Frontline Gardaí are to get new body worn cameras, which will be used initially on an operational pilot basis in mid-2024, before the full national roll-out is due to start in 2025.
The Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, has said that the passage of the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022, which will allow for the use of these bodycams, is one of her priorities in the upcoming autumn Dáil session. The Minister hopes to enact the legislation as soon as possible to allow Garda Commissioner Drew Harris to pilot the use of body-worn cameras mid-next year, prior to their widespread roll-out in 2025.
“This modern technology is a key tool for frontline Gardaí and represents a practical expression of our commitment to build stronger, safer communities. It is essential to deliver on the Government’s aim to ensure An Garda Síochána is a leading edge, modern police service fit for the digital age.
“Policing organisations around the world have found that body worn cameras can help improve frontline capability with the accurate recording of incidents, such as domestic abuse. They will also speed up analysis, enhance situational awareness, and protect our Gardaí from harm.
“Our Gardaí must have the same tools as their colleagues in police services across Europe and around the world. While deployment of these devices, including related timelines, will be an operational matter for the Garda Commissioner once the legislation has been enacted, I will support them being brought into operation at the earliest opportunity.”
At a press briefing to announce the introduction of the new technology, Chief Supt Derek Smart said: “In recent years, An Garda Síochána has advanced our technology, from the roll-out of Active Mobility Devices, which have provided Gardaí with PULSE information at their fingertips, to GardaSAFE, which has transformed how we support the public, to the new Operational Uniform.
“An Garda Síochána is listening and adapting. Body Worn Cameras have the potential to transform policing. They provide a safeguard, not just to Gardaí, but to the public and to the people we interact with on a daily basis.”
Chief Supt Smart said that this is the first step in the public procurement process for what he noted as “one of the largest investments in technology in An Garda Síochána, an investment in the future of policing in Ireland”.
Andrew O Sullivan, Chief Information Officer for An Garda Síochána, commented: “A modern police service must have electronic tools to be effective in keeping people safe in today’s society. Policing itself must continue to digitalise to keep people safe in a digital age.
“One of our core principals is that every decision that could impact on a person is made by accountable, identifiable Garda personnel. There is no question of autonomous machine decision making, ever. Today’s RFI represents another major milestone in the delivery of the Garda data and technology vision, and for public safety in Ireland.”
