Policing Board member has responded to claims the PSNI shot baton rounds "indiscriminately" during riots in Ardoyne last month. The mother of one 13-year-old boy, who was struck by a plastic bullet, questioned the police's handling of the situation in yesterday's Irish News.
22 February 2012
New Board Members Appointed To NI Screen
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New Board Members Appointed To NI Screen
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22 April 2002
SDLP express concern over weekend of violence
The use of plastic baton rounds during rioting in north Belfast is to be raised with the Northern Ireland Security Minister and the Acting Chief Constable. The SDLP has expressed concern about plastic bullets which were fired as the security forces came under attack in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on Sunday April 21.
SDLP express concern over weekend of violence
The use of plastic baton rounds during rioting in north Belfast is to be raised with the Northern Ireland Security Minister and the Acting Chief Constable. The SDLP has expressed concern about plastic bullets which were fired as the security forces came under attack in the Ardoyne area of north Belfast on Sunday April 21.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
