Gardaí will spend €2.1 million on a 12-month trial for Body Worn Cameras.
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.
An Garda Síochána Chief Information Officer Andrew O’Sullivan said the technology means the force will have access to “most modern electronic tools” in their efforts to combat crime.
Tender process
Companies have been invited to bid for the tender and Gardaí hope to conduct a Proof of Concept trial during the bidding process.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent Derek Smart said officers still have a lot to learn about how the technology is used.
“This Proof of Concept period provides an opportunity for An Garda Síochána to understand the capacity and capabilities of Body Worn Cameras,” he said.
“[It also allows] the public to provide their feedback to An Garda Síochána prior to the organisation-wide roll out of Body Worn Cameras.”
It means that body cams will be worn by Gardaí on a trial basis in four areas.
- DMR South Central, Pearse Street Garda Station, Kevin Street Garda Station
- DMR North Central, Store Street Garda Station
- Waterford Division, Waterford Garda Station
- Limerick Garda Division, Henry Street Garda Station.
The deadline for tender applications is February 26th at 3pm.
Garda officer wearing a Body Worn Camera. Image: An Garda SíochánaIn the wake of November’s Dublin riots, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the technology would be used to "help bring criminals to justice.”
The Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Act 2023 was signed into law by President Higgins in December last year.
Main image: Garda officers wearing Body Worn Cameras. Image: An Garda Síochána
