The roll out of Body Worn cameras has helped to ‘de-escalate situations pretty quickly’, the Garda Representative Association has said. 

A 12-month trial for Body Worn cameras began at three Dublin Garda stations at the end of May and from today they will also be given to Gardaí in Limerick. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, GRA Treasurer Frank Thornton described the use of the technology as a “welcome development” and a “positive for us”. 

“As an association, we’ve long sought for the introduction of Body Worn cameras,” he said. 

“We believe the benefits of such equipment are strong and wide ranging.” 

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

After the Dublin riots, Justice Minister Helen McEntee said Body Worn cameras would "help bring criminals to justice” and Mr Thornton agreed they will assist in prosecutions. 

“We need to adapt and change,” he said. 

“The Body Worn cameras will be there to provide for stronger evidence of court proceedings, they’ll greatly aid investigations and… they’ll also increase transparency and accountability too.” 

Helen McEntee and Simon Harris inspecting footage taken of them using bodycams. Image: An Garda Síochána

According to Mr Thornton, the cameras are also serving as a deterrence as well. 

“So far, the feedback we have from our colleagues in the Dublin Metropolitan Region is it’s been very positive for members in dealing with an array of incidents while operating the Body Worn cameras,” he said. 

“Once the Body Worn cameras are turned on, some public order incidents have shown to de-escalate pretty quickly.” 

Before the rollout, concerns were raised by the Irish Council of Civil Liberties about how the use of Body Worn cameras would impact people’s privacy; however, Mr Thornton said the response from the public has been generally positive. 

“Our feedback so far from members and public alike is 80% to 20% positive towards the introduction of Body Worn cameras,” he said. 

“We can work with the legislation that’s there and, as I said, any issue that comes to light can be amended and changed going forward once it’s fed into the system.”

The cameras are due to be rolled out in Waterford next and Mr Thornton said he expects they will be given to all other frontline Gardaí “as soon as possible really”.

Main image: Garda with newly installed body cams. Image: An Garda Síochána