Menu
19/07/2002
PSNI to purchase six water cannon
Security Minister Jane Kennedy has announced that the Police Service of Northern Ireland is to order six water cannon.
In response to a Parliamentary Question on Thursday July 18, the Security Minister said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland, following discussions with the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will shortly place an order for six new vehicle-mounted water cannon. It is hoped that the water cannon will be delivered before the summer of 2003."
A proposal to purchase the water cannon was made by the Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn and has been endorsed by both the Policing Board and the Minister.
The decision to proceed with the purchase of the water cannon follows an independent medical adviser's interim statement on the medical implications of their use in a public order role.
The Minister welcomed the interim statement as a "very positive first step" that she said "cleared the way for the PSNI to procure water cannon in the knowledge that world-wide research shows an extremely low incidence of potentially life-threatening injuries".
However, Ms Kennedy said that while the water cannon would not replace plastic bullets they should help to "defuse violence and defer the point at which usage of baton rounds would be considered".
Welcoming the announcement, Chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, said: “The Policing Board fully supported the proposal by the Acting Chief Constable to purchase the water cannon and I am pleased that approval has now been given to proceed.
“We recently saw the successful deployment of water cannon to deal with public order situations in Belfast and Drumcree. Whilst we understand water cannon is not effective in all situations, we believe it is a positive first step.”
He added that the government was in the process of completing extensive research into public order equipment and the Policing Board had asked for this to be completed as soon as possible.
(SP)
In response to a Parliamentary Question on Thursday July 18, the Security Minister said: "The Police Service of Northern Ireland, following discussions with the Northern Ireland Policing Board and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), will shortly place an order for six new vehicle-mounted water cannon. It is hoped that the water cannon will be delivered before the summer of 2003."
A proposal to purchase the water cannon was made by the Acting Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn and has been endorsed by both the Policing Board and the Minister.
The decision to proceed with the purchase of the water cannon follows an independent medical adviser's interim statement on the medical implications of their use in a public order role.
The Minister welcomed the interim statement as a "very positive first step" that she said "cleared the way for the PSNI to procure water cannon in the knowledge that world-wide research shows an extremely low incidence of potentially life-threatening injuries".
However, Ms Kennedy said that while the water cannon would not replace plastic bullets they should help to "defuse violence and defer the point at which usage of baton rounds would be considered".
Welcoming the announcement, Chairman of the Policing Board, Professor Desmond Rea, said: “The Policing Board fully supported the proposal by the Acting Chief Constable to purchase the water cannon and I am pleased that approval has now been given to proceed.
“We recently saw the successful deployment of water cannon to deal with public order situations in Belfast and Drumcree. Whilst we understand water cannon is not effective in all situations, we believe it is a positive first step.”
He added that the government was in the process of completing extensive research into public order equipment and the Policing Board had asked for this to be completed as soon as possible.
(SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
16 March 2004
PSNI now have most up to date equipment
The PSNI have now the most up to date equipment to deal with public disorder, Security Minister Jane Kennedy has said. Ms Kennedy's comments follow the publication of the medical statement and ACPO guidance which allows the PSNI to make operational use of their new water cannons.
PSNI now have most up to date equipment
The PSNI have now the most up to date equipment to deal with public disorder, Security Minister Jane Kennedy has said. Ms Kennedy's comments follow the publication of the medical statement and ACPO guidance which allows the PSNI to make operational use of their new water cannons.
22 January 2015
Oldest Building In L'Derry Unearthed
A building pre-dating L'Derry has been found by archaeologists digging in the walled city. The building, only a small part of which has survived, is believed to have been burnt down during the O’Doherty rising of 1608. It had stone foundations and a cellar above which the upper floors were constructed of timber.
Oldest Building In L'Derry Unearthed
A building pre-dating L'Derry has been found by archaeologists digging in the walled city. The building, only a small part of which has survived, is believed to have been burnt down during the O’Doherty rising of 1608. It had stone foundations and a cellar above which the upper floors were constructed of timber.
03 October 2023
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
Report Highlights Quality Of NI Drinking Water
Northern Ireland's drinking water remains at a 'high standard', according to the new Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) report for 2022.
23 September 2022
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
NI Drinking Water Quality 'Remains High'
The quality of drinking water across NI remains highs, according to the latest report from the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
12 August 2022
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.
People Urged To Be Aware Of Water Usage Amid Heatwave
NI Water has urged people to be aware of their water usage as NI prepares to experience a 'meteorological heatwave, with temperatures expected to be in excess of 27°C over the weekend.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
