What is an ERU officer?

Emergency Response Unit (ERU) The Garda ERU provides the highest tier of firearms response to Irish law enforcement, specialising in weapons tactics, counter-terrorism, execution of high-risk missions, crisis negotitation, hostage rescue and close protection, among other roles.

What guns do the armed Garda use?

While the ERU armoury includes dozens of firearms, the standard issue pistol is the self-loading 9mm SIG Sauer P226, which officers carry on and off duty. Tactical teams carry rifles, depending on the operation, the most common being the Heckler & Koch HK416 assault rifle and Heckler & Koch MP7 personal defense weapon.

Do Garda carry guns?

Equipment. Most uniformed members of the Garda Síochána do not routinely carry firearms. Individual Gardaí have been issued ASP extendable batons and pepper spray as their standard issue weapons while handcuffs are provided as restraints.

How many armed response units are in Ireland?

Based in all six Garda regions in the country, Garda ASU officers carry a combination of lethal firearms and non-lethal weapons, as opposed to regular uniformed Gardaí who are unarmed….Garda Armed Support Unit.

Is there a Garda Emergency Response Unit ( ERU )?

The Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is the national armed tactical intervention unit of the Gardaí, and a former subsection of the Special Detective Unit. The ERU’s manpower is approximately 100 full-time officers, who are trained and equipped for a range of situations which other Garda units may be unable to deal with.

Do you have to be a Garda to join the ERU?

Aspiring ERU officers must have at least 4 years experience as a uniformed Garda with an unblemished disciplinary record before attempting to join the unit. The unit is admittedly male dominated, but there are understood to be a number of woman who have worked and work in the ERU.

What kind of gun does the Garda ERU use?

The Garda ERU is a member of the ATLAS Network, who share best practice and establish protocol concerning tactics, weapons and equipment. While the ERU armoury includes dozens of firearms, the standard issue pistol is the self-loading 9mm SIG Sauer P226, which officers carry on and off duty.

Are there any female officers in the ERU?

The unit is admittedly male dominated, but there are understood to be a number of woman who have worked and work in the ERU. ERU officers are required to qualify three times per year in all firearms being used by the unit, complete regular fitness tests and psychological examinations.