The Minister for Justice, Heather Humphreys TD, has today published the General Scheme of the Garda Síochána (Digital Recording) Bill, following approval by Government earlier this week.
The Bill will provide a legal basis for the deployment and use of body-worn cameras (or ‘body cams’) by members of An Garda Síochána; and the extension of the circumstances in which Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) devices may be used by An Garda Síochána.
Welcoming the publication, Minister Humphreys said, “Justice Plan 2021 committed to the publication of the general scheme of this important legislation in early 2021. The legislation is intended to provide a robust statutory framework for the use of recording devices in public places by An Garda Síochána in the course of their policing duties. The Scheme will provide powers for Gardaí to use a variety of recording devices, subject to appropriate standards, control and oversight.”
The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland recommended legislation to provide for the use of body-worn cameras by Gardaí, in order to support their front-line duties in criminal investigations and the maintenance of public safety. Body-worn cameras are an effective policing and evidentiary tool, allowing Gardaí to record incidents in real time as they occur. They provide accurate depictions of events, which can influence the behaviours of both members of the public and also of members of An Garda Síochána.