Written question asked by Lord Laird (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Thursday, 2 March 2006.

Police Service of Northern Ireland: Attenuating Energy Projectiles

Question: Whether there is any evidence to suggest that weapons used to fire attenuating energy projectiles by the Police Service of Northern Ireland reduce in accuracy according to the age of the round or the condition under which the round is stored; and

Answer: I am advised that the attenuating energy projectile (AEP) was subject to rigorous testing by the Defence Ordnance Safety Group (DOSG), prior to acceptance, to ensure it maintained accuracy and consistency in all conditions in which it would be stored or used.As a result of this testing, DOSG provides an operational storage life for the round to which PSNI adheres, thus ensuring that all operational rounds are fit for purpose, particularly in regard to accuracy and consistency.I am also advised that all PSNI firearms are stored in approved armouries and in compliance with health & safety legislation when not in operational use. This would include the H&K L104 AEP Launcher.The details of operational storage and carriage are contained in the UK wide ACPO Guidance on Police Use of Attenuating Energy Projectiles. A copy of this document has been placed in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3951; 679 c95-6WA
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Firearms Police Service of Northern Ireland Standards Baton rounds
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk