Recruits to the new police force in the North are not to be trained to use plastic bullets, it has been revealed. It has been revealed that the recruits will not be trained to use plastic bullets for several years, by which time it is hoped that an acceptable alternative will have been found to the controversial method of riot-control.
The proposal is reportedly part of a package being drawn up by the two governments to break the impasse in the peace process. An RUC spokesman has confirmed that recruits expected to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland this autumn will receive firearms training. However, they will not be trained in the use of baton rounds.
Sinn Féin has said that it wanted the police force to use a different method of crowd control in riot situations. The deputy leader of the anti-Agreement DUP has reacted against reports of the proposals. Peter Robinson has insisted that, given the current atmosphere in the North, it is essential that officers be trained to use plastic bullets.
