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The Garda Public Order Unit – commonly known as the Garda Riot Squad – is a unit of the Garda Síochána, Ireland's police force, that deals with public disorder, including riots and protests.
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Staffing and deployment
Uniformed members with Public Order training are assigned to a duty rota. While typically the unit is only called up for riot situations or pre-planned for football matches or similar events, in some cases the Public Order unit has been deployed on more frequent or recurring basis. Each weekend, two full serials patrol the Dublin city center and provide support to patrol officers (one operating from Pearse Street Garda station and one from Store Street Garda Station) from 7pm to 5am.
Tactics
The unit is trained to use riot control tactics to control, disperse, and arrest civilians that are involved in a riot, demonstration, or protest. This may involve the use of force and intimidation to subdue those involved.
Equipment
As with ordinary uniformed members of the Garda Síochána, the Public Order Unit do not routinely carry firearms, relying instead on conventional, non-lethal weapons such as batons. Members of the unit typically wear body armour, riot helmets, and carry riot shields. In 2016 it was reported that riot gear orders had included contracts for 26-inch batons, riot gloves and boots, and protective flame-retardant clothing. If a situation escalates whereby an armed response is required, the Garda Regional Support Unit (RSU) or Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) will be called in to assist.