The Report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland (Patten) recommended that research be undertaken into the development of less lethal alternatives to the use of firearms. In response, the Northern Ireland Office established a Steering Group to examine alternative policing approaches to conflict management, including less lethal technologies. The Steering Group looked at a number of less lethal technologies, which can be viewed by following the links below. The group also published 5 reports the latest which can be found by clicking here.The Policing Board continues to be involved in the work of the Steering Group.
The Policing Board also monitors the use of less lethal technologies and the findings are included in the Human Rights Annual Report.
