Gardai in Dublin to test body-worn cameras for trial period

The Minister for Justice has said that a tender to procure body-worn cameras for gardai represents “another important step forward in our fight against crime”.

The trial in Dublin is seen as a step closer to the proposed full implementation of body-worn cameras for all gardai across the country.

It follows the signing into law of the Garda Siochana (Recording Devices) Act 2023 in December.

Critics have warned that the introduction of the technology without proper safeguards could significantly infringe on the fundamental rights of citizens.

An Garda Siochana said the new technology would take the form of small, lightweight cameras visible on the clothing of members.

It said the technology will be in compliance with GDPR legislation and captured data will be stored in accordance with relevant directives.

Footage will be saved on the device’s own encrypted internal storage system before being uploaded at a garda station at the end of the member’s shift.

It is envisaged that the footage could be used to support investigations and prosecutions.

Gardai said footage will be deleted after an agreed time period if it is not being used as evidence.

An Garda Siochana believes that the cameras will improve safety for members, enhance accountability and result in fewer complaints of misconduct and challenges to arrests.

Additionally, gardai say it will save time and lower costs in investigations and court appearances.

According to a tender document, gardai will also trial the technology in Limerick and Waterford at a later date.

It is estimated that the value of the entire “proof of concept” trial for the technology and associated services will be 2.1 million euro.

Gardai expect to initiate a separate procurement process for the supply of body-worn cameras for all members based on the findings of the trial.

The Irish Council of Civil Liberties (ICCL) has cautiously welcomed the proposed trial of the technology but believes a later national rollout should not be a predetermined outcome.

The council said there was a need to be careful in ensuring adequate safeguards are put in place to protect people’s fundamental rights.

It wants the cameras to only be used in specific circumstances rather than blanket surveillance.

ICCL executive director Liam Herrick told the PA news agency: “Body-worn cameras are a new form of surveillance technology to be introduced in Ireland and they have a direct impact on people’s right to privacy and other civil liberties like freedom of assembly.

“The pilot project needs to be rigorous and must assess whether the use of body-worn cameras is necessary and proportionate, and whether they deliver on their promised benefits. The results of the pilot should be reviewed and published when it is complete.

“National rollout of body-worn cameras should not be the predetermined outcome of this process.”

Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the tender represents “another important step forward in our fight against crime”.

“Body cameras will be an important tool in An Garda Siochana’s armour as they fight crime, and the Recording Devices Bill, which I brought through the Houses last year, laid the groundwork for this announcement.

“Procuring cameras for these pilots now means that before the summer there will be cameras on gardai in Limerick and Waterford, as well as two areas of Dublin City, ahead of a nationwide rollout.

“These trials will give gardai a chance to understand fully what the cameras can offer, and also allow the public to provide feedback, before we roll them out across the full organisation.

“The cameras will be small, lightweight and visible and, based on the experiences of other police services internationally, they will enhance accountability, reduce challenges around arrests and reduce complaints of Garda misconduct.

“We also expect they will save time in court preparation and appearances, lower costs for investigations and court appearances and improve An Garda Siochana’s ability to collect evidence for trial. All footage recorded by the cameras will be deleted after an agreed time period if not required as evidence.”