The third phase of the Body Worn Camera pilot programme for Gardaí, recently launched in Waterford by the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee and the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, is the final stage to test the use of the cameras before a national rollout next year.
Following the first trial in Dublin in early June and the second in Limerick in early August, the Justice Minister McEntee said that the impact of body worn cameras (BWCs) on policing operations had already been seen in both cities.
“Gardaí equipped with the cameras have been able to capture footage of searches of dwellings which uncovered drugs and assist in the de-escalation of tensions during protests and incidents of disruption,” she noted.
The small lightweight cameras will be visibly worn by Gardaí in the pilot locations. BWCs will be provided by three different manufacturers, with a different model to be deployed in each trial location. When complete, the three-phased pilot will inform their rollout in Garda Stations nationwide.
Minister McEntee added: “Introducing Garda Body Worn Cameras will ensure the safety of both Garda members and of members of the public. Attacks on our Gardaí, or attempts to intimidate them, are completely unacceptable. We have already provided €6m for Garda wellbeing initiatives and additional medical costs and Body Worn Cameras will be key to ensuring Gardaí are protected as they carry out their duties.”
