Dublin – Garda officers in Ireland are set to embrace modern technology in their line of duty, as the use of body cameras becomes a standard practice by 2025, with an experimental rollout slated for 2024.
The lightweight body-worn cameras, visible to onlookers, will record footage directly onto their internal memory. After duty, this footage will be securely transferred to a central server at the police station. This data will serve as a valuable resource for investigations, offering an additional layer of transparency and accountability.
Importantly, any footage not needed as evidence will be subject to routine deletion after a defined period, preserving individuals’ privacy rights.
Gardaí have emphasized their commitment to responsible camera use, pledging to draft comprehensive guidelines in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, ensuring that these cameras are deployed ethically and effectively in public spaces.
Ireland’s current legal framework prohibits the use of face recognition technology in footage captured by these cameras. However, the government has announced plans to amend the law, potentially opening doors to enhanced investigative capabilities.
Andrew O’Sullivan, Garda Chief Information Officer, underscored the importance of modern digital systems in ensuring public safety and maintaining accurate documentation in an ever-evolving world. These body cameras mark a significant step towards a more transparent and accountable policing system in Ireland.