The use of body worn cameras by Gardaí begins today in parts of Dublin.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has welcomed the rollout of the first phase of the system.

The move was recommended in the Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland report and was signed into law last December.

An Garda Síochána says it is undertaking "three phased introductions" involving the use of a range of body cameras by frontline Gardaí in specific locations in Dublin, Limerick and Waterford.

Garda officers wearing Body Worn Cameras. Image: An Garda Síochána

These will test the technical aspects of the cameras, how they will be used operationally as well as the governance of their use.

Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) Executive Director Liam Herrick told Newstalk Breakfast the jury is still out on the issue.

"The argument is that it would reduce attacks on Guards and improve Garda behaviour towards the public," he said.

"We probably alone have been a bit skeptical... we've looked at the evidence in the United States and we think the jury is out as to whether those benefits will actually be delivered.

"If they did what they promised to do I think everybody would be in favour of them.

"If they don't deliver those results, then they don't justify the cost and the risk to privacy and other rights."

Body Worn Cameras. Image: An Garda Síochána

Mr Herrick said the wording from the Government has changed.

"There was originally a commitment to a pilot project," he said.

"A pilot project in our understanding would mean you test it in the field: if it works you go with it, if it doesn't work you don't go ahead.

"The language has shifted a bit to a 'proof of concept' [approach] - our concern is that it's now assumed that we're going to roll this out, regardless of what the results are.

"It's not clear what are the metrics for measuring success so I think that's the real question," he added.

Mr Herrick said that any approach should be "evidence-led".

The technology will allow Gardaí to record footage while on duty, which will then be uploaded when the body cam is docked at a Garda station.

The footage can be used as evidence in court against a suspect or is deleted after an agreed period of time.

Main image: Garda officers wearing Body Worn Cameras. Image: An Garda Síochána